QA

Quick Answer: How To Make Hydro Dip Activator

What can you use as an activator for hydro dipping?

The other type gives you more time to do the dipping. It is good for a beginner to use. Although each manufacturer has its own blend, the common ingredients in activators are xylene, isobutanol, butyl, methyl acetate and methyl ethyl ketone. The fast-acting activators swap methyl ethyl ketone for ethyl isobutyl ketone.

Do you need activator to Hydro dip?

Under and over activating are two of the leading causes in problems with hydro dipping. You are not applying a layer of paint, you just need enough activator (with a fine mist, fan pattern spray) to cover the film lightly.

How do you activate hydro dipping?

Spray the activator from side to side holding the gun approximately 12-18” from the surface in an overlapping pattern as typically done when laying down a consistent path of activator with other films. The speed this is done will determine the amount of activator being deposited.

How do you make Hydro dipping ingredients?

This application method is decades old, and requires 5 basic ingredients: paint, hydrographic film, water, activator, and a protective clear coat.

What chemical is hydro dip activator?

Composition of Activator Xylene – 42% Isobutanol – 5% Butyl – 17% Methyl acetate – 28%.

What primer do you use for hydro dipping?

Any paint requires a good primer to stick to, and a clear coat to seal the paint in after and offer ultimate protection. Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Flat White Primer is the go-to for hydro dipping.

What temperature should water be for hydro dipping?

The ideal water temperature range for hydrographic dipping is 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is aerosol activator?

Product description. Stick Fast CA Aerosol Activator is a specially formulated, misting activator. It’s designed to minimize the potential for over application of accelerator during the finishing process which can cause CA to foam or discolor.

Can you hydro dip without primer?

Through a chemical interaction, the design becomes part of the object. Hydro dipping produces vivid colors, and every part of the object is covered with the pattern. You can also hydro dip wood, but you should exercise caution because the process may warp the wood if you do not use a sealer primer.

How do you seal hydro dip?

Use a clear, spray sealant. To keep your hydro dip paint looking fresh and clean, spray it with a clear spray sealant (available in hardware stores in matte, semi-gloss, or gloss finish). Spray an even coat over the object and let it dry for several hours. Apply the sealant only after the object is completely dry.

What clear coat do you use for hydro dipping?

TWN’s clear coats are specifically designed for hydrographics. No matter your project or application, we have a clear coat with the unique characteristics that you need to create a long-lasting finish. CCI clear coats are the ultimate clear coat for sporting goods items.

What kind of spray paint do you need for hydro dipping?

You can hydro dip any item with a nonporous surface — all you need are a few simple supplies! Step 1 – Using your 2x Rust-Oleum Spray Paint prime the item that you are going to Hydro Dip. Allow that to dry.

What can I Hydro dip?

Hydrographics can be applied to many types of substrates including plastic, fiberglass, wood, ceramics, and metal. For the most part, if the item can be dipped in water and can be painted using traditional techniques, then the hydrographic printing process can be used.

What do you need to Hydro dip with film?

Step 1 — Cut out a piece of film. Roll out the sheet of film and lay your object on top. Step 2 — Apply masking tape to film. Now apply strips of masking tape to opposite sides of the film. Step 3 — Float film on water. Step 4 — Spray film with activator. Step 5 — Dip thing. Step 6 — Cleanup.

When you hydro dip do you use hot or cold water?

A lot of people simply fill up a bucket with cold water and then try to hydro dip. While this still works the results won’t be as good because the water is too cold and makes the paint stiffer. Ideally you want the temperature of your water to be between 75-90ºF (23-33ºC). Basically a lukewarm temperature.

Can you hydro dip without spray paint?

However, you’ll need to be more careful using the spray can because spraying too close can form air bubbles on the surface, leading to undesirable patterns. People would often ask, can you hydro dip without spray paint? Yes, you can.

How long does it take for something Hydro dipped to dry?

Step 2: Paint the Base Coat Be sure to avoid any fingerprints for a smooth finish, and avoid spraying the concrete at school to keep everyone happy in the process. After a full base coat is applied, it will take about 24 hours for the paint to dry.

Who is activator?

1. a thing or person that activates. 2. Chemistry. a substance used to induce or accelerate a chemical reaction.

How do you Hydro dip with acrylic paint without borax?

(If you don’t have Borax, you can also use liquid starch , or add a couple drops of dishwashing liquid to the water. The Borax, liquid starch or dishwashing liquid helps the color to adhere to the paper.) Use ramekins or plastic cups to water down acrylic paints – about a teaspoon of paint to a couple drops of water.

Can u Hydro dip glass?

These hydro dip glass bottles are colorful and unique and the paint technique is easy. You will never get the same paint finish twice with hydro dipping. I have photos, a tutorial, and a video showing the process. Definitely watch the video because the technique is so much easier to follow.

How long after hydro dipping can I clear coat?

The clear coat should be allowed to dry for at least 8-24 hours. Your item will be ready to use when the clear coat is no longer tacky to the touch and has sufficient time to fully cure out.