Water transfer imaging, also referred as "water transfer printing" and "cube coating", is the process of applying a decorative ink pattern to a solid three dimensional substrate. The types of substrates that this process can be applied to are metals, plastics, composites like fiberglass and carbon fiber, woods, and ceramics.
The object being decorated goes through several stages. First it is sanded and cleaned, it is then given a coat of primer formulated to the substrate. A base colour is applied and the object is dipped in the pattern of choice. After it is dry the final stage is clear coating the object.
The actual "dipping" process involves cutting the film to size and laying it on a tank of water. The film backing dissolves leaving a only the dehydrated ink pattern floating on the water surface. This ink is sprayed with a releasing agent which hydrates the ink to liquid. The object being dipped is then pushed through the ink into the water. The water pushes the ink into all of the areas of the object completely covering it in the ink pattern. The object is then removed from the water and given a final rinse before moving to a drying area.
Until next time,
Imagine it.....Dip it!
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