1) FILM / PATTERN SELECTION
Customers choose a specific pattern from a selection of over 500 available standard films. The patterns are printed on a special PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) film.
2) ITEM PREPARATION / PRIMING / BASE COATING
Items are properly prepared for the decorating process. Many plastics and metals require a special adhesion promoter to ensure proper bonding. Automotive grade primer is then applied to further ensure the best possible adhesion. Items are then base coated in the appropriate color(s) with special paint made specifically for this process.
3) PATTERN ACTIVATION
The selected printing film is carefully placed in a specialized water tank for water transfer print decorating. The film is then sprayed with a special activating agent. This activator does several things (1) The activator acts as a suspending agent keeping the pattern on the top of the water (2) Reactivates the ink of the pattern back to its liquid state (3) Promotes bonding to the base coat(s) during the dipping process.
4) PATTERN TRANSFER PROCESSING
Your item is now slowly immersed through the pattern into the water. The water pressure acts as a smoothing agent to completely cover the item being decorated. This technology offers a state of the art 3 dimensional painted finished product.
5) WASH STATION
The newly decorated item is now thoroughly washed with warm clean water to remove any / all remaining film residue and then placed aside and allowed to completely dry.
6) SEALER / TOP COAT
After each item is inspected, decorated items are now sealed by a special top coat to create a highly durable finished product. Items can be finished with a “dead flat” clear, satin (semi-gloss), and high gloss finishes. Sure grip (also known as velvet touch) finish is also available and is very popular on firearms and archery equipment.