A method for producing a smooth coating on a substrate includes applying a release coating to a first side of a film, applying an application layer to said first side of said film over said release coating, bonding said first side of said film to a first substrate, applying a printable coating to a second side of said film while said first side of said film is bonded to said first substrate, and removing said film from said first substrate leaving said application layer deposited on said first substrate and said printable coating on said second side of said film.