Water transfer printing is a popular method for decorating silicone beads due to its unique advantages. Water transfer printing can be divided into two main methods: watermark transfer and water drape transfer. Each method has its own unique characteristics in terms of the printing process and the resulting effect.
Watermark transfer printing is a relatively simple and low-cost method. First, a design is printed on special water transfer paper. This design can be printed using a variety of printing techniques, such as offset printing and silk screen printing, to achieve a rich variety of colors and clear pattern details. For example, to create silicone beads with simple cartoon characters or text, offset printing can precisely create the design on the water transfer paper. After preparing the printed water transfer paper, soak it in water. The water dissolves the special coating on the paper, allowing the printed film to separate from the paper. Carefully place the silicone beads to be printed under the film and gently move the beads to ensure the design adheres to the surface. Then, apply pressure, scraping, and other techniques to ensure the design adheres firmly. Finally, air dry or simply dry the paper, and the design is firmly imprinted on the silicone beads. Watermark transfer printing is suitable for silicone bead printing with relatively simple, flat designs and low requirements for three-dimensional effects. This method is often used for basic stationery and children's toy decorative silicone beads. It can meet certain mass production needs and is relatively easy to use and simple to use.
Water drape transfer printing can achieve more complex, realistic, and three-dimensional printing effects. Before water drape transfer printing, a special activator is evenly sprayed on the water surface. The activator forms a thin, active chemical film on the surface. Then, the printed water transfer film is laid flat on the water surface, with the design facing down. The water separates the design from the substrate, and the activator rapidly spreads and activates the design, creating a dynamic effect. Next, the silicone beads, which have been pre-treated (e.g., cleaned and primed), are slowly immersed in the water, allowing the design to evenly coat the surface from all angles. This process requires precise control of the angle, speed, and depth of immersion to ensure complete, wrinkle-free adhesion of the design. After removing the silicone beads from the water, they undergo subsequent processes such as rinsing, drying, and spraying with a protective varnish to ensure a more durable print. For example, water-coated transfer printing is highly effective in creating realistic marble textures, simulated metal textures, or intricate artistic designs on silicone beads. This technique imparts unique and high-end decorative effects, often used in high-end jewelry and art objects.
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