an exemplary thin film appliqué includes a polymer film having first and second sides . a pattern layer has first and second sides , and the first side of the polymer film and the first side of the pattern layer are positioned adjacent each other . a pressure - sensitive adhesive underlies one of the second side of the pattern layer and the second side of the polymer film . a clearcoat covers one of the second side of the polymer film and the second side of the pattern layer that is not overlying the pressure - sensitive adhesive , and thickness of the clearcoat is equalized toward a combined thickness of the polymer film , the pattern layer , and the pressure - sensitive adhesive . the polymer film , the pattern layer , and the pressure - sensitive adhesive exhibit chemical affinity for each other .