Water Transfer Printing

About The Process

Water transfer printing is the transferring of ink patterns and designs to 2-and 3-dimensional objects while dipping it into water. The process is often referred to as water transfer imaging, Cubic Coating or Hydro-Graphics.

Some common applications include decorated wood grain and carbor fibre to interior vehicle trim and dashes, camouflaged firearms and all-terrain vehicles, illusion patterns like flames ands skulls to motorcycles, etc. The process can be applied to any object that can be painted that will not be harmed by being immersed in water momentarily. Items can be altered to resemble woods, metals, stones, camouflages, and many other illusionary designs.

How does it work?

All products to be processed go through a special preparation prior to "dipping" which is dependent upon their material make up. After preparation a thin film with the desired ink pattern is floated on top of a tank of water. Activator is applied to the ink film which hydrates the ink and then the object is pushed through the ink into the water. The water transfers the ink pattern tightly around the object, following the smallest of details and ensuring complete coverage.

Technical Features

Water transfer printing can be applied to most hard-surfaced materials and substrates including:

Plastics

ABS, PC, PS, PU, PP, PE, PVC, EVA

Woods

Hard and soft wood species as well as sealed MDF

Metals

Iron, copper, aluminum, steel, and various kinds of casting alloy

Porous

Ceramics, porcelain, and glass

Resins

Fiberglass and other poured resins

Compounds

Compound materials of carbon fiber

Film Patterns

Visit our Pattern Gallery to see our available film patterns.