Articles and methods for applying color on surfaces

IS 2 333 588 T3

DESCRIPTION

Articles and methods for applying color to surfaces.

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to articles and methods for applying color to a surface, for example an architectural surface, where a dry color component is used and the use of wet tools such as brushes, sprayers and rollers, stain guards, can be avoided. color component cleaning materials and liquid volatile organic components for color components.

Background of the invention

It is often desirable to apply one or more colors to a surface, for example an architectural surface such as an interior or exterior wall or the like, to achieve aesthetic and / or functional benefits such as water resistance. Color is typically provided by painting in a conventional manner with oil-based or water-based wet paints, applying wallpaper or the like. The laborious processes that wet painting and wallpapering require are well known. Typically, it is necessary to protect surrounding areas from collateral staining during these activities by taping adjacent surfaces where color is not desired, arranging fabrics to protect floors and furniture from dripping, and the like. Extra care must also be taken to avoid squeezing out paint, wallpaper paste or wall primer, or other wet-applied materials. Many wet paint and wallpaper products are also recommended for use in conjunction with one or more primers or bases to improve coverage and / or durability of the desired color, increasing the time and labor required to achieve the color effect. desired on this surface. Additionally, brushes, rollers, or other applicators typically need to saturate with paint, primer, paste, or the like to apply the material to a surface. As a result, a significant amount of material is wasted that never reaches the intended surface because it remains in the applicator. Cleaning brushes, sprayers, rollers and other tools used to apply wet paint and wallpaper after the painting or wallpapering of walls has been completed, or at least suspended for a period of time, such as, e.g. eg, during the night, it is also laborious.

Many paints adapted for application to surfaces such as architectural surfaces include one or more volatile organic compounds. These paints release unpleasant fumes during and after application requiring ventilation during and after application, especially in closed environments such as buildings.

Thus, despite the obvious aesthetic and / or functional benefits provided by applying color to a surface by wet painting or wall papering, the efforts required for these procedures are cumbersome and time consuming.

There are different references where the application of pigments and dry colorants to different types of surfaces is discussed.

a) For cars, US-3,640,791 (Rosenheim) describes a process for preparing and applying an automobile paint touch-up device, wherein said process comprises the steps of: a) preparing a base sheet of support material having a surface with an activated paint release feature; b) applying a layer of paint of the same color as an original car paint to said surface of said support material, wherein said layer of paint has a characteristic that responds by having a better peeling edge surface when rubbed by a compound for rub; c) allowing said layer of paint to dry; d) applying a layer of adhesive over said paint, wherein said layer has a feature that can be activated and reactivated without damaging or softening said original paint or said layer of paint; e) cutting the painting device to size; f) reactivating said adhesive layer; g) pressing the reactivated adhesive laminate face of said painting device against the surface being painted; and h) removing the base sheet of said paint from the paint layer.

b) DE3543777A (Hammel) describes a process for making tamper-proof discs. The discs are provided with a layer of toner that describes or categorizes a quantity of information. More especially, the coating is applied as a surface layer on a silicone-coated backing and the thermoplastic toner powder layer is applied by a heat sealing process on this surface layer; An adhesive layer is applied over this pigment-containing layer, on which another silicone-coated support is placed, this being intended to be peeled off and expose the adhesive layer before applying the disc to the aforementioned surface. When the disc is pressed against a substrate, the coating layer facing the surface adopts the surface structure of the disc printing containing pigment.

c) EP-A-1055514 (Rotoplast) describes a multilayer decorative element that can be used to decorate the surface of flexible articles made of natural, artificial or synthetic material that consists of: a) an external service film layer that protects to the decorative element that must be removed immediately before its application to the surface to be decorated; b) an adhesive layer to fix an element

ES 2 333 588 T3 decorative multilayer to the surface to be updated or protected; c) a vehicle with a decorative element that must be applied to the surface to be decorated, wherein said vehicle material is practically based on polyurethane; and d) a protective film covering the decorative layer as defined in c).

These references do not refer to the application of color to architectural surfaces.

Summary of the invention

Therefore, an object of the invention is to provide articles and methods for applying color to a surface, for example an architectural surface, in such a way as to overcome various drawbacks usually associated with conventional wet painting and / or wall wallpapering processes.

In one aspect, the invention relates to an article for applying color to a surface wherein the article comprises a sheet of dry architectural surface color component, an adhesive on a surface of the dry color component sheet, and a protective backing. release, wherein the dry color component sheet is disposed between the release liner and the adhesive, and said adhesive is adapted to adhere to the surface at a temperature below 38 ° C (100 ° F). The article is characterized by the fact that: said article has an elongation of less than 50%; said article has an opacity index of at least 0.95, measured according to ASTM D2805; said dry color component has a specular reflectance of less than 60 units at 60 °, measured according to the GM Test Specification TM-204-A test method; said dry color component has a minimum elasticity sufficient to allow the sheets to be folded or rolled without cracking or breaking the continuous areas of dry color component; and said sheet of the dry color component and the adhesive have a combined thickness of 0.008 to 0.08 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to an article for applying color to a surface, wherein the article comprises a dry color component sheet, an adhesive on a surface of the dry color component sheet and a removable protective backing. the dry color component sheet being disposed between the release liner and the adhesive, and wherein the adhesive is also adapted to exhibit initial fixation in response to a first condition and subsequent fixation greater than initial fixation in response to a second condition. The back attachment is adapted to provide a practically permanent bond of the dry color component sheet to a surface.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention relates to articles for applying color on a surface which comprise a sheet of dry color component and an adhesive on one surface of the sheet of dry color component. The dry color component sheet and adhesive are adapted to provide a surface covering having a water vapor transmission rate of at least 1 g / jum / cm²/ 24 h.

In another aspect, the invention relates to methods for providing a practically permanent color effect on an architectural surface. In one embodiment, the methods comprise providing an article according to one of the embodiments described above to the architectural surface.

The articles and methods of the invention are advantageous in that the color can be applied to a surface without the need to use wet tools such as brushes, sprayers and rollers to supply the articles or apply the dry color component, provide a stain protection or use cleaning materials of the color component, and the dry color component is practically free of volatile organic components. The articles and methods are also advantageous in that the color can be applied to a surface in a less slow manner than with typical wet painting and / or wallpapering products and methods. These and other objects and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description.

Brief description of the drawings

The following detailed description will be better understood in view of the drawings, where:

Fig. 1 presents a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an article for applying color to a surface according to the present invention;

Fig. 1A presents a schematic diagram of an article like the one in Fig. 1, including a reinforcing component;

Fig. 1B presents a schematic diagram of an article like that of Fig. 1, wherein the dry color component sheet includes an additional protective film layer;

Fig. 2 presents a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an article for applying color to a surface according to the present invention;

Fig. 2A presents a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an article for applying color to a surface according to the present invention;

2 333 588 T3 Fig. 2B presents a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an article for applying color on a surface according to the present invention; and Fig. 3 presents a schematic diagram of a process for manufacturing an article for applying color to a surface according to the present invention.

The embodiments presented in the drawing are illustrative and are not intended to limit the invention defined by the claims. Furthermore, the individual features of the drawing and the invention will be more apparent and better understood in light of the detailed description.

Detailed description

The present invention relates to articles and methods for applying color to a surface. As used herein, the term "color" is used to refer to a color effect, that is, a difference in color perception. In a specific embodiment, the color effect is a practically permanent color effect, that is, a color effect that is not perceptibly eliminated or reduced after casual contact, light washing, or the like. Thus, a practically permanent color effect is distinguished from a temporary color effect in that it can be easily eliminated or reduced, such as that provided by chalk or pencils. The term "color component" is used herein to refer to the component of the articles of the invention that provides the color effect. Illustrative color components are described in more detail below.

The term "surface" is used herein to refer to any outer layer or boundary of an object or substrate that is capable of receiving a color component thereon. Suitable surfaces can be practically two-dimensional and flat or practically three-dimensional including curves, angled parts or the like. In one embodiment, the surface on which the color component is applied with the articles and methods of the invention comprises an architectural surface, that is, a surface of a building, a fixture of a building (that is, appliances), furniture. , and the like. The architectural surface of a building can be an interior surface within the building or an exterior surface on an exterior part of the building. Practically three-dimensional architectural surfaces can include, for example, edge treatments of two-dimensional surfaces such as trim (eg, trim around windows or doors), decking, appliances, furniture, and the like. The architectural surface can be permanently installed or it can be temporarily installed or portable. The products of the present invention can also be applied to surfaces of articles to provide the same or different texture and / or appearance from architectural surfaces. For example, the products of the present invention can be used to apply a coat of color to appliances, furniture, and other architectural items. Other surfaces suitable for applying color with the articles and methods of the present invention will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the present disclosure.

The term "wet" is used herein to refer to an article or process step that utilizes a liquid carrier. On the other hand, the term "dry" is used herein to refer to an article or process step practically free of a liquid vehicle in a way that causes the immobilization of a color component, that is, preventing the component from color flow or move across the surface under ambient conditions. Thus, a dry color component is practically free of a liquid vehicle or carrier, the color component being physically immobilized in the article in which it is contained. Similarly, reference herein to providing a dry color component without using liquid vehicles or carriers refers to the dry color component substantially free of liquid vehicle or carrier such that the color component is physically immobilized in the item in which it is included.

Therefore, the dry color component used in the articles of the present invention is practically free of volatile organic components (VOCs) and water. According to the standards of the North American Environmental Protection Agency, architectural coatings containing less than 250 g / l of volatile organic components are practically free of these components. In selected embodiments of the present invention, the dry color component contains less than 250 g / l, more particularly about 200 g / l or less, more particularly about 100 g / l or less, and even more particularly about 50 g / l. at least volatile organic components. In other embodiments, the dry color component contains about 25 g / l or less of volatile organic components, and more particularly about 20 g / l or less of volatile organic components. In other embodiments, the dry color component similarly contains less than 250 g / l, more particularly about 200 g / l or less, and even more particularly about 100 g / l or less, of water. In more specific embodiments, the dry color component contains about 50 g / l or less, more particularly, about 25 g / l or less, and more particularly about 20 g / l or less, of water.

As discussed in more detail below, the articles and methods for applying color to a surface according to the present invention exhibit a number of advantageous properties. For example, the articles and methods of the invention are adapted to apply color at room temperature and a relatively low application pressure, such articles can be applied by a normal consumer without applying excessive pressure. Additionally, different surface effects can be obtained.

The articles and methods can be used to provide a porous surface covering that allows air to escape when the article is applied to a surface, thus preventing the appearance of bubbles and / or wrinkles on a surface.

ES 2 333 588 T3 covered surface. In certain embodiments, the surface covering that is provided is microporous and therefore allows moisture to escape rather than accumulate between the applied article and the surface to which it is applied. For example, the surface covers provided by the articles and methods according to the present invention may exhibit a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of greater than about 1 g-pm / cm.²/ 24 h, more particularly, greater than approximately 4 g-pm / cm²/ 24 h, at 100% relative humidity and 40 ° C, measured according to ASTM F1249-90. The desired WVTR can be provided by using materials that inherently allow water vapor transmission and / or by providing pores, perforations, holes or the like in articles, on a micro or macro scale. These and other advantageous properties provided by the articles and methods of the invention are described in more detail below.

Fig. 1 presents a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the articles according to the present invention. As seen in Fig. 1, the article 10 for applying color on a surface comprises a dry color component sheet 12 and an adhesive 14 on a surface 16 of the dry color component sheet 12. Sheet 12 is shown as a single layer of dry color component. Although the schematic diagram in Fig. 1 shows the relative thicknesses of sheet 12 and adhesive 14, the illustrated thicknesses are not intended to represent or limit the actual thicknesses of the respective components in the embodiment of Fig. 1 or in any other embodiment of the remaining figures. Additionally, although the interface between components is shown as a clearly defined line, the actual interface between components may comprise other different configurations.

As used herein, the term "dry color component sheet" refers to those parts of the article of the invention that enhance the color effect provided to a surface but do not include a removable protective backing or other parts of the article that are not adapted to adhere, preferably to adhere practically permanently, as described below, to a surface to provide the effect of color. Thus, as described in more detail below, the dry color component sheet may include not only a dry color component layer as shown in Fig. 1 but also one or more top layers and / or one or more support layers that enhance the color effect.

The dry color component sheet will have a thickness of about 0.008 mm to 0.08 mm (0.3 mils to 3 mils or 0.0003 inches to 0.003 inches), more particularly about 0.008 mm to about 0.04 mm. mm (0.0003 inches to about 0.0015 inches). In another embodiment, the dry color component sheet will have a thickness of about 0.02mm (0.0007 inches) or less, and even more particularly not more than about 0.013mm (0.0005 inches).

In embodiments where the article comprises the dry color component sheet and the adhesive, in the absence of layers such as protective backs or vehicles, the thickness of the articles will be substantially that of the dry color component sheet since the layer The adhesive is typically relatively thin, that is, generally less than about 0.03 mm (1 mil or 0.001 inches) thick, more particularly about 0.013 mm (0.5 mil or 0.0005 inches) thick. Thus, the combined dry color component sheet and adhesive have a thickness of about 0.08 mm (3 mils or 0.003 inches) or less, more particularly about 0.008 mm to about 0.08 mm (0.0003 inches to about 0.003 inches), even more particularly from about 0.008mm to about 0.04mm (0.0003 inches to about 0.0015 inches) and even more particularly from about 0.013mm (0.0007 inches) or less . Advantageously, the edges of adjacent sheets can therefore overlap without exhibiting a significant overlapping appearance. In other embodiments where one or more removable backs are included, the thickness of the articles will be greater.

The dry color component is provided in at least one layer on the dry color component sheet and can comprise any composition that provides opacity coverage to a surface to which it is to be applied. The dry color component can comprise, for example, pigment or dye as well as combinations thereof; and a binder. Stains, stains, and paints are examples of compositions that may contain pigment and / or dye together with a binder. Examples of dry color components include inks, stains, paints, and coatings similar to "wet" compositions, except that they are characterized as having a low level of solvent, liquid carrier, and other liquids, as previously described herein. The binder can be a polymeric material that forms a coating, sheet or film. A wide variety of binder materials are well known in the art and can be used in the present invention. Suitable binder materials are described, for example, in the Enlow et al. Patent. US 6,336,998. Suitable binder materials can include the same polymeric materials described below for use as top coats. Examples of binder materials also include polystyrene and polyacrylate / polyvinyl chloride blends. The dry color component sheet may constitute a dry color component overlay layer applied to another layer that is intended to remain on the surface to be colored, as described herein, or, alternatively, The dry color component sheet may constitute a dry color component layer with sufficient integrity that no further layer is needed thereon to achieve a practically permanent application to the surface to be colored.

In one embodiment, the dry color component comprises a combination of (i) dry pigment and / or dye and (ii) binder, alone or in combination with other components. For example, in specific embodiments, the dry color component comprises dry paint that includes pigment along with other conventional paint components, for example binder, from which a liquid carrier is removed, dry ink, typically including fine pigment.

ES 2 333 588 T3 or dyes, alone or together with other conventional ink components, including opacifying agents, from which a liquid carrier, dry dye, dry ink, or a combination of two or more of these components is removed. The dry color component sheet may comprise a single homogeneous solid color with a smooth finish or with a textured finish or it may comprise regular or irregular patterns of two or more color components and / or layers of color component. The dry color component sheet can have a matte, semi-matte, satin, semi-gloss or gloss finish, as desired. Finishing can be controlled by selecting color components and / or selecting a removable liner with a suitable finish, if used. The texture can be added into the dry color component layer through a release liner and / or through an adhesive layer, depending on the desired effect. The articles of the present invention are especially advantageous for providing a false finish to a surface in a single application step. False finishes are well known in the art and generally provide a non-homogeneous decorative effect, examples of which include, but are not limited to, marbling, speckling, stippling, streaking, ragging (rag painting effect) and the like. In one embodiment, the dry color component is provided in a discontinuous or continuous, repeating or non-repeating pattern to provide a stencil-like effect on a surface.

The dry color component can exhibit gloss characteristics as desired. In one embodiment of the invention, the dry color component exhibits the gloss characteristic of conventional architectural paints, such as matte, semi-matte, satin, semi-gloss or gloss finishes, as desired. The person skilled in the art will appreciate the difference between these finishes and the high gloss finish as used in, for example, the automotive industry. Gloss can be measured by specular reflectance of a light beam at an angle of 60 °. The specular reflectance for the dry color component sheet of the present invention is less than about 60 gloss units at 60 °. Specular reflectance can be measured using the test method described in GM Test Specification TM-204-A. The Byk-Mallinckrodt "multi-gloss" or "single gloss" gloss meter can be used to measure the specular gloss of the finished surface. These gloss meters provide values ​​equivalent to those obtained with the ASTM D-523-57 method. These gloss meters are used with gloss standards that span the intended measurement range, along with a piece of polished black glass plate with a known refractive index. The gloss meter is calibrated by reading the gloss of a highly polished standard and then reading the gloss of a working standard having a value preferably in the range of the test panel. The second pattern should be within one unit of its assigned value. At least two readings are taken in a different area of ​​the test panel. These values ​​are averaged if they are within one unit. If the interval is greater than one unit, other regions are measured and an average value is calculated. Desired gloss characteristics can be obtained using sheet-embedded dry color component particles, a top coat, post-treatment, texturing, or the like according to processes known in the art.

Another advantage of low gloss surfaces is less need for surface preparation before possible subsequent applications of surface treatments to change the color and / or appearance, or before finishing the surface with a new application. color treatment. In particular, high gloss surfaces generally tend to require the presence of roughening to ensure good results when painting or applying other surface treatments.

In specific embodiments, the dry color component sheet comprises two or more layers, wherein at least one of them contains a color component to provide a desired color effect. The additional layers may comprise a top layer, for example comprising a transparent, translucent, pearlescent or opaque coating, which for example provides a glossy, semi-gloss, satin, semi-matt, or matt gloss effect or other such optical effects as diffusion, reflectance or the like, or other beneficial properties, a white backing layer to provide intensity and / or consistency, an opaque layer, or the like, and combinations thereof. Another advantage of these additional layers is that they can provide greater strength and / or flexibility to the sheet.

In a specific embodiment, the dry color component comprises a dry architectural surface color component, that is, a color component specially adapted for application to an architectural surface. These dry color components typically exclude color components that require not only conventional drying but also an additional curing step, for example an elevated temperature curing step, the addition of a curing agent that reacts with it. or similar. Thus, in one embodiment, the dry architectural surface color component is substantially free of cyanate curing agents, (meth) acrylate curing agents, and cyanate- (meth) acrylate curing agents typically used in hardenable enamel paints, wherein the color component contains any of these curing agents therein in an amount less than that necessary to produce measurable crosslinking of the color component. In more specific embodiments, any such curing agent is contained in the color component in an amount of less than about 0.0004% by weight.

Since the dry color component is adapted to be applied to a surface in a dry state, the dry color component sheet is manufactured in a manufacturing facility. The dry dye sheet can be formed using latex compositions, water dispersible compositions, solvent based compositions, UV curable compositions, or the like. Since the sheet is manufactured in a manufacturing facility, drying or curing of the paint occurs within the manufacturing process and volatile organic components or other by-products of the compositions can be captured in the manufacturing process. In one embodiment, these by-products can be recovered or recycled as part of the manufacturing process.

IS 2 333 588 T3

The articles provide adequate opacity and coverage by applying a single sheet of dry color component, providing the consumer with cost and time advantages. The articles have a haze index of at least about 0.95, as measured by ASTM D2805. Typically in these measurements the article is carefully applied onto a test surface, for example the surface of a color contrast card as a Leneta 2A opacity form, avoiding the formation of bubbles and wrinkles. In more specific embodiments, the articles have a haze index of at least about 0.98, and more particularly at least about 0.995, as measured by ASTM D2805. Practically complete coverage, that is, full coverage, can be obtained even on dark surfaces, stained surfaces and the like. If desired, one or more layers or components of the article may include an additional opacifying agent, for example one or more metals, metal oxides, minerals, or the like, or a combination thereof, to improve the opacity of the article. Examples of these opacifying agents include, but are not limited to, titanium dioxide, carbon black, and the like. Suitable opacifying agents can be provided as assemblies, powders, flakes, particles or groupings of particles such as aggregates or agglomerates, or the like. Flakes having a minimum dimension of at least 0.02 microns and a aspect ratio of about 100 to 1000 are desirable. Particles, for example titanium dioxide, which provide good opacity preferably have a dimension in the range of about 0.15 to 150 microns and more preferably about 0.20 to 50 microns. Although the opacifying agent can be provided in the dry color component sheet, in alternative embodiments the opacifying agent, if used, can be included in the adhesive or in a backing layer or in one or more layers as desired. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that many household stains, especially oil-based stains, have low surface energy and tend to repel wet paint, especially wet water-based paint, making the stains difficult to cover and often requiring additional pretreatment steps. Wet aqueous paints can also cause spontaneous corrosion when water migrates from the paint to nail heads and the like. However, the dry color component sheets of the present invention are practically free of a liquid carrier, thus avoiding the problems associated with the aforementioned liquid carriers. Advantageously, the stains can often be covered without pre-treating the stained surface.

The dry color component exhibits a minimum level of elasticity that is sufficient to allow bending, rolling, or similar manipulations of the sheet without causing cracks, breaks or other damage to continuous areas of the dry color component.

Articles of the invention also exhibit elongation of less than 50%, as measured by ASTM D882 using a 2.54 cm (1.0 inch) wide sample and a 5.08 cm (2.0 inch) reference length. at a stress rate of 50.8 cm / min (20 inches / min). Generally, elongation is measured at room temperature which, herein, is a temperature less than about 38 ° C (100 ° F). Typically, elongation as described above occurs at a temperature of about 4 ° C (40 ° F) to about 35 ° C (95 ° F), more particularly about 15 ° C (60 ° F). at about 27 ° C (80 ° F). In other embodiments, the articles have an elongation of 25% or less, per ASTM D882, as described above.

The dry color component sheet may also have sufficient formability to conform to the shape of the surface to be colored. In addition, the dry color component sheet may be sufficiently compliant to allow articles to be easily manipulated around, and / or through, its corners and other three-dimensional configurations. Furthermore, the sheet of the dry color component can be micro-formable. As used herein, "micro-conformability" refers to the ability of the articles to resemble in shape or character the surface to which they adhere, wherein, upon application, the dry color component sheet will closely mimic the surface texture. underlay to provide a paint-like appearance. The formability and micro formability preferably occur at room temperature as defined above.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the article 10 for applying color on a surface is free of a removable protective backing and is free of a carrier sheet. As used herein, the term "release liner" is generally used to refer to a sheet that is release and is intended and adapted to be released shortly before or during application of the dry color component sheet to the desired surface . On the other hand, herein the carrier sheet refers to a sheet that is intended and adapted for application to a surface, typically between the surface and a layer, providing a decorative effect to provide structural support. A common vehicle comprises, for example, a backing sheet for wallpaper. Carrier layers are typically significantly greater than 0.08mm (3 mils) thick and thus are significantly distinguishable from dry color component sheet and articles of the present invention. Thus, in the embodiment of Fig. 1 neither a carrier sheet nor a protective backing is used. In another embodiment, the article is free of cellulosic material, especially cellulosic substrates commonly used in carrier layers of wallpaper. In a more specific embodiment, the article 10 consists substantially of the dry color component sheet 12 and the adhesive 14 on the surface 16 of the sheet 12 and does not include any other components that materially affect the use or properties of the article.

In another embodiment, the dry color component sheet 12 comprises a reinforcing component. The reinforcing component may be used to provide strength or structural integrity to the sheet material and / or to provide the sheet material with greater thickness or body to facilitate handling and / or use of the article. Other advantages resulting from the use of a reinforcing component will be apparent in the light of the present.

ES 2 333 588 T3 description. The reinforcing component may comprise any additive that provides one or more of the intended reinforcing benefits. Preferably, the reinforcing component does not adversely alter the rheology of the dry color component sheet, the sheet exhibiting sufficient elasticity to allow bending, rolling and the like without causing cracks or other damage to the dry color component sheet. Examples of suitable reinforcing components include, but are not limited to, filaments, fibers, films, nonwovens, meshes, strands, sheets, and the like, or a combination thereof, and can be formed from any suitable material, including polymers, metals, cellulosic materials, glasses, ceramics, and the like. The reinforcing component can be distinguished from a carrier sheet or layer in that the reinforcing component is provided within the dry colorant sheet and is not adapted or intended to be disposed between the dry colorant sheet and a wall surface. In contrast, a carrier sheet, as discussed above, is provided and adapted for application to a surface between the surface and a layer to provide a color effect, for example on wallpaper.

The reinforcing component may be provided in sheet 12 in a patterned manner, eg, as a finely woven structure, or in a non-patterned, non-woven manner, using any desirable technique, eg, casting, mixing, coating or spraying. In one embodiment, the reinforcing component will be of a sufficiently small dimension not to provide an undesirable uneven surface when the sheet of dry color component is applied to the surface for which a color benefit is desired. For example, in these embodiments, suitable reinforcing components should have a thickness no greater than about 75% of the thickness of the dry color component sheet. In alternative embodiments, the reinforcing component may have a thickness sufficient to provide a surface texture of the dry colored component sheet. FIG. 1A shows an article 10A comprising a dry color component sheet 12A and an adhesive 14A. Sheet 12A comprises a reinforcing component 11 and layers 13 of dry color component.

Adhesive, in the present invention, refers to a substance that is adapted to adhere the article of the invention to a surface at room temperature which, herein, refers to temperatures below about 38 ° C (100 ° F ). Typically, for use on architectural surfaces, the adhesive will exhibit the necessary adhesion effect at temperatures in the range of about 4 ° C (40 ° F) to about 35 ° C (95 ° F). Additionally, the adhesive exhibits its adhesion effect with low application pressures, thus allowing the application and adherence of the articles of the invention to a surface that must be colored manually or with simple tools. In one embodiment, the adhesive is adapted to adhere the article to a surface to be colored by applying a pressure of less than about 350 kPa (50 psi).²), more particularly less than about 210 kPa (30 lb / in.²) and even more particularly less than about 140 kPa (20 psi).²). In another embodiment, the adhesive is adapted to adhere the article to a surface to be colored by applying a pressure of approximately 21 kPa (3 psi).²) at approximately 70 kPa (10 lb / in.²).

In Fig. 1, the adhesive 14 is illustrated as a layer on the surface 16 of the sheet 12. The adhesive can be provided in the form of a layer as illustrated or it can be provided in any continuous or discontinuous configuration as desired. The adhesive serves to adhere the sheet of dry colored component to the surface to be colored. Preferably, the adhesive is of one character and is provided in an amount that allows repositioning of the article when the article is initially applied to a surface so that the sheet of dried color component can be temporarily adhered to a surface that must be colored and, if improperly positioned, can be repositioned or even detached from the surface and reapplied for proper positioning so that, Once proper positioning of the dry color component sheet is achieved, the dry color component sheet can be permanently adhered to the surface. Thus, in one embodiment, the adhesive is adapted to exhibit initial set in response to a first condition and subsequent set greater than initial set in response to a second condition.

A suitable initial low fixation to allow repositioning is about 40 g / cm (100 g / inch) or less, more preferably in the range of about 10 g / cm to about 20 g / cm (25-50 g / inch). , measured in a 180 ° angle peel test using a 2.54 cm (1.0 inch) wide peel strip per ASTM D3330 and / or PSTC-1. The subsequent fixation is greater than the initial fixation and in a specific embodiment a practically permanent adhesion or bond is provided between the sheet of dry color component and the surface.

In one embodiment, the first condition may comprise a first application pressure which causes the adhesive to have initial set, while the second condition may comprise a second higher application pressure which causes the adhesive to have a second higher set. In an alternative embodiment, the first condition may comprise a first period of time after applying the article to a surface and during this period of time the adhesive exhibits a level of fixation that allows repositioning, and the second condition is the period of time. that occurs after the expiration of the first time period, that is, a “second time period”. After the first period of time, the adhesive exhibits a level of fixation that inhibits or prevents repositioning. The period of time during which the fixation increases from a repositionable level to a practically permanent level is a matter of choice and can be designed into the product by selecting the adhesive in accordance with one skilled in the adhesive art. In certain embodiments, the first time period will be from about 2 hours to about 24 hours. Thus, in this embodiment, the adhesive can be provided such that the article is placed on, and adhered to, a surface using

ES 2 333 588 T3 a single pressure, applied manually or with a simple application tool, and the permanence of the adhesive fixation increases with time once the article has been applied to a surface.

The adhesive component of the articles of the invention is a dry adhesive, that is, an adhesive that is practically free of a liquid carrier such that it is immobilized on the sheet of dry colored component and does not run from it. By way of illustration, but not limitation, adhesives include hot melt, pressure sensitive, aqueous, water borne, solvent based, UV and electron beam curable adhesives, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the adhesive comprises a pressure-sensitive adhesive, for example a hot melt pressure-sensitive adhesive or a water-based or water-borne pressure-sensitive adhesive, for example a liquid emulsion pressure-sensitive adhesive that can be applied to a sheet of color component and then dried to provide the articles of the present invention. Alternatively, the adhesive can be a static adhesive, for example an electrostatic adhesive. It is preferred that the adhesive causes the dried paint sheet and substrate to have a final bond strength greater than about 40 g / cm (100 g / inch), more particularly greater than about 60 g / cm (150 g / inch). ), and even more particularly greater than about 80 g / cm (200 g / inch), measured according to ASTM D3330 as described above using a 2.54 cm (1 inch) wide release strip.

Although the adhesive may allow initial repositioning of the dry color component sheet, the adhesive preferably provides an at least substantially permanent bond between the dry color component and the surface to which the color effect is provided upon completion of the coloring process. application and hardening of the adhesive. A practically permanent bond is one that does not break after casual contact, light washing, or the like. The at least substantially permanent bond can be provided by release adhesion, wherein the dried color component can be peeled from the surface without destroying the dry color component sheet. Alternatively, the virtually permanent bond can be provided by permanent latent adhesion, where the dry color component sheet cannot be peeled off without destroying the sheet.

In one embodiment, the adhesive is a pressure activated adhesive in which adhesive fixation is lower at low application pressures, thus allowing initial repositioning of the dry color component sheet on a surface without damaging the color component sheet. dry, but when greater pressure is applied, the adhesive exhibits greater fixation, forming a more permanent bond between the sheet of dry color component and the surface to which it is applied, the sheet of dry color component remaining practically permanently attached to the surface, that is, the sheet does not spontaneously separate or peel off after casual contact, light washing or the like. Different pressure sensitive adhesives are known in the art and can be used in the articles of the present invention. These pressure sensitive adhesives can be provided with a low coating weight or in a patterned or textured manner to allow repositioning while providing permanent latent adhesion.

Examples of pressure sensitive adhesives include microsphere-containing adhesives used in one, two, or more layers. These microspheres can, for example, break or deform upon application of force to the adhesive or the article. Compositions containing breakable or deformable microspheres are described, for example, in Erwin US 3,314,838 and Danielson et al. US 3,331,729. Adhesives containing microspheres are on the market, an example of which is marketed under the name Controltac^® by 3M Company. Pressure sensitive adhesives are also described, for example, in the Questel et al. Patent. US-6,020,062. Other pressure sensitive adhesive composition formulations are described in Blackwell US 5,073,457 and Sagoff et al. US 4,151,319, whose adhesives allow repositioning and provide permanent latent adhesion, and in the Reaves et al. Patent. US 5,939,479, which discloses an adhesive that allows repositioning and provides adhesion. Other commercial pressure sensitive adhesives include Fasson® 2001, a permanent latent adhesion product available from Avery Dennison.

The fixation of the adhesive can also be varied as described above by applying a blocking agent to the exposed surface of the adhesive. The blocking agent has the effect of reducing the initial fixation of the adhesive on the exposed surface of the adhesive. Thus, the blocking agent as defined herein reduces the low pressure fixation of an adhesive while allowing high fixation to be achieved by applying greater pressure to displace the blocking agent. Suitable blocking agents can be solid structures that cover at least a portion of the surface and extend across the outer surface of the adhesive. The blocking agents can form a plurality of discrete structures or they can form an interconnected network. One of skill in the art will recognize different blocking agents suitable for use in this embodiment.

In one embodiment, the blocking agent may comprise compositions containing repositionable microspheres. These compositions can be provided in one or more layers, as described in Parrotta patent US-4,376,151. Examples of other blocking agents include, but are not limited to, those described in Ochi's patent US 4,556,595 in addition to assemblages, powders or particles of, for example, starch, including but not limited to potato starch or potato starch. corn, talc, silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, zeolite or other minerals, polymer or polymer pellets, glass or ceramic beads, or the like. The quantity and size of these materials will depend on the type and fixation of the different adhesives. In one example, talc particles having an average particle size of about 0.1 mm are applied in an amount of about 2 to about 6 g / m.² to sufficiently reduce initial fixation and allow repositioning without

ES 2 333 588 T3 there is a proportional reduction in final fixation. In another example, silicon dioxide particles having an average particle size of about 25 nm are applied in an amount of about 1 to about 3 g / m2.². In another example, titanium dioxide particles having an average particle size of about 50 nm are applied in an amount of about 1 to about 3 g / m2.². The blocking agent can be applied in a uniform or non-uniform pattern, as desired.

In one embodiment of the articles of the invention, the dry colorant sheet is permanently adhered to the surface so that it cannot be peeled off without damaging the dry color component sheet. In another embodiment of the articles of the invention, the dry dye sheet is permanently adhered to the surface so that it cannot be detached by casual contact, washing or the like, but can be detached without significantly damaging the sheet.

In one embodiment, the dry color component sheet 12 may also include a release agent coating on its outer surface 15, that is, on the surface of the sheet 12 that is opposite, that is, not adjacent, to the adhesive 14, as shown in Fig. 1. Suitable release agents are discussed in detail below. Alternatively, or additionally, the dry color component sheet 12 may include an exposed top or outer coating or film on its surface, hereinafter referred to as "top coat". The top coat may comprise a transparent, translucent, pearlescent, opaque or similar formulation to the extent necessary to provide a desired optical effect and / or to provide the dry color component sheet with increased protection, rigidity and / or structural support. For example, the top coat can be used to provide a desired gloss to the dry color component, i.e. matte, satin, semi-matte, semi-gloss, or gloss, to increase the opacity, diffusion, or reflectance of the dry color component after its application to a surface, or similar. In other embodiments, the top coat may include one or more additional components that provide the dry color component sheet with increased durability, peel resistance, washability, stain repellency, tarnish resistance, including resistance to UV light tarnish, fluorescence, phosphorescence, bactericidal properties, fragrance, odor removal, non-permanent writing ability (allowing to be erased or washed to be removed), insulation from noise and / or heat, conductivity, static dissipation and / or environmental interaction, for example allowing the tone or color to vary according to temperature or the like.

The top layer is provided on the outer surface of sheet 12 and can be permanently or temporarily adhered to the underlying layer. Fig. 1B shows an article 10B comprising a dry color component sheet 12B and an adhesive 14B. The sheet 12B includes a dry color component layer 13B and a top layer 17. The top layer 17 may similarly be provided with a release agent coating on its outer surface 19. The top layer can be formed of any suitable material, examples of which include polymers, for example polyurethanes, polyvinyl chlorides, polyvinylidene fluorides, polyacrylates, cellulosic materials and the like, as well as mixtures thereof, and optionally different particles to modify the optical effects or the surface texture of the dry color component sheet. Specific examples of top coats include polyurethane and mixtures of polyacrylate and polyvinylidene chloride. The top layer can be transparent. In other embodiments, the top layer can be translucent or at least partially opaque. Other topcoat materials suitable for use in the present invention will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

In one embodiment, the top layer is configured, either microscopically or macroscopically, to allow the dry color component sheet and adhesive to provide a surface covering with a desired WVTR, for example greater than 1 g-pm / cm²/ 24 h, at 100% relative humidity and 40 ° C, measured according to ASTM F1249-90. The top layer can, for example, be provided with perforations, pores, holes or the like or it can be formed of a material having this WVTR. In one embodiment, the top layer is formed of a polymeric coating such as, but not limited to, a polyurethane coating with a sufficiently reduced thickness, for example, about 0.013 mm (0.5 mils) or less, and in another about 0.007 mm (0.25 mils) or less to obtain the desired WVTR.

Fig. 2 presents a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an article for applying color to a surface according to the invention. The article 20 includes a dry color component sheet 22, an adhesive 24 on the surface 26 of the dry color component sheet, and a release liner 28. The dry color component sheet 22 is disposed between the release liner. 28 and sticker 24. The release liner 28 may be included to provide structural support and / or strength to the dry color component sheet 22, for example when the release liner is in film form, and / or to facilitate handling of the article. during manufacture, storage and use. The release liner is adapted to be removed from the dry color component sheet prior to or during application of the dry color component sheet to a surface to be colored. Typically, the release liner will separate from the dried paint sheet by peeling it off. As shown in Fig. 2, the release liner may be provided with a flange 32 that extends beyond the dry color component sheet to facilitate detachment of the protective liner 28 from the dry color component sheet 22. Alternatively, the release liner can be removed using an adhesive tape which can be applied to the corner (or other edge) of the release liner and then peeled off, for example, once the dry dye sheet has been applied to a surface. . The masking tape separates the release liner from the dry colorant sheet, leaving the dry colorant sheet attached to the surface. The masking tape does not damage the surface of the dry colorant sheet or adjacent dry colorant sheets. An example of a suitable adhesive tape is the

ES 2 333 588 T3 Temp RL tape^TM marketed by Saint Gobain. In another embodiment, the articles may be adapted for use with a simple spreader tool that facilitates separation of the release liner from the dry colorant sheet. This tool may be provided with at least one straight edge which acts to separate the removable protective backing at one edge of the article.

In one embodiment, the articles of the invention include a release liner adjacent to the dry color component sheet and, in the flat configuration of the articles shown in Fig. 2, do not have a release liner in the adhesive. Thus, in the embodiment of Fig. 2, the top surface of adhesive 24 does not have a removable protective backing when the article is in a flat, unrolled configuration. When an article as shown in Fig. 2 is rolled up, the release liner 28 will be positioned adjacent to, and possibly in contact with, the exposed adhesive 24 and thus can provide a release surface to allow unwinding of the article without interference from the adhesive, as described in more detail below.

In other embodiments, the articles may comprise two or more removable backs. For example, item 20A of Fig. 2A comprises a dry color component sheet 22A, including dry color component layer 23 and top layer 27, and an adhesive 24A, along with a release liner 28A on the surface of dry color component sheet 22A facing the adhesive 24A, and a release liner 36 on the adhesive 24A. Top layer 27 on dry color component sheet 22A may provide the color component with additional properties, as described above, between sheet 22A and release liner 28A.

The release liner may be formed of any material that provides the desired structural support or strength to the dry color component sheet to facilitate fabrication, handling and / or application of the article to a desired surface. Typically, the release liner will have a combination of weight per unit area, thickness, and stiffness so as to provide the desired structural support and / or strength to the article. For example, the release liner can be formed from a polymeric material, for example as a thin polymeric film, such as a woven sheet or as a non-woven sheet, or from a lignocellulosic fibrous material such as paper. In one embodiment, the release liner comprises a polymeric film. Conveniently, the dry color component sheet can be formed on the polymeric film, for example by coating or printing the color component directly on the polymeric film surface. The release surface can be relatively flat and smooth but can also be textured or three-dimensionally shaped by embossing, micro-stamping, heat and pressure thermoforming, vacuum forming, or other methods known to those skilled in the art.

In one embodiment, the release liner is formed of a material that is inherently release from the dry color component sheet. Suitable materials that can be used to form an inherently removable protective backing include, but are not limited to, silicone-based polymers, including copolymers thereof, fluorocarbon polymers, including copolymers thereof, fluoro-acrylate polymers, including copolymers of the same, and polymers, including copolymers, that include a release additive, for example a silicone or fluorocarbon additive, therein. Examples of polymers containing these additives include polyolefins, for example, homopolymers and copolymers of polyethylene, homopolymers and copolymers of polypropylene, and homopolymers and copolymers of polymethylpentene, homopolymers and copolymers of polystyrene, homopolymers and copolymers of polyester, for example PET ), and polyamide homopolymers and copolymers, including one or more release additives such as silicone oil, silicone surfactants, silicone homopolymers and copolymers, fluorocarbon oils, fluorocarbon surfactants, fluorocarbon homopolymers and copolymers, for example fluoroacrylate homopolymers and copolymers and mixtures thereof. Suitable release additives can themselves be liquid or solid at room temperature. Suitable release additives can be liquid or solid at room temperature. Examples of silicone-polyolefin copolymers suitable for use in forming a removable protective backing in articles of the present invention are disclosed in US-5,476,901 and IS-5,641,835, both incorporated by reference herein. . Other block copolymer release materials suitable for pressure sensitive adhesives are disclosed in US 5,728,469, incorporated by reference herein. Also described in European patent application EP 1 018 533 A2, incorporated herein by reference, are silicone-containing resins suitable for use as a release layer.

Alternatively or additionally, a release agent may be provided between the release liner and the dry color component sheet to facilitate separation of the release liner from the dry color component sheet. For example, in the article of Fig. 2, the release agent is provided at the interface 30 between the dry color component sheet 22 and the release liner 28. The release agent can be provided as a coating or as a separate film layer on the article. In a specific embodiment, the release agent is provided as a coating on one or both interface surfaces between the dry color component sheet and the release liner. Various release agents are known in the art and are suitable for use in the present invention and include, but are not limited to, silicone oil, silicone-type surfactant, silicone homopolymer or copolymer, fluorocarbon oil, fluorocarbon surfactant, homopolymer or fluorocarbon copolymer, for example fluorine-acrylate homopolymers and copolymers, and mixtures thereof. The release agent may be provided as a coating on the surface of the dry color component sheet at the interface adjacent to the release liner, as a coating on the surface of the release liner of the ad sheet.

ES 2 333 588 T3 lying on the dry color component interface 30, as a layer between the dry color component sheet and the release liner, or any combination thereof. This coating can be continuous or non-continuous as necessary so that the protective backing can peel off the dry color component sheet without damaging the surface of the dry color component sheet. In one embodiment, the release agent comprises a polymeric material, for example a polysilicone, that is applied as a continuous or non-continuous coating on the surface of the release liner 28 at interface 30.

In one embodiment, the release liner may also include a release agent on its outer surface 34, that is, on the surface of the liner that is opposite, ie, not adjacent, the dry color component sheet. In the embodiment of the article of Fig. 2 wherein the release liner 28 is provided with a release agent on the surface 34 that is opposite the dry color component sheet, the release agent on the surface 34 prevents the surface 34 from adhering to the adhesive 24 during storage, handling and use of the article. For example, the inclusion of a release agent on surface 34 facilitates storage of the article in a rolled fashion. Similarly, in the embodiment of Fig. 1, the surface 15 of the dry color component sheet 12 may be provided with a release agent to prevent adhesion of the surface 15 to the adhesive 14 during storage, handling and the use of article 10. Release agents of the type mentioned above are suitable for application to surface 15 or surface 34.

In the embodiment of Fig. 2, the adhesive 14 may include a blocking agent of the type mentioned above, wherein the blocking agent renders the adhesive pressure activatable, reducing adhesive fixation at low application pressures to allow initial repositioning of the adhesive. item on a surface that needs to be colored, while applying increased pressure, the adhesive permanently bonds the sheet of dry colored component to the surface.

In an alternative embodiment, the release liner 28 is disposed on the surface of the dry color component sheet 22 at interface 30 without any additional layer, coating or component between them. In this embodiment, the release liner 28 is preferably formed of a material that inherently peels off the surface of the dry color component sheet 22 at interface 30. This embodiment removes any release agent residue on the surface of the dry color component sheet 22 once the release liner 28 is removed therefrom.

Fig. 2B presents a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an article for applying color to a surface according to the invention. The article 40 includes a dry color component sheet 42 that includes a dry color component layer 43 and a support layer 45 on a surface 46 of the dry color component layer 43. An adhesive 44 is provided on the surface 47 of the support layer 45. The article comprising sheet 42 and adhesive 44 has a thickness of about 0.08mm (3 mils) or less, more particularly about 0.05mm (2 mils) or less, and even more particularly about 0.3 mm (1 mil) or less. Thus, the article of this embodiment is significantly thinner than conventional wallpaper products, which typically have significantly thicker carrier substrates. Support layer 45 may be included, for example, to provide structural support and / or strength to dry color component sheet 42, to provide additional opacity, whitening or color enhancement effects and / or to facilitate handling. of the item during storage and use. The support layer may be formed of any suitable thin material, examples of which include, but are not limited to, paper and other cellulosic materials, polymeric films, and woven or non-woven materials, textiles, glass or ceramic fabrics, layer ( s) metallized (s), and the like. In one embodiment, the backing layer can provide greater opacity to the article upon application to a surface to be colored. For example, the support layer can include titanium dioxide, metal filler, or the like to provide greater opacity. Preferably, the support layer will exhibit sufficient flexibility to allow folding, rolling, and other similar manipulations of the article.

In one embodiment, the support layer comprises a metallized film, that is, a laminate of two or more polymeric films having a metallized layer or coating between two internal surfaces thereof. As shown in Fig. 2B, the support layer 45 may comprise a laminate of two polymeric films 50, 52, for example formed of polyethylene terephthalate, having a metallized coating 54, for example formed of silver ink, metal oxide, aluminum, stainless steel or similar, among them. An example of an aluminum ink is Metalure®, available from Eckart America Division (Painesville, Ohio, USA) of Eckart Werke GmbH and Company (manufactured by Avery Dennison Corp.). The metallized coating can be continuous or discontinuous and patterned or patterned, as desired. Preferably, polymeric film 52 is very thin and may comprise a layer or coating of coextrusion adhesive for the dry color component sheet. The polymeric film 50 can provide a surface for the metallized coating 54 and can provide structural support to the article. In one embodiment, the dry color component sheet 42 may also include a release agent coating on its outer surface, that is, on the surface of the sheet 42 that is opposite, that is, not adjacent, to the surface that includes the support layer 45. In another embodiment, one of the polymeric film layers 50 or 52 can be removed providing an article that is even thinner while still being opaque.

The size of the articles according to the present invention can vary in width and length according to the dimensions of the surfaces to be colored. For example, items can be provided in lengths

ES 2 333 588 T3 relatively large suitable for coloring an entire length or multiple lengths of an interior architectural surface. Sheets of these lengths can be stored on a roll. Alternatively, the articles may be provided in smaller sheets, eg tile size, to fit small areas. Similarly, items can be provided in strip form or in a smaller size for use in smaller areas, for example, as cutouts around trim, borders, decorative pieces (eg stencils), outlets, corners and areas adjacent to surfaces that are not intended for the application of color. Smaller items may also be suitable for repairing damaged areas.

Articles according to the present invention allow color to be applied to a surface by supplying the dry color component to the surface. More particularly, the articles allow to provide a practically permanent color effect on a surface. Advantageously, the dry color component is delivered to the surface without using wet tools to deliver the color component, for example without using wet paint applicators, such as paint brushes, paint sprayers or paint rollers or trays. paint, without having to use stain protections such as tapes or drip rags, without using color component cleaning materials commonly required to wash paint applicators and / or without using liquid volatile organic vehicle carriers such as oil-based solvents for the color component. As a consequence, a color effect can be obtained more quickly and easily while avoiding many problems associated with wet application, as described herein.

Thus, in one embodiment of the present methods, an article comprising a dry color component is applied to an architectural surface. After application and after removal of any removable protective backing included in the article, the remaining part of the article, for example the dry color component, and any adhesive medium, i.e. the adhesive, has a thickness of 0.008 mm to 0 .08 mm (3 mils).

In a preferred embodiment of the present methods, the dry color component is delivered to the surface in the form of a dry color component sheet as described above. Preferably, the dry color component sheet has an adhesive on one surface thereof. Methods according to the invention may also comprise the step of initially adhering the supplied dry color component to the surface, for example by exerting slight pressure on the dry color component sheet to temporarily bond the dry color component sheet to the surface. which must be colored, optionally adjusting the position or alignment of the sheet, and exerting greater pressure on the dry color component sheet to permanently bond the dry color component sheet to the surface to be colored. For example, when the dry color component sheet is provided on an article 10 as described in Fig. 1, pressure can be applied to a surface 15 of the article to adhere the adhesive 14 to a surface to be colored. In article 20 of Fig. 2, pressure is applied to surface 34 when adhesive 24 contacts the surface to be colored to adhere article 20, including dry color component sheet 22, to a surface to be colored.

The articles of the invention can be applied to a surface simply by hand or by using a simple applicator, for example a wallpaper roll and / or a dispenser or other tool. Similarly, any pressure necessary to adhere the articles can be applied manually or with a tool. This pressure can be applied in a single pass or in two or more passes over the article.

Articles and methods according to the invention provide an improved means of providing color to a surface, for example an architectural surface, such as an interior wall, and to avoid many of the drawbacks associated with wet paint and conventional wall wallpaper. The risk of paint dripping and splashing, and the risk of painting undesirable surfaces is eliminated as the dried color component, such as paint, is immobilized or contained before and during application. Therefore, the use of adhesive tapes, drip protection cloths and other protective measures commonly used for floors, furniture and adjacent areas is no longer necessary. Additionally, the articles and methods allow the coloration to be achieved in increments of time and a long continuous period of time is not necessary to perform it. Similarly, the application can be interrupted without inconvenience. Furthermore, since the color component is immobilized or contained in the articles according to the invention, the total amount of color component necessary to achieve the desired result is reduced with respect to conventional wet paint where different collateral surfaces of applicators, tapes pads, drip pads and the like get overpainted. In addition, since the articles can be repositioned before reaching a permanent bond, precise positioning can be achieved and, since the articles are practically free of liquid carriers, shrinkage of the sheets after application is avoided, as is usually the case with wallpapers for walls. Thus, a coupling of the edges of adjacent sheets can be easily achieved. Alternatively, edge coupling problems can be avoided simply by overlapping adjacent sheets.

In view of the above, it will be apparent that articles according to the present invention can be formed by different methods and techniques. One such method is described herein for illustrative purposes only. More especially, as seen in Fig. 3, a small-scale laboratory semi-automatic process is shown. A removable protective backing 100 is provided in roll form that is unrolled to travel through unit 102 through rollers 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, and 114 to form a completed article 116 that is rolled onto a roller. 118. As described in more detail below, cutout portions 120 are directed to roll 122. The removable protective backing 100 is pushed as a band 101 through the unit by a combination of rollers 118 and 122 and a conveyor 124, for example a vacuum conveyor. A

A suitable vacuum conveyor may comprise a continuous conveyor belt with two pulleys having an ordered arrangement of separate holes that are exposed to the vacuum chamber immediately below. Negative pressure (vacuum) is created with a forced air blower. As the tape passes over the chamber, a negative pressure is created in each hole so that the removable backing 100 is securely attached to the tape as it passes over the tape. This effect helps prevent wrinkles in the release liner 100 when the applied color component dries. The speed of the vacuum conveyor can be matched with that of drive rollers 118 and 122 driven by a drive 119. The shaft of a roller 126 from which the removable protective backing 100 is supplied is linked with a friction clutch 128 that can be adjusted to achieve sufficient tension on the belt 101 for smooth travel during the process. A Fife guide unit 130 may be provided to follow the web movement through the unit.

A color component such as wet paint is applied to the roller web 101 adjacent to the release liner 106 using an applicator 132. The paint or other color component may be water-based or solvent-based, as desired. In one embodiment, applicator 132 comprises a # 50 wire wound rod that can be held against roller 106 by spring tension or the like so that web 101 passes between roller 106 and applicator 132. The color component such as paint is introduced into the upstream side of the wire-wound wand applicator 132 by a system 134. The system is fed by tubes 136 from a peristaltic pump 138 that draws the wet paint from a reservoir 140. To form the dry color component sheet, the paint dries on the belt 101, for example as it passes over the conveyor 124 to the vacuum using dryers. In the embodiment of Fig. 3, the dryers comprise two infrared heaters 142 assisted by a forced ambient air duct 144. Air duct 144 can conveniently blow exhaust air from conveyor 124 under vacuum. One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that solvent or other vehicle removed during the drying process can be captured and recycled as desired. Thus, a sheet of dry color component is formed on the release liner backing strip.

An adhesive is then applied to the dry color component sheet on the surface opposite the release liner. For example, in unit 102 of Fig. 3 the adhesive is applied to the surface of the dry color component sheet on web 101 on roll 108 with an applicator 148 which may comprise, for example, a rod wound with No. 20 wire. The wire-wound rod applicator 148 may be held against the roller 108 by spring tension, or the like, such that the web 101 passes between the roller and the applicator. The liquid adhesive is introduced to the upstream side of the wire-wound rod applicator 148 by a system 146. The system 146 is fed by tubes 150 from a peristaltic pump 152 that draws the liquid adhesive from a reservoir 154. The liquid adhesive in a reservoir 154 is continuously agitated with a mixer 156. With the adhesive applied thereon, the web 101 is moved to an oscillating roller 158 covered by a fabric that moves with a reciprocating motion in the direction of the machine over a skid plate 160 to convey a texture to the liquid adhesive applied to the sheet of dry color component on the web 101. A textured adhesive can allow the article to be repositioned more easily before reaching the permanent bond. The adhesive is then dried, for example, by passing the web 101 under an infrared heater 162 on the roll 110.

In a preferred embodiment, the web 101 moves through rollers 112 and 114, one of which is preferably in the form of a rotating blade. In a more specific embodiment, the roller 114 comprises two rotating blades that are disposed adjacent the edges of the web to trim the edges of the web and provide the final article with homogeneous edges. In another embodiment, roller 114 comprises a plurality of sets of rotating blades that are arranged to cut the web into two or more strips and provide smaller sized items adapted to apply color to smaller sized areas, as described above. The resulting article 116 is then wound onto roll 118 while trimmed edges 120 are rolled onto roll 122. As mentioned above, the disclosed unit 102 and the preparation process are illustrative only and variations thereof will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, release agents may be provided in the process in the form of coatings, layers, or the like. Additionally, the dry color component sheet may be provided in the final article in the absence of a release coating. For example, the dry color component sheet can be formed into a processor belt or a former belt and then separated from the processor belt or former belt prior to storage in roll or sheet form.

In an alternative embodiment, the articles according to the invention described, for example, in Fig. 2A can be formed using a modified version of the process, as described above, in which two removable protective backing strips are used. For example, as seen in Fig. 2A, a topcoat composition for forming topcoat 27 may be applied to a peelable backing web by counter-rotating roll coating, extrusion coating, or similar techniques, and dried thereon, for example with heat. A color component can then be applied to the dried top layer, for example by counter-rotating roll coating, gravure coating, printing, or similar techniques, and heat drying. The adhesive may then be applied to a second release liner backing web and then the release liner-topcoat-dry color component may be laminated with the adhesive release liner, the color component being dry and the adhesive. oriented opposite each other. Heat can be provided during this process by any suitable means, including convection or radiation, for example infrared, ultraviolet or the like. One of skill in the art will also appreciate that this method can be used to provide an article that includes a single

ES 2 333 588 T3 removable protective backing, for example as presented in Fig. 2, simply by removing the second removable protective backing from the adhesive once the removable protective backing element-top layer-dry color component and the dry color component have been attached. Adhesive removable protective backing.

Additional or alternative apparatus and / or processing steps will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of this description and are within the scope of the present invention. For example, the color component or adhesive could be applied as a single layer or in multiple layers using different known application techniques, including extrusion, spraying, printing, counter-rotating roll coating, gravure coating, roller application and others known in the art. The layers can have the same properties or several different layers can be used with each other to combine different properties such as color, strength, opacity, and the like. A blocking agent as described above can be applied to the surface of the adhesive and / or can be mixed with the adhesive. Heating can be provided with infrared, convection or radiation apparatus or with other methods known in the art. Texturing can be provided on, or in, one or more layers of the article.

The illustrations and specific embodiments described herein are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the invention defined by the claims. Other embodiments and other examples will be apparent to one skilled in the art in light of this specification and are within the scope of the claimed invention.