Credit: PLM
Born in Japan, the land of beauty and delicacy, this technique allows applying a design onto a surface using water. It is called hydrographic printing, also known as water transfer or immersion printing, a method that is widely used in the fashion world for high-level, precise finishes that preserve a surprisingly artisanal dimension.
Also widely used in the automotive sector, in the luxury world it maintains a predominantly manual character, as explained by Elisa Paoloni of PLM, a company from the Marche region that has been specialising in hydrographic printing for 30 years, among the first to introduce it in Italy: «Luxury brands require millimetric precision and great operator experience, which is why everything must be done by hand, ensuring accuracy in positioning and graphic stretching. Each project requires a preparatory study, especially to select the most suitable varnishes for the object, which is often made of different materials that react in various ways».
This printing process allows for the application of a three-dimensional, continuous pattern over the entire object, which, unlike other techniques, is treated in its entirety through hydrographic printing: «We immerse the entire accessory into the tank, avoiding what are perceived as interruptions: in the case of a pair of boots, for instance, the entire upper part with its metallic details, including the heel. This is why experience is crucial: a single mistake in the process means losing the whole item, not just one component».
A process that therefore requires great attention and craftsmanship, preserving the charm of manual gestures, while also ensuring durability and modern performance, thanks to preparatory and finishing treatments that allow the brand to further customise the object with glossy glass-effect or matte varnishes.
