Method of modifying a surface

Abstract

This invention provides a surface modifying laminate. The laminate includes an indicia containing layer disposed against the lower surface of a carrier film. The laminate may optionally include a bonding coat or layer for attaching the laminate to a surface, at least one removable protective layer, and a release coating for facilitating the transfer of the laminate on a surface.

1 . A surface modifying laminate comprising: 
 (a) a carrier film having an upper surface and a lower surface, the film at least partially covering a surface to be modified;    (b) an indicia-containing layer disposed on at least a portion of the lower surface of the carrier film; and    (c) a cured top coat disposed on at least a portion of the upper surface of the carrier film, 
 wherein the carrier film is a transparent film, such that the indicia-containing layer is visible through the carrier film, and wherein the carrier film is less than 0.008″ (8 mil) thick.  
   
     
     
         2 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 1 , wherein the indicia-containing layer is a substantially continuous layer covering substantially the entire carrier film.  
     
     
         3 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 1 , further comprising a bonding layer disposed between the surface to be modified and the indicia-containing layer.  
     
     
         4 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 1 , wherein the laminate further comprises at least one removable protective layer, wherein the protective layer may be disposed below the indicia containing layer or above the upper surface of the carrier film.  
     
     
         5 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 1 , wherein the indicia-containing layer is printed onto the lower surface of the carrier film.  
     
     
         6 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 1 , wherein the carrier film is perforated.  
     
     
         7 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 1 , wherein the carrier film comprises a film selected from the group consisting of polypropylene films, polyacetal films, polyamide films, polyanhydride films, polyester films, polyolefin films, polystyrene films, polyvinylchloride films, polyvinylidene chloride films, polyurethane films, and polyurea films.  
     
     
         8 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 1 , wherein the carrier film is less than 0.006″ (6 mil) thick.  
     
     
         9 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 1 , wherein the carrier film is less than 0.002″ (2 mil) thick.  
     
     
         10 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 1 , wherein the laminate is less than 0.008″ (8 mil) thick.  
     
     
         11 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 1 , wherein the top coat is not an alkali-soluble top coat.  
     
     
         12 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 1 , wherein the top coat is a crosslinked top coat.  
     
     
         13 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 1 , wherein the top coat is a permanent top coat.  
     
     
         14 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 1 , wherein the top coat is selected from the group consisting of acrylic coatings, polyurethane coatings, vinyl coatings and epoxy coatings.  
     
     
         15 . A surface modifying laminate comprising: 
 (a) a perforated carrier film having an upper surface and a lower surface, the film at least partially covering a surface to be modified; and    (b) an indicia-containing layer disposed on at least a portion of the lower surface of the carrier film, 
 wherein the carrier film is a transparent film, such that the indicia-containing layer is visible through the carrier film, and  
 wherein the carrier film is less than 0.008″ (8 mil) thick.  
   
     
     
         16 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 15 , wherein the indicia-containing layer is printed onto the lower surface of the carrier film.  
     
     
         17 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 15 , wherein the indicia-containing layer is a substantially continuous layer covering substantially the entire carrier film.  
     
     
         18 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 15 , wherein the carrier film comprises an average of at least 1 perforation per square foot.  
     
     
         19 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 15 , wherein the carrier film comprises an average of no more than about 200 perforations per square foot.  
     
     
         20 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 15 , wherein the carrier film comprise a film selected from the group consisting of polypropylene films, polyacetal films, polyamide films, polyanhydride films, polyester films, polyolefin films, polystyrene films, polyvinylchloride films, polyvinylidene chloride films, polyurethane films, and polyurea films.  
     
     
         21 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 15 , wherein the carrier film is less than 0.006″ (6 mil) thick.  
     
     
         22 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 15 , wherein the carrier film is less than 0.002″ (2 mil) thick.  
     
     
         23 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 14 , wherein the laminate is less than 0.008″ (8 mil) thick.  
     
     
         24 . The surface modifying laminate of  claim 15 , further comprising a cured top coat disposed on at least a portion of the upper surface of the carrier film, wherein said top coat is a sealant or finish.  
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the top coat is a non-alkaline top coat.