Water Transfer Printing 101

One of the easiest methods of printing theseWater transfer printing often involves the use of
days is known as hydrographics, which is alsopolyvinyl alcohol or PVA film that is known to
referred to as water transfer printing. Thishave excellent adhesive and emulsifying
method of printing involves the transfer of flat orproperties. It is also odorless and more
two-dimensional designs and prints on surfaces ofimportantly, non toxic. An ink pattern or design is
objects with water as the transfer medium. Whileusually printed on the PVA film with the help of
this appears to be easy, many people are still notrolling drums, similar to those used in printing
familiar with this method of transfer printing. Andnewspaper, magazines, and other print media.
in fact, most people have not heard of this, norWhile there are several designs that can be used
are they familiar with the concept of how thisin this transfer printing process, most people
transfer printing method is done.prefer to use repeating patterns to make
You might be wondering what kinds of prints andsomething look like they are made from some
patterns have been placed on objects throughother material.
water transfer printing – and there are quiteThere are certain steps that must be observed
many. If you are familiar with late model cars orto prepare objects for hydrographic printing. It is
trucks with wood grain accents in the passengerimportant that the object that must be printed is
interior, they are most likely done using theabsolutely free of dirt and grease to ensure
hydrographic process. There are also autoproper adhesion and a flawless finish. After the
manufacturers that use this method of printing topattern or design has been transferred, you have
make their OEM pieces look more like real woodthe option to have it scuffed or sanded. This will
because this method can be quite cost effective,enable a mechanical bond to exist between the
more durable, and can help in conserving naturalobject and primer paint coat.
resources. This method of transfer printing is alsoTry to consider looking into hydrographic or water
often used to camouflage guns, rifles, bows, andtransfer printing if you have plans of updating how
other hunting equipment. This transfer process isobjects look. This process is quite easy and it is
also widely used in giving vehicles a customizedvery likely that you can learn how to do it right
look.away.