How does water transfer printing work?

The process utilizes a water-soluble film that contains the printed patterns. The film dissolves in the water and leaves the ink on the surface. In the typical process, the item to be printed is first coated with a primer or an adhesion promoter.

What is the hydro dipping process?

Hydro dipping is the process of decorating an item with complicated or precise patterns by dipping it into water with a film floating on top. The graphic or pattern on the film adheres to the part perfectly and completely, no matter its shape.

What is water transfer paper?

Water transfer printing, also known as immersion printing, water transfer imaging, hydro dipping, watermarbling, cubic printing, Hydrographics, or HydroGraphics, is a method of applying printed designs to three-dimensional surfaces. The resulting combinations may be considered decorative art or applied art.

What is Hydrographic design?

Hydrographic Printing, also know as Water Transfer Printing, allows patterns and designs to be applied to any shaped objects. Any object that can hold a base coat and be safely submerged in water can be dipped.

Is Water Transfer Printing durable?

Hydrographic finishes are very robust and will last for many years under normal use. However, similar to your car finish, the paint can scratch if the product is abused. Scratching the protective clear coat can cause failure to the hydrographic finish.

How do hydro graphics work?

Hydro dipping is a way to transfer graphics to objects without expensive printing equipment or paint. The process works by placing a special film on the surface of the water. A chemical solution is sprayed onto the film, which causes the film to dissolve into the water.

What materials can be hydro dipped?

Hydrographics can be applied to many types of substrates including plastic, fiberglass, wood, ceramics, and metal. For the most part, if the item can be dipped in water and can be painted using traditional techniques, then the hydrographic printing process can be used.

What is Hydro coating?

The process of hydro dipping uses hydro(water) and paint filament to coat any type of material that has a base coat. In this process we concluded that you should: Invest in Rusto Gloss Paint (or another higher quality paint) Cheaper spray paint will separate and will not blend with the base coat.

What kind of paper is used for hydro dipping?

PVA paper
This type of PVA paper is called “Water Transfer Paper” and it’s mostly used for Hydro Dipping. PVA is the same material you can use for 3d printing dissolvable supports. It smells a lot like elmer’s glue and dissolves fairly well in hot water.

What material is used for hydro dipping?

The process of hydro dipping uses hydro(water) and paint filament to coat any type of material that has a base coat.

What kind of paint is used in hydro dipping?

What are the best paints for hydro dipping? Most commonly, spray paint is used when hydro dipping at home. However, you can also use acrylic paints and oil-based paints made for use on different surfaces. The paint you use will depend on the desired look and finish, but spray paint is probably best for beginners.

What is hydrographic water transfer printing?

What is Hydrographic Water Transfer Printing? Hydrographic Printing, also know as Water Transfer Printing, allows patterns and designs to be applied to any shaped objects. Any object that can hold a base coat and be safely submerged in water can be dipped.

What is water transfer printing activator?

After being carefully placed on the surface of the water, this film is activated by spray, with a special liquid that is identified as the Water Transfer Printing Activator which allows the colors and designs present in the graphics to be transfered perfectly to the surface of the component that will go to to be immersed later.

How do you use 3D film transfer prep hydrographic?

3 Film Transfer Prep Hydrographic film is carefully placed on the water’s surface in the dipping tank. The film is water soluble, and dissolves, leaving only the pattern floating on the water. Surface tension will allow the pattern to curve around any surface.

How do you apply water transfer prints?

Simply clean the item, buff it, and apply a base coat. After that, dip it (applying the pattern), rinse, dry and clear coat. The Liquid Print Water Transfer Process is easy to learn, and the results are outstanding. Here’s how the Hydrographic Process works: