Use of a strip to prevent paint applied to a first surface from adhering to a second surface

Abstract

Use of a strip comprising two opposing faces, wherein at least one of the opposing faces comprises a silicone-like material, to prevent paint applied to an area of a first surface from adhering to a second surface by applying the strip with its face of the silicone-like material facing the first surface to a painted area of the first surface when the paint applied to the painted area of the first surface is in a tacky state.

Description

[0001] Title: Use of a strip to prevent paint applied to a first surface from adhering to a second surface

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of painting, in particular painting of structures in buildings, and to the use of strips such as tapes during painting of these structures.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Painters of structures in buildings, such as windows or doors, are constrained by natural elements such as the weather, which influences the drying process of the paint. High humidity, low temperatures, and restricted airflow slow down the drying process. To accelerate the drying process, the painter must resort to measures such as waiting for more favourable weather conditions, thereby limiting the timespan in which door and windows can be painted, and / or using aids such as heating elements or construction dryers, and / or leaving the doors and windows open to be exposed to the air. An additional constraint is safety: doors and windows often must be closed off after the workday has ended, especially if people and / or expensive equipment are inside of the building. The closing of the doors and windows requires that the paint on the doors and windows and their frames have dried sufficiently. If not dried sufficiently, the paint on the window sash or the door panel will adhere to the paint of its frame. This results in damaging of the paint when the door or the window is opened afterwards, e.g., the next day, or even being unable to open the door the next day. In such cases, the painter will have to repaint the doors and / or windows where the paint was damaged. This results in a significant increase in the labour time for the painter, as well as an increase in paint used, which both translate to time inefficiencies and higher costs.

[0006] Present ad-hoc solutions for this problem include spraying the newly painted surfaces with silicone spray, rubbing wax on the newly painted surfaces, placing a sheet of wax paper between the newly painted surfaces by taping it to the surrounding area of the painted surfaces, or using traditional painter’s tape.

[0007] Document US 2013 / 059083 A1 describes a painter’s tape for use after painting an object, e.g., a door. The tape has a conventional adhesive on one side, and a wax or wax-based coating on the opposite side. The tape is designed so that the adhesive side is to be placed against a doorjamb or a windowsill, and the wax side is to be placed against the painted door or window sash, respectively, when the door or window is shut. All of the embodiments of this priorart tape feature a layer of wax-based coating and an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer of the tape is located on the side of the tape which is opposite the side of the tape on which the layer of wax-based coating is located. The adhesive is adequate to secure the tape in a user-defined placement on the doorjamb or windowsill. Thus, the tape is attached with its side on which the adhesive layer is located to a dry surface, i.e. , to a dry doorjamb or windowsill. It is, thus, the adhesive layer of the tape which is used to apply the tape to the doorjamb or windowsill. A “new construction” tape is foreseen, in which an extra delicate release adhesive is employed. After applying the tape with its adhesive to the doorjamb or windowsill, a freshly painted door or window sash is brought into contact with the layer of wax-based coating. This aims to prevent the binding of the door or the window sash to the doorjamb or windowsill, respectively.

[0008] However, these existing solutions have several disadvantages, including that the materials used to prevent the surfaces from adhering to each other cannot be easily removed and / or that the residues are left behind on the painted surfaces, that paint does not continue to dry when the window or door is closed, and that the ease of use is low, i.e., the painter has to spend significant time to apply and remove the materials used in present solutions.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An object of the present invention is to overcome some or all of the identified disadvantages of existing solutions for preventing paint applied to a first surface from adhering to a second surface, or at least to provide an alternative to existing solutions for preventing paint applied to a first surface from adhering to a second surface.

[0011] It is an object of the invention to prevent two surfaces, wherein one or both surfaces being, e.g. newly or recently, painted, from adhering to each other, wherein the solutions are easy to use, and / or do not leave residues behind on the paint, and / or allow the paint to continue to dry when the newly painted surface is, e.g., part of a door or window and the door or window is closed.

[0012] The present invention achieves the object of the invention - according to a first aspect of the invention - by the use of a rollable sheet-like strip having one or both faces of a silicone- like material to prevent paint, which is applied to a first surface and in a tacky state, from adhering to a second surface.

[0013] Worded differently, the present invention achieves the object of the invention - according to a second aspect of the invention - by the use of a rollable sheet-like strip of which at least one of the opposing faces is a silicone-like material to prevent a painted area of a first surface from adhering to a second surface by applying the strip with its face of silicone-like material onto the painted area when the paint of the painted area is in a tacky state. Worded differently, the present invention achieves the object of the invention - according to a third aspect of the invention - by the use of a strip comprising two opposing faces, wherein at least one of the opposing faces comprises a silicone-like material, to prevent paint applied to an area of a first surface from adhering to a second surface by applying the strip with its face of the silicone-like material facing the first surface to a painted area of the first surface when the paint applied to the painted area of the first surface is in a tacky state.

[0014] In relation to all three aspects: The strip may be seen as a tape. Like a tape, the strip is sheet-like, has two opposing faces, and may be provided rolled up into a roll so that the user can unroll a desired length of strip. Rollable also implies that the sheet-like strip is flexible like is usual for a tape. At least one of the opposing faces comprises a silicone-like material or are of a silicon-like material. For example, both opposing faces of the strip comprise the silicone-like material or are of a silicone-like material. For the purpose of all aspects of the present invention, the silicone-like material corresponds to a material which has the properties of silicone, in the sense that the material is hydrophobic and that dry paint does not adhere on it, though the silicone-like surface may (temporarily) stick to paint in tacky state. The material is preferably soft and flexible. The hydrophobicity ensures that water-based paints, as well as water-based contaminants, bead up and roll of the material, preventing absorption and damage. The silicone- like material exhibits non-stick properties or releasing properties, preventing adhesion of paint or other substances. This non-stick or releasing characteristic ensures an easy removal or peeling of from a painted area, leaving the underlying surface intact. The silicone-like material is for example a silicone such as polydimethylsiloxane. The silicone forms a layer that prevents paint from adhering to the strip. The silicone-like material is for example a wax-like material such as a solid alkane. The silicone-like material is for example a fluoropolymer such as polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0015] The strip may for example be a release liner as is used for rolling up a double-sided adhesive tape.

[0016] The strip is preferably a release liner, wherein the silicone-like material is a release agent. The strip has releasing properties such that the strip is releasable from a tacky or sticky surface, e.g., a painted surface, without having adhesion of paint or other substances. The release properties are for example determined with an ASTM D3330 test method. The release liner for example has release properties ranging between about 1-50g / cm, preferably between 1-30g / cm, more preferably between 1-10g / cm. The release properties have to be stable under ambient conditions (e.g., temperature and humidity).

[0017] The silicone-like material has a melting temperature of at least 35 degrees Celsius, preferably a melting temperature of at least 40 degrees Celsius, more preferably a melting temperature of at least 50 degrees Celsius. The melting temperature of the silicone-like material has to be sufficient high to withstand elevated temperatures, e.g., when the strip is used under warm circumstances, such that the strip does not compromise its performance during use.

[0018] In an embodiment, the strip is a solid strip of the silicone-like material. The solid strip is preferably a continuous, uniform and / or solid state piece of material that has a consistent width and thickness along its length. Preferably, the solid strip has sufficient flexibility to conform to curved surfaces and irregular shapes.

[0019] When a first surface and optionally a second surface are painted, first the paint will be in a wet stage. In the wet stage, the paint film is wet and in workable condition. In the wet stage, the state of the paint is such that when the paint is touched, e.g., using a finger, the paint will release from the surface and stick to the finger. During the drying process, the paint goes through various further stages: the skinning stage, the dry-to-touch stage, the tack-free stage, and finally the fully cured stage.

[0020] In the skinning stage, the volatile compounds (start to) escape the paint film, and particles in the paint film tend to come together and float on the top surface of the applied paint film, which creates the skinning. In the skinning stage the paint is partly in a dry-to touch state and the paint film starts to take structure. When the skinning stage advances the paint film gets more and more structure and the paint will get into a tacky state.

[0021] The dry-to-touch stage is the next stage and is very close to the skinning stage. In this stage the paint is semi-dry and some of the additives and solvents may still be present in the paint film mass under the dried top layer of the paint film. In this stage the tacky state of the paint film gradually changes to be less tacky to end in a no longer tacky state.

[0022] Having reached the no longer tacky state after the tack-free time (=duration in which the paint film is no longer tacky), the paint film is in the tack-free stage, in which the paint film can be seen to have dry paint properties. Still some volatile compounds and solvents are present. After the solvents and volatile compounds have fully escaped, the fully cured stage has been reached.

[0023] The tacky state of the paint film starts in the skinning stage, but most of the tacky state of the paint film takes place in the dry-to-touch stage. The tacky state is the state where the dry-to-touch film (still) feels sticky.

[0024] For the purpose of the present invention, a tacky state of the paint corresponds to a state wherein, if the paint is touched (lightly or with pressure), e.g., using a finger, the paint feels sticky, but the paint does not release from the surface to stick, e.g., to the finger. The tacky state is thus an intermediate phase between the initial wet application and the tack free stage / fully cured stage. The tacky state can be defined by parameters such as viscosity, touch sensitivity, or surface adhesion. The tacky state in some examples of the present invention corresponds to a touch-dry state of the paint. ISO 9117-3:2012 provides guidelines for the evaluation of paint coatings, including their drying and hardening characteristics. Specifically, ISO 9117-3:2012 outlines a test method for assessing the through-dry state and the tack-free state of paints. In the context of tackiness, ISO 9117-3:2012 addresses the time it takes for a paint to become tack-free. The test involves touching the painted surface with a specified tool or finger at predetermined intervals to determine when the paint is no longer tacky.

[0025] To determine that the touch-dry state has been achieved, ISO 9117-3:2012 describes a test wherein small glass spheres (ballotini) are placed on the paint film. If these ballotini can be lightly brushed from the surface of the coating without damaging the paint film, the touchdry state has been achieved. ISO 9117-5:2012 defines in table 1 seven (7) drying stages of paint, including drying stages 1-6 wherein the painted surface shows visible changes after a load is applied to the paint with varying pressures. The drying stages 1-6 of ISO 9117-5:2012 may in some examples of the present invention correspond to the tacky state of the paint. In an embodiment, the tacky state of the paint corresponds to a state defined by drying stage 1- 6 of the ISO 9117-5:2012 standard, preferably drying stage 1-3 of the ISO 9117-5:2012 standard, such as drying stage 1 of the ISO 9117-5:2012 standard. A tack free state of the paint, on the other hand, corresponds to a state wherein, if the paint is touched (lightly or with pressure), e.g., using a finger or a tool, the paint no longer feels sticky. In between the wet stage and the tack free stage, the paint is in the tacky state. In an embodiment, the tacky state of the paint corresponds to the paint having developed a skin, e.g., on the first surface, which is partially dry-to-touch.

[0026] The first surface is painted and allowed to dry to a tacky state. The second surface may or may not be painted. If the second surface is painted, the second surface is also allowed to dry to a at least tacky state. In other words, the use of the strip according to the present invention has as a precondition that paint applied to the first surface is at least in the tacky state. It is required that the paint applied to the first surface is in the tacky state, i.e. , the paint applied to the first surface cannot have dried further and thus cannot be in tack free or the fully cured state. The paint on the second surface, on the other hand, may be in the tack free stage or in the fully cured stage.

[0027] The strip is applied with its face of the silicone-like material facing the first surface to a painted area of the first surface to the first surface when the paint applied to the painted area of the first surface is in the tacky state. The application of the strip to the first surface is for example performed by pressing the strip onto the first surface. In an embodiment, applying the strip to the first surface results in the face comprising the silicon-material of the strip adhering to the first surface. The strip cannot be applied to a dry surface, e.g., because it would not adhere to the dry surface but rather would fall off. Since the paint applied to the first surface for example has dried to the tacky state, it may be said that the first surface is still sticky. As a result, when the strip is applied to the first surface, the strip adheres to the tacky paint of the first surface. In other words, the tackiness of the paint applied to the painted area of the first surface ensures that the strip adheres to the painted area of the first surface.

[0028] In an embodiment, the paint is an oil-based paint, a water-based paint, or a lacquer. In an embodiment, the paint comprises a polymer as binding agent.

[0029] In an embodiment, the hydrophobic properties of the strip are such that the adhesion force between the paint applied to the first surface and the strip is less than the adhesion force between the first surface and the paint applied to the first surface. In other words, the strip adheres less to the paint than the paint adheres to the first surface.

[0030] In an embodiment, the strip comprises a carrier layer having the silicone-like material applied on one or both its opposing faces. The carrier layer is preferably a release liner, wherein the silicone-like material is a release agent. The carrier layer, which in some examples is the backing of the strip, is made of a material suitable for a coating to be applied on it. The carrier layer is for example made of a material which is sufficiently flexible for the strip to be rolled up. For example, the carrier layer is made of a paper-like material such as glassine. The paper-like material for example has a thickness of 0.5 mm or less, preferably 0.2 mm or less, more preferably 0.1 mm or less. On the carrier layer of the strip, the silicone-like material is applied, i.e., the carrier layer carries the silicone-like material. For example, the silicone-like material is applied on both opposing faces of the carrier layer, i.e., on both opposing faces of the strip. The silicone-like material is applied to the carrier layer such that it is in a stable state, i.e., it is fully joined with the carrier layer and does not release from the carrier layer under normal usage conditions, i.e., under ambient temperatures.

[0031] In an embodiment, applying the strip to the first surface results in the face comprising the silicon-material of the strip adhering to the first surface. The adherence is achieved for example through pressing the face on the first surface. In other words, the tackiness of the paint applied to the painted area of the first surface ensures that the face comprising the silicon- material of the strip adheres to the painted area of the first surface to which the strip is applied.

[0032] In an embodiment, the second surface, after applying the strip to the first surface, is brought into contact with the other of the opposing faces of the strip. The other of the opposing faces for example comprises the silicon-material. When removing the strip from the first surface and / or the second surface, it is prevented that paint applied to the first surface from adhering to the second surface, and without damaging the paint that was applied to the first surface, and optionally paint that was applied to the second surface.

[0033] In an embodiment, the strip is removed after applying the strip to the first surface. Due to the hydrophobic nature of the silicone-like material, and specifically in those embodiments wherein the adhesion force between the paint applied to the first surface and the strip is less than the adhesion force between the first surface and the paint applied to that first surface, the strip is removed without damaging the paint that was applied to the first surface. This means that, when removing the strip from the first surface, no paint or residue, or an insignificant amount of paint or residue, adheres to the strip. Furthermore, in a variant of this embodiment wherein the strip comprises a carrier layer having the silicone-like material on both its opposing surfaces, the carrier is such that no residue of the silicon-based material remains on the first surface and / or the second surface. Thereby, no further removing of any residues are necessary once the strip is removed. Optionally, the silicone-like material comprises a silicone or an alkane such as a wax. Silicone is preferred because paint does not adhere to silicone, and the silicone does not leave behind any residue when the strip is removed from the first surface and optionally the second surface.

[0034] It was found that the paint applied to the first surface, when the strip is applied to the first surface, continues to dry. Thus, if the strip is applied and left adhered to the first surface for a sufficient amount of time and afterwards removed, the first surface may immediately be used as intended, which may for example include applying a further coat of paint.

[0035] In an embodiment, the second surface, after applying the strip to the first surface, is brought into contact with the other of the opposing surfaces of the strip. This step is applied before the strip is removed from the first surface. When the second surface is brought into contact with the other of the opposing surfaces of the strip, there is no contact between the first surface and the second surface at the location where the strip was applied to the first surface. Therefore, the paint applied to the first surface is not in contact with the second surface. Instead, the paint applied to the first surface is in contact with the one of the opposing surfaces of the strip and the second surface is in contact with the other of the opposing surfaces of the strip. In case the second surface is painted, the paint applied to the second surface is in contact with the other of the opposing surfaces of the strip. The paint applied to the first surface cannot migrate through the strip because the first surface is of the silicone-like material. In case both the opposing surfaces of the strip are of the silicone-like material and paint is applied to the second surface, the paint applied to the first surface can likewise not migrate through the strip. Thereby, the strip being in between the first surface and the second surface prevents the first surface and the second surface from adhering to each other. Due to this non-adherence, when the surfaces are moved away from each other, the paint on the first surface and / or the second surface remains undamaged.

[0036] In an embodiment, the shear strength of the strip is less than the tensile strength of the strip. Thereby, the strip can easily be torn off in a direction parallel to the plane of the strip. For example, when applying the strip, a first end is placed against the first surface and unrolled along the length of the first surface. When reaching an end point of the first surface, the strip is torn off, thereby covering the first surface with the portion of the strip that was torn off. In some embodiments wherein the strip comprises the carrier layer, the shear strength of the strip and the tensile strength of the strip are defined by the shear strength and the tensile strength of the carrier layer, respectively.

[0037] In an embodiment, the tensile strength of the strip is greater than the adhesion force between the paint applied to the first surface and the strip and / or the adhesion force between the paint applied to the second surface and the strip. Thereby, the strip is easily removed from the first surface and / or the second surface. Since the tensile strength is greater than the adhesion force of the paint, a user will not accidentally rip the strip when removing the strip from the first surface or the second surface. Thus, no unwanted pieces of the strip will remain on the first surface and / or the second surface. In some embodiments wherein the strip comprises the carrier layer, the tensile strength of the strip is defined by the tensile strength of the carrier layer.

[0038] In an embodiment, the strip is oblong. The strip for example is in a rolled up form allowing for easy storage and usage. In a variant of this embodiment, the length of the strip is at least four times the width of the strip, preferably at least ten times the width of the strip. In a further variant of this embodiment, the width of the strip is between 5-100 mm, preferably between 20-70 mm, more preferably between 25-45 mm, most preferably between 30-40 mm. The strip in this embodiment and its variants are easy to use and to apply to the first surface. The strip is for example used when the first surface and / or the second surface are part of a door or a window. An oblong, and in particular long, relatively thin strip is in particular suitable for applying on parts of the door or window, for example the frame.

[0039] In an embodiment, the first and the second surface comprise wood, PVC, or metal such as aluminium. Wood-based surfaces are porous, and the choice of paint should consider the type of wood, its grain, and its level of porosity. Proper surface preparation, including sanding and priming, is essential to ensure paint adhesion and longevity. PVC is a synthetic plastic material known for its durability and resistance to moisture and chemicals. However, its smooth and non-porous surface can pose challenges for paint adhesion. Using a primer specifically designed for PVC, followed by a high-quality paint suitable for plastics, helps create a long-lasting and visually appealing finish. For painting aluminium surfaces, proper cleaning, surface etching, and the application of a suitable primer are important. Aluminium surfaces are often painted with acrylic or epoxy-based paints to ensure adhesion and protection against corrosion.

[0040] In an embodiment, the first and the second surface are part of an openable structure comprising a fixed part and a moveable part. In this embodiment, one of the first and the second surface is part of the fixed part, and the other of the first and the second surface is part of the moveable part, and wherein the openable structure has a closed state in which the first and the second surface contact each other. The closed state of the openable structure prevents a user to reach all areas of the fixed part and / or the movable part, such that the user is not able to paint the unreachable areas. Therefore, the openable structure has to be opened towards the opened state to apply paint to an area of the first surface and optionally to an area of the second surface. When closing the openable structure after the paint is applied and the strip is used, it is prevented that paint applied to the first surface from adhering to the second surface, when the structure is opened afterwards, e.g., the next day.

[0041] For example, the first and the second surface are parallel to each other in the closed state and / or the opened state.

[0042] In a variant of this embodiment, the openable structure is a window, the fixed part is a frame of the window, and the moveable part is a sash of the window. The window is for example a slidable window.

[0043] In an alternative variant of this embodiment, the openable structure is a door, the fixed part is a frame of the door, and the moveable part is a panel of the door. The door is for example a hinged door.

[0044] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] The invention is described below with reference to the figures. These figures serve as examples to illustrate the invention and will not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. In the different figures, like features are indicated by the like reference numerals.

[0046] In the figures:

[0047] Fig. 1 : Schematically shows an embodiment of a strip, wherein the strip is used according to the invention to prevent paint applied to a first surface from adhering to a second surface;

[0048] Fig. 2: Schematically shows an embodiment of an openable structure, wherein the strip of Fig. 1 is used; the openable structure being in an open state (Fig 2a) and in a closed state (Fig. 2b).

[0049] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Fig. 1 schematically shows an embodiment of a strip, wherein the strip is used according to the invention to prevent paint applied to a first surface from adhering to a second surface.

[0051] The strip 100 is for example a tape.

[0052] The strip 100 comprises two opposing faces 101 , 102. Both of the opposing faces 101 , 102 comprise a silicone-like material 103 and may be a silicone-like material 103. The silicone- like material 103 corresponds to a material which has the properties of silicone, in the sense that the material is hydrophobic and that dry paint does not adhere to it, though the silicone-like surface may (temporarily) stick to paint in tacky state. The material 103 is preferably soft and flexible. The hydrophobicity ensures that water-based paints, as well as water-based contaminants, bead up and roll of the material, preventing absorption and damage. The silicone- like material 103 exhibits non-stick properties or releasing properties, preventing adhesion of paint or other substances. This non-stick or releasing characteristic ensures an easy removal or peeling of a painted area, leaving the underlying surface intact. The silicone-like material 103 is for example a silicone such as polydimethylsiloxane.

[0053] The strip 100 comprises a carrier layer 104 having the silicone-like material 103 applied on both its opposing faces 101 , 102. The carrier layer 104 is preferably a release liner, wherein the silicone-like material 103 is a release agent. The strip 100 has releasing properties such that the strip 100 is releasable from a sticky surface, e.g. a painted surface, without having adhesion of paint or other substances. The release properties are for example determined with a ASTM D3330 test method. The release liner for example has release properties ranging between about 1-50 g / cm, preferably between 1-30 g / cm, more preferably between 1-10 g / cm. The release properties has to be stable under ambient conditions (e.g. temperature and humidity).

[0054] The carrier layer 104, which is the main body of the strip 100, is made of a material suitable for a coating to be applied on it. The carrier layer 104 is for example made of a material which is sufficiently flexible for the strip 100 to be rolled up. For example, the carrier layer 104 is made of a paper-like material such as glassine. The paper-like material for example has a thickness of 0.5 mm or less, preferably 0.2 mm or less, more preferably 0.1 mm or less. On the carrier layer 104 of the strip 100, the silicone-like material 103 is applied, i.e., the carrier layer 104 carries the silicone-like material 103. The silicone-like material 103 is applied to the carrier layer 104 such that it is in a stable state, i.e., it is fully joined with the carrier layer 104 and does not release from the carrier layer 104 under normal usage conditions, i.e., under ambient temperatures.

[0055] The silicone-like material 103 has a melting temperature of at least 35 degrees Celsius, preferably a melting temperature of at least 40 degrees Celsius, more preferably a melting temperature of at least 50 degrees Celsius. The melting temperature of the silicone- like material 103 has to be sufficient high to withstand elevated temperatures, e.g. when the strip 100 is used during relatively warm conditions, such that the strip 100 compromises its performance during use.

[0056] The strip 10 is for example a solid strip of the silicone-like material 103. The solid strip 103 is preferably a continuous, uniform and / or rigid piece of material that has a consistent width and thickness along its length. Preferably, the solid strip 100 has sufficient flexibility to conform to curved surfaces and irregular shapes.

[0057] The strip 100 is oblong. The strip 100 can be rolled up (see right-hand face of fig. 1) to allow for easy storage and usage. The user can effortlessly unroll the strip 100 to access the desired length, e.g., depending on a painted area of a surface. Furthermore, the strip 100 offers the flexibility for users to employ cutting tools, such as a scissor 105, to precisely cut the strip 100 to the preferred length. Additionally, the strip 100 for example exhibits tearresistant properties, enabling users to easily tear or rip the strip 100 at desired intervals. The combination of rollability, cuttability, and tearability enhances the adaptability and user- friendliness of the strip 100 for a variety of applications. The length L of the strip 100 is for example at least four times the width W of the strip 100, preferably at least ten times the width W of the strip 100. The width W of the strip 100 is for example between 5-100 mm, preferably between 20-70 mm, more preferably between 25-45 mm, most preferably between 30-40 mm. The strip 100 is easy to use and to apply to a painted area of a surface.

[0058] Fig. 2 schematically shows an embodiment of an openable structure in an open state (a) and in a closed state (b), wherein the strip 100 of Fig. 1 is used. In Fig. 2, the openable structure 200 is a casement window. The casement window 200 comprises a fixed part 201 and a moveable part 202. The fixed part 201 is a frame. The frame 201 is typically made of materials such as wood, vinyl, aluminium, or fiberglass. The frame 201 supports the moveable part 202 which is a window sash. The window sash 202 comprises four glass panes 203, wherein (decorative) grilles or dividers 204 are used between the glass panes 203. One face 205 of the window sash 202, being referred as the hinge face 205, is attached to the frame 201 through hinges (not visible). The hinges allow the window sash 202 to swing outward when opened (see arrow 206 in fig. 2a). The casement window 200 further comprises a crank or lever 207 to control the opening, or unlocking, and closing, or locking, of the window sash 202.

[0059] In the shown embodiment, a first surface 208 is part of the window sash 202, and a second surface 209 is part of the frame 201. The closed state of the casement window 200 (fig. 2b) prevents a user to reach all areas of the window sash 202 and the frame 201 , such that the user is not able to paint the unreachable areas. The casement window 200 has to be opened towards the opened state (fig. 2a) to apply paint to an area of the first surface 208. In fig. 2a, the painted area of the first surface 208 corresponds to a face 210 of the window sash 202, being referred as the free face 210, opposite to the hinge face 205. The painted area on the free face 210 is visualised by the black marking. Optionally, an area of the frame 201 is painted, which area of the frame 201 is located opposite to the free face 210 in the closed state. When the paint applied to the painted area of the first surface 208 is in a tacky state, the strip 100 is applied to the first surface 208, e.g., by pressing the strip 100 with its face 101 , 102 comprising the silicone-like material 103 to the first surface 208, resulting in the face 101 , 102 comprising the silicon-material 103 of the strip 100 adhering to the first surface 208. After strip 100 is applied to the first surface 208, the casement window 200 can be closed from the opened state to the closed state. By closing the casement window 200, the second surface 209 is brought into contact with the other of the opposing faces 101 , 102 of the strip 100. The other of the opposing faces 101 , 102 comprises the silicon-material 103.

[0060] By using the strip 100 it is prevented that paint applied to the first surface 208 from adhering to the second surface 209, and without damaging the paint that was applied to the second surface 209, when the casement window 200 is opened afterwards, e.g., the next day, from the closed state to the opened state. When finally removing the strip 100 from the first surface 208 (or, as clear from the disclosure above, from the second surface 209), it is prevented that paint applied to the first surface 208 and / or the second surface 209 is damaged.

[0061] Embodiments and further embodiments of the present invention - which (further) embodiments may be broader than claimed in the claims - may be expressed in words as set out in the following clauses:

[0062] Clause 1] Use of a rollable sheet-like strip of which at least one of the opposing faces is a silicone-like material to prevent a painted area of a first surface from adhering to a second surface by applying the strip with its face of silicone-like material onto the painted area when the paint of the painted area is in a tacky state.

[0063] Clause 2] Use of a rollable sheet-like strip having one or both faces of a silicone-like material to prevent paint, which is applied to a first surface and in a tacky state, from adhering to a second surface.

[0064] Clause 3] Use according to clause 1 or 2, wherein both opposing face of the strip are a said silicone-like material.

[0065] Clause 4] Use according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the silicone-like material is a silicone, such as a polydimethylsiloxane.

[0066] Clause 5] Use according to any one of the clauses 1-3, wherein the silicone-like material is a wax-like material, such as an alkane having seventeen or more carbon atoms.

[0067] Clause 6] Use according to any one of the clauses 1-3, wherein the silicone-like material is a fluoropolymer, such as polytetrafluoroethylene. Clause 7] Use according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the strip is a solid strip of the silicone-like material.

[0068] Clause 8] Use according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the strip comprises a carrier layer having the silicone-like material applied on one or both its opposing faces.

[0069] Clause 9] Use according to clause 8, wherein the carrier layer is made of a paper-like material, such as glassine.

[0070] Clause 10] Use according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein applying the strip to the first surface results in the face comprising the silicon-material of the strip adhering to the first surface.

[0071] Clause 11] Use according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the second surface, after applying the strip to the first surface, is brought into contact with the other of the opposing faces of the strip.

[0072] Clause 12] Use according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the strip is removed after applying the strip to the first surface.

[0073] Clause 13] Use according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the second surface is painted and the paint applied to the second surface has dried to at least the tacky state.

[0074] Clause 14] Use according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the paint is an oilbased paint, a water-based paint, or a lacquer.

[0075] Clause 15] Use according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the tacky state of the paint corresponds to the paint having developed a skin which is partially dry-to-touch.

[0076] Clause 16] Use according to clause 15, wherein the tacky state of the paint corresponds to a state defined by drying stage 1-6 of the ISO 9117-5:2012 standard, preferably drying stage 1- 3 such as drying stage 1, of the ISO 9117-5:2012 standard.

[0077] Clause 17] Use according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the strip is oblong.

[0078] Clause 18] Use according to clause 17, wherein the length of the strip is at least four times the width of the strip, preferably at least ten times the width of the strip. Clause 19] Use according to any one of clauses 17-18, wherein the width of the strip is between 5-100 mm, preferably between 20-70 mm, more preferably between 25-45 mm, most preferably between 30-40 mm.

[0079] Clause 20] Use according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first and the second surface comprise wood, PVC, or metal such as aluminium.

[0080] Clause 21] Use according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first and the second surface are part of an openable structure comprising a fixed part and a moveable part; wherein one of the first and the second surface is part of the fixed part, and the other of the first and the second surface is part of the moveable part; and wherein the openable structure has a closed state in which the first and the second surface contact each other.

[0081] Clause 22] Use according to clause 21 , wherein the first and the second surface are parallel to each other in the closed state and / or in an opened state.

[0082] Clause 23] Use according to any one of clauses 21-22, wherein the openable structure is a window, the fixed part is a frame of the window, and the moveable part is a sash of the window.

[0083] Clause 24] Use according to any one of clauses 21-22, wherein the openable structure is a door, the fixed part is a frame of the door, and the moveable part is a panel of the door.

[0084] This document describes detailed embodiments of the present invention. However, it must be understood that the disclosed embodiments serve exclusively as examples, and that the invention may also be implemented in other forms. Therefore, specific constructional aspects which are disclosed herein should not be regarded as restrictive for the invention, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a basis for rendering the invention implementable by the average skilled person. Furthermore, the various terms used in the description should not be interpreted as restrictive but rather as a comprehensive explanation of the invention. The word "a" used herein means one or more than one, unless specified otherwise. The phrase "a plurality of" means two or more than two. The words "comprising" and "having" do not exclude the presence of more elements. Reference figures in the claims should not be interpreted as restrictive of the invention. Particular embodiments need not achieve all objects described. The mere fact that certain technical measures are specified in different dependent claims still allows the possibility that a combination of these technical measures may advantageously be applied.

Claims

CLAIMS1] Use of a rollable sheet-like strip of which at least one of the opposing faces is a silicone-like material to prevent a painted area of a first surface from adhering to a second surface by applying the strip with its face of silicone-like material onto the painted area when the paint of the painted area is in a tacky state.2] Use of a rollable sheet-like strip having one or both faces of a silicone-like material to prevent paint, which is applied to a first surface and in a tacky state, from adhering to a second surface.3] Use according to claim 1 or 2, wherein both opposing faces of the strip are a said silicone- like material.4] Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the silicone-like material is a silicone, such as a polydimethylsiloxane.5] Use according to any one of the claims 1-3, wherein the silicone-like material is a wax-like material, such as an alkane having seventeen or more carbon atoms.6] Use according to any one of the claims 1-3, wherein the silicone-like material is a fluoropolymer, such as polytetrafluoroethylene.7] Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strip is a solid strip of the silicone-like material.8] Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strip comprises a carrier layer having the silicone-like material applied on one or both its opposing faces.9] Use according to claim 8, wherein the carrier layer is made of a paper-like material, such as glassine.10] Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein applying the strip to the first surface results in the face comprising the silicon-material of the strip adhering to the first surface.11] Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second surface, after applying the strip to the first surface, is brought into contact with the other of the opposing faces of the strip.12] Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strip is removed after applying the strip to the first surface.13] Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second surface is painted and the paint applied to the second surface is dried to at least the tacky state.14] Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the paint is an oil-based paint, a water-based paint, or a lacquer.15] Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tacky state of the paint corresponds to the paint having developed a skin which is partially dry-to-touch.16] Use according to claim 15, wherein the tacky state of the paint corresponds to a state defined by drying stage 1-6 of the ISO 9117-5:2012 standard, preferably drying stage 1-3 such as drying stage 1 , of the ISO 9117-5:2012 standard.17] Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strip is oblong.18] Use according to claim 17, wherein the length of the strip is at least four times the width of the strip, preferably at least ten times the width of the strip.19] Use according to any one of claims 17-18, wherein the width of the strip is between 5-100 mm, preferably between 20-70 mm, more preferably between 25-45 mm, most preferably between 30-40 mm.20] Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and the second surface comprise wood, PVC, or metal such as aluminium.21] Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and the second surface are part of an openable structure comprising a fixed part and a moveable part; wherein one of the first and the second surface is part of the fixed part, and the other of the first and the second surface is part of the moveable part; andwherein the openable structure has a closed state in which the first and the second surface contact each other.22] Use according to claim 21, wherein the first and the second surface are parallel to each other in the closed state and / or in an opened state.23] Use according to any one of claims 21-22, wherein the openable structure is a window, the fixed part is a frame of the window, and the moveable part is a sash of the window. 24] Use according to any one of claims 21-22, wherein the openable structure is a door, the fixed part is a frame of the door, and the moveable part is a panel of the door.

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