Abstract: An exemplary thin film appliqué includes a polymer film having first and second sides. A pattern layer has first and second sides, and the first side of the polymer film and the first side of the pattern layer are positioned adjacent each other. A pressure-sensitive adhesive underlies one of the second side of the pattern layer and the second side of the polymer film. A clearcoat covers one of the second side of the polymer film and the second side of the pattern layer that is not overlying the pressure-sensitive adhesive, and thickness of the clearcoat is equalized toward a combined thickness of the polymer film, the pattern layer, and the pressure-sensitive adhesive. The polymer film, the pattern layer, and the pressure-sensitive adhesive exhibit chemical affinity for each other.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying graphic images to a surface are disclosed. In an embodiment, a system includes an applicator to direct a droplet pattern of a pigmented ink towards the surface, an motivating device coupled to the applicator to move the applicator in at least one transverse direction relative to the surface and also in a direction perpendicular to the surface, and a controller coupled to the motivating device that is configured to receive data corresponding to the graphics image and to control at least the motion of the motivating device to apply the graphic image to the surface. In another aspect, a method includes receiving an image file from an image source and generating a surface model that describes geometrical contours of the surface. An applicator is then controlled according to the surface model, and the graphic image is applied that corresponds to the image file.