Water transfer printing is frequently used to apply decorative trim to vehicle interiors, camouflage patterns to hunting equipment, or eye-catching patterns to products like bike helmets.

Hydrographics, also known as water transfer printing, immersion printing, or water transfer imaging, is an aesthetic finishing process that involves applying printed designs to parts by placing the substrate in a tank filled with water and a soluble printed film. Though water transfer printing is largely performed for its aesthetic results, it also offers increased chemical- and UV-resistance. What’s more, it can be used on metal, plastic, glass, wood, and more, making it an especially versatile option.

The water transfer printing process consists of several basic steps. Once a pattern has been selected, it’s necessary to apply a base coat to the part. The base coat can have a drastic impact on the final look of the product, so it’s important to select the color of this coat based on the desired pattern. Brown or tan base coats are appropriate for patterns like camouflage, while silver or grey is ideal for most metallics.

With the base coat applied, hydrographic film in the desired pattern should be carefully placed on the surface of the water in a dipping tank. The film will dissolve, leaving only the pattern behind. The pattern will be sprayed with an activator, which dissolves the components in the pattern’s colors without affecting the pattern itself.

Then, it’s time to immerse the part in the water. The surface tension of the water creates pressure that enables the pattern to curve around the object and adhere to it. The part should then be removed, dried, and covered in a clear coat to protect the surface.