8.13.1
Surface Design and Surface Protection
Self-adhesive films for the design or protection of surfaces are specially conceived for use on flat or uneven substrates, with or without rivets and recesses, and adjust to any unevenness without too-high a restoring force. This is achieved by careful adjustment of the rheology of the system, which comprises the film, the surface coating and a PSA.
Modern self-adhesive films are easily and quickly applied, without producing any bubbles or wrinkles; this is due to the presence of microscopic air release channels within the adhesive, through which air can escape during application. Tiny glass beads within the adhesive layer allow even large films to be accurately positioned; consequently, even untrained users can easily apply films without producing flaws and significantly reducing the number of rejects.
Special graffiti-resistant films have been developed to protect the outer surfaces of buses or railroad carriages. Markings made with spray-color paint, felt-tip pens or shoe polish can be easily and quickly removed using commercial cleaners. Unlike the situation with paints, no shadow is left behind and there is no need for timeconsuming and costly surface preparation. Another advantage is that, when the sprayers find that a plastic film has been applied they go elsewhere to spray on difficult-to-clean, painted surfaces.
These films confer a clean appearance not only to outdoor applications but also to interior surfaces. Today, in many public transport vehicles the windows are deliberately and needlessly scratched on the inside; applying a scratch — protecting films would prevent such scratching and improve the visibility for passengers.
8.13.2