Water transfer printing, also called hydro printing or hydrographic dip printing, is a fun way to decorate any 3D object that can be submerged in water without getting hurt. Although there are many companies that specialize in creating art with this type of printing for large objects (such as cars or sports teams), it is possible to go through the process on your own and be creative. Purchase a water transfer printing kit online to apply the design of your choice with very little equipment and experience. You can also use spray paint to print unique designs on objects of your choice with this method!
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Use a Water Transfer Printing Kit
Step 1. Buy a kit
Look online for a homemade water transfer printing kit that allows you to transfer a specific print or design to a 3D object (which can be submerged in water without any problems) without specialized equipment. In general, the companies that make these kits offer several designs that you can choose from to customize your kit. A basic home water transfer printing kit will include the following:
- a sheet with design
- an activating medium
- a spray finish
- a spray base
- a universal primer
Step 2. Choose a suitable container
Most kits for personal use do not come with a container that can be used during the dipping process. Choose a waterproof plastic, glass, or aluminum container that is deep enough to completely submerge the object you are printing on. Also, it should be sized to allow 5 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) of space between the rim of the container and the object.
Step 3. Prepare the article
Make sure the object you are going to submerge is free of dust or dirt. Spray it with the primer that came in your kit, just enough to cover it, but not so much that it runs off. Then apply 1-2 light coats of the kit's spray foundation and let it dry for one to two hours.
Before applying primer and primer, use masking tape to cover up the parts of the object that you don't want to have the printed image on
Step 4. Measure and cut the sheet
Measure the size of the object you want to cover, and add 4 to 5 inches (10 to 15 cm) more space on each side. Cut the sheet according to these measurements. Make sure it stays dry during the process, as if you get it wet the image will warp.
Put masking tape over the edges of the foil so it doesn't roll
Step 5. Prepare the container
Fill with hot (but not boiling) water, until full. Pick up the sheet carefully, put two opposite sides together and hold it like a sling. Place the bottom of the sling in the center of the water surface. Slowly lower the sides until the sheet is stretched out over the water.
Step 6. Allow the sheet to hydrate and apply Activator Media
Use your phone or a stopwatch to make sure the foil dissolves for 60 seconds. After this time has elapsed, spray the activator medium that came in the kit evenly over the entire sheet. When covered, it will take 5-10 seconds for it to turn into liquid ink on the surface of the water.
When the foil is fully activated, it will have a distinct shiny appearance and will expand to fill the entire surface of the container
Step 7. Submerge the item
Hold it at a 45 degree angle and slowly dip it into the water. Once fully submerged, match the angle by pressing it into the ink. Your movements must be fluid to get the best results.
Put on gloves before submerging the object. If they didn't come in the kit, buy a pair before starting the whole immersion process
Step 8. Rinse the item
Take it out of the water slowly. Hold it lightly and carefully, and try not to rub the surface. Immediately rinse under cold water for about 3 minutes to remove PVA residue.
Step 9. Apply the finish
After allowing the item to air dry, apply an even coat of the spray finish that came with the kit. Let it air dry before applying a second coat. Repeat the process until you like the finish.
Method 2 of 2: Make Spray Paint Water Transfer Printing
Step 1. Gather what you need
To begin the water transfer printing process, decide what you want to paint, then choose your paint colors and find a waterproof container large enough to hold the object. You can use one color of spray paint or multiple colors to mix them up and create amazing designs with a disposable wooden stick. Purchase an aerosol sealant (available at art or hardware stores) to fix the colorful designs on the object after printing, along with protective gloves.
- The container must be of the necessary size so that the water does not overflow when submerging the object you are going to paint. Good options are a bucket, a large plastic container, or a feeding tube.
- If you do not want the paint to fall into the container you are going to use, cover it with a plastic sheet before adding the water.
Step 2. Prepare the area for painting
If you can, go outside (for example, on the driveway or in the garden) to prevent your home from smelling of spray paint fumes. Make sure all the items you will need are close at hand, as the water transfer printing process can be very quick. Fill the container about ¾ full with warm or hot water, since the ideal temperature for spray paint is between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (10-30 degrees Celsius).
- If you must be indoors, open as many windows and doors as possible, and cover nearby furniture with a plastic sheet.
- Make sure there are no children or pets in the area when you are painting.
Step 3. Apply a base coat
In case some areas of the object are not covered with paint when it is submerged, apply a base of color that shows through. Use spray paint to cover the entire surface of the object and let it dry 2-3 hours before starting the printing process.
Step 4. Spray the paint on the surface of the water
Don't forget to shake the paint can well to mix it before applying it. Hold it 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) from the surface of the water and spray as much as you like until the water is completely covered. Change the colors whenever you want to make your own creation.
Colors will naturally swirl on the surface of the water. If you want to make small swirls, use a wooden dowel to stir the colors until you have a design that you like
Step 5. Dip the object in the container of paint and water
Put on gloves and make sure the object you are painting is free of dust or debris. Then slowly dip it into the container until it is completely inside. Then slowly lift the item out of the water.
If you don't want the object you dunked to get a second coat when it comes out of the water (which could disrupt the swirling pattern of paint), separate the paint on the surface of the water before removing the object from the container. It will be helpful to have someone else take this step
Step 6. Let the item dry
Put the painted object on a plastic sheet or a piece of cardboard to air dry. To make sure it's completely dry, let it sit for several hours before touching it. If you let the item dry indoors, be sure to leave it somewhere safe where children or pets cannot reach it.
Step 7. Use a translucent sealant spray
To keep your water transfer printing looking fresh and clean, spray it with a translucent sealant spray (found at hardware stores with a matte, semi-gloss, and gloss finish). Spray an even layer on the item and let it dry for several hours. Apply it only when the object is completely dry.