Multi-layer dry paint decorative laminate having discoloration prevention barrier

Abstract

A decorative dry paint wall film includes a layer of dry paint, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on one side of the dry paint layer, and a release liner in releasable contact with the dry paint layer on a side opposite from the pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA). The release liner has a matte release coat layer that contacts the dry paint layer. The release liner is released from the dry paint layer after the PSA side is attached to a wall. The matte release coat transfers a matte finish to the dry paint layer when the release liner is removed. The wall film includes a barrier layer to protect against significant discoloration of the color in the dry paint layer caused by migration of azo-type pigments from a painted wall surface. The barrier layer in one embodiment comprises a dry emulsion containing ethylene-vinyl alcohol and a dispersed polymeric material which in one embodiment comprises a urethane material.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10 / 779,528, filed Feb. 13, 2004, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10 / 457,826, filed Jun. 9, 2003. These applications are incorporated herein in their entirety by this reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to dry paint transfer laminates, and more particularly, to decorative laminates or wall films for applying a layer of color to a wall surface. The wall film of this invention resists discoloration caused by pigments or dyes migrating from a painted wall surface into the color-producing layers of the wall film. BACKGROUND [0003] Thin sheets of decorative multi-layer dry paint laminates or wall films may be adhesively applied to a painted surface by a bonding layer, typically adhesive, for applying color to the surface. The wall film of this invention provides an alternative to conventional wallpaper. The familiar steps of a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] Briefly, one embodiment of the invention comprises a multi-layer laminate for providing a layer of color to a painted surface. The laminate includes a decorative dry paint layer and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer for adhering the laminate to the painted surface. The laminate includes one or more barrier layers that slow or stop migration of discoloration-causing pigments or dyes from the surface, through the adhesive layer, to the color layer of the laminate. In one embodiment, the barrier layer will slow or stop discoloration caused by azo-type pigments in interior latex paint.

[0010] One embodiment of the invention comprises a multi-layer decorative wall film having a decorative dry paint layer which includes a color layer of dry paint, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on one side of the color layer, and a release liner in releasable contact with the decorative dry paint layer on a side opposite from the pressure-sensitive adhesive. A barrier layer is positioned between the decorative dry paint layer and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. The pressure-sensitive adhesive is adapted for adhering the wall film to a substrate surface. The substrate surface can be a painted wall surface containing dyes or pigments that can migrate through the adhesive layer and discolor the dry paint layer. In use, the adhesive layer adheres the wall film to the surface under application of pressure, the release liner is peeled away to expose the dry paint layer, and the barrier layer effectively retards migration of pigments or dyes from the surface to the dry paint layer.

[0011] In one embodiment, the barrier layer comprises a thin, flexible layer containing a copolymer of ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) in a form effective for preventing or appreciably retarding migration of discoloration-causing constituents from the painted surface through the adhesive layer to the color layer. Accelerated aging tests on yellow dye migration have shown substantial improvements in discoloration prevention for various forms of the invention, when compared with similar wall films having no such barrier between a color layer and an adhesive layer. One embodiment of the barrier layer comprises a modified EVOH-based barrier coat in which a polymeric material is blended with an EVOH copolymer to form a stable barrier film that improves barrier properties and other functional properties of the wall film. One embodiment in which the EVOH barrier material is blended with a urethane material improves a number of significant performance properties of the wall film. These include mechanical properties such as elongation and tensile strength and inter-layer adhesion, in addition to providing an improved barrier against migrating discoloration-causing agents. The barrier layer also stabilizes adhesive properties by retarding unwanted constituents migrating from the color coat layer into the adhesive layer.

[0012] The barrier layer is particularly useful in retarding transmission of azo-type pigments while present at a low coat weight or film thickness which does not significantly increase the overall thickness of the wall film. Use of the barrier layer provides a means to increase the amount of pigment in the color coat to increase film opacity without loss of flexibility or tensile strength.

Problems solved by technology

The familiar steps of applying wallpaper paste to conventional wallpaper or immersing pre-pasted wallpaper in water are time consuming, messy and require additional cleanup.

For example, azo-type pigments used in wall paints containing yellow pigments as a component, or to a lesser extent, orange or red pigments or dyes, can migrate and cause discoloration.

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