Water Transfer Printing, or hydrographics, is a surface
decorating process where elaborate graphics like wood grain, carbon fiber,
camouflage, and designer prints are applied to a 3-D product’s surface.
The Water Transfer Printing process is used extensively to
decorate items that range from entire all-terrain vehicles and car dashboards
to small items like bike helmets or other automotive trim. Films can be applied
to all types of substrates including plastic, fiberglass, wood, ceramics, and
metal. For the most part, if the item can be submerged in water, it can be
dipped using Water Transfer Printing technology.
The process utilizes a water-soluble film that contains
complex patterns printed in ink. The film dissolves in the water and leaves the
ink on the surface. In the typical process, the item is first coated with a
primer or an adhesion promoter. After the primer is dry, a base-coat paint is
applied which controls the hue of the pattern. Many hydrographic films are
transparent which means you can achieve unique designs by customizing the base
coat colors. For example, wood grain films often utilize a brown base coat and
many camouflage patterns use a required base coat color to maintain the
integrity of the pattern.
After the base coat is applied, the item is ready for
decorating. The film is activated. The item is then dipped into the water and
the ink wraps around it. Excess PVA residue is then washed off, the part is
dried, and a clear top coat is applied.
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