Water transfer printing

[1] The exact origin of the water transfer printing process is unclear, though it shares some basic qualities with the traditional Japanese paper marbling method, suminagashi.

"[2] An earlier Japanese claim for the invention of "cubic printing" was made by the company Taica in August 1974.

For the most part, if the item can be dipped in water and can be painted using traditional techniques then the hydrographic printing process can be used.

A PVA hydrographic film, which has been printed on with a desired graphic image using latex or pigment-based inks, is carefully placed on the water's surface in the dipping tank.

[8] The adhesion is a result of the chemical components of the activator softening the base coat layer and allowing the ink to form a bond with it.

A hydro dipped automotive wheel rim
Before laying the hydrographic film on top of the water's surface, it works best to cradle the film roll one corner slowly and smoothly onto the water to the other corner. Avoid getting any air bubbles under the film. [ 10 ]
A substrate should typically be dipped at about a 45° angle. [ 11 ]