Water Transfer Printing

This video shows the fascinating process of water painting or Hydrographics. The video was made by a European company call HG Arts. It is a well-made film that I find mesmerizing. I had never heard of this process before, and wanted to learn more.

Apparently this process is used to decorate items that vary from airplane and automobile interiors to very small items like cell phone cases and video game controllers. Graphic prints can be applied to all kinds of materials including plastic, wood, fiberglass, metal, and ceramics. For the most part, if the item can be dipped in water, the water transfer printing process can be applied.

Steps:

1. Apply primer with sprayer
2. Sand the dried primer by hand
3. Apply basecoat with sprayer
4. Take the film that has the graphic, and cut it to the size of the item to be printed
5. Place cut film in water
6. Spray activator onto film/water
7. Immerse item in prepared water

This process is so fascinating. It makes me want to learn to be a water painter, then paint everything I own!