Hydrographics, also known as immersion printing, water transfer printing, or camo dipping is a method of applying printed designs to three-dimensional objects. The hydrographic process can be used on metal, plastic, glass, hard woods, and various other materials. In the process, the piece to be printed is pre-treated and a base coat material is applied. The film is printed with the graphic image to be transferred, and is then floated on the surface of water. An activator is sprayed on the film to dissolve it into a liquid. The piece is then lowered into the vat, through the floating ink layer, which wraps around and adheres to it. After removing the piece from the water, a top coat is applied to protect the design.
