A surface appearance simulation system includes a carrier web or fluoropolymer film, an overcoat layer disposed on the carrier web or fluoropolymer film, a pigment layer having one or more inks forming a design on the overcoat layer, and a ground coat layer. The carrier web supports the overcoat layer, the pigment layer and the ground coat layer during application of the ground coat layer with a surface of a target object prior to removing the carrier web from the overcoat layer with the carrier web directly abutting the overcoat layer without one or more slip additive materials between the carrier web and the overcoat layer prior to removing the carrier web.