Business | Diversification Prepping parts to be printed at Aquagraphix


Richard mentions that he usually uses this method on automotive-based products in this process because he knows it works and will provide a long-lasting finish. However, you can print on almost anything that won’t disintegrate in water.


WHAT YOU CAN PRINT ON Most people assume that anything can be printed on; however, hydro printing is slightly different. Richard said: “There are only three rules when it comes to this. It has to be able to get wet without being damaged, and it has to be able to be painted without getting damaged. Finally, it must fit in your tank of water.”


The most common items that are hydro printed are automotive parts, sporting goods and tech accessories, such as phone cases.


and Richard and his brother have created a ‘one-stop shop’ for all things water transfer printed, including their own training programme, which helps novices start understanding the processes and intricacies of water transfer printing.


THE PROCESS As the method of water transfer printing doesn’t use the traditional process of modern printers or technology, it focuses more on the skill of steady hands and keen sight to make sure that the print is transferred correctly and smoothly.


When speaking to Eve Walsham, one of the owners of Aquagraphix Custom Coatings, she mentioned that water transfer printing requires “a spray booth to apply the primer, paint and clear coat, a large tank which heats the water for the actual hydro dipping process and skill.” The precision required to make sure that the pattern or image is precisely applied takes skill curated over a period of time and considerable effort. Richard commented: “People often mistake water transfer printing as being a simple process that just involves the dipping stage. “This is because on platforms such as YouTube, people only show part of the story, usually a 10-second clip of the moment the item passes through the film and is transformed, as this is the most glamorous stage.” The process that Richard uses in his dedicated hydro dipping business is: • Sanding to remove imperfections and give a better surface to paint.


• Surface-specific primer (plastic primer for plastics or etch primer for bare metals).


• High build primer to remove imperfections. • Wet sand the high build primer to give a nice smooth surface finish.


• Apply base coat paint (solvent-based and never gloss). • Hydro print the item: - Lay your film on the water and soak until ready - Apply hydro graphics activator to the film and allow it to penetrate the ink


- Pass your item through the film on top of the water


• Rinse your item. • Dry thoroughly. • Apply a tough lacquer to the item. • Buff and polish the item for a flawless finish.


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WHERE DOES THIS FIT IN THE WORLD OF WIDE-FORMAT? Well, there is no easy fit with this one, but that doesn’t mean it’s not fruitful for your current wide-format business. Just as you would create bespoke printed items for clients, this is just another offering that can be provided that could create one-of-one pieces. Richard mentions that water transfer printing is an


“ever-growing industry” with “opportunities arising all the time” and that for those who do not have anyone in their area that is currently offering that service, it would be a possible idea to start. Unfortunately, it’s not quite as easy as picking


up a spray can and letting your imagination shine – although as Richard says you would be “halfway there” – there is a lot more in time, machinery and skills that go into producing water-transferred printed pieces. However, for those looking for a new way to


diversify and still offer bespoke pieces, water transfer printed items could be a game changer.


Water transfer printed helmet from Aquagraphix


IT’S IMPORTANT THAT PEOPLE DO REALISE, HOWEVER, THAT THIS IS A SKILL LIKE ANY OTHER AND TAKES TIME TO LEARN ALL THE NUANCES OF WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A SUCCESSFUL WATER TRANSFER PRINTING COMPANY


– Richard Chippendale, director of Hydro Style UK Supplies


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