Table of Contents
How to Hydro Dip STEP 1: CLEAN. Using 91% isopropyl alcohol, cleaning cloths and gloves, ensure that the work piece is clean. STEP 3: BASE COAT. Apply the base coat. STEP 2: PRIME. STEP 4: Film placement. STEP 5: FILM hydration. STEP 6: Tape. STEP 7: ACTIVATE & WAIT. STEP 8: DIP.
What do you need for hydrographic dipping?
Step-By-Step Guide to Hydro Dipping Large, deep plastic container (the container will have paint on the inside after the hydro dipping is complete) DIY complete hydrographic printing kit. Object to be dipped. Sandpaper to smooth the surface. Rags. Bucket of mild cleaning solution and water. Vinyl, rubber, or latex gloves.
Can I Hydro dip myself?
It’s the original (and patented) DIY hydro dipping kit. The process formally known as water transfer printing was once only available commercially. MyDipKit was designed for the everyday, do it yourself Hydro Dipping enthusiast. The kit contains the basic supplies needed for processing parts at home.
What liquid do you use for hydro dipping?
Amazon.com: Hydrovator Liquid Hydrographic Water Transfer Activator Hydro Dip Dipping 16oz.
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.
Do you need a base coat for hydro dipping?
Choosing the right base coat color is very important in hydro dipping. So if you are wanting the design to look as intended and usually shown on the product page of where you are purchasing the film, then using a white base coat is usually the best choice unless it is specified that another color was used in the photo.
How much is hydro dipping cost?
Average Costs for Hydro Dipping The average cost for hydro dipping a wheel for a vehicle is roughly $150, and that pricing can vary by as much as 20% – 50%, depending on the type of activator, finish, and labor costs. Hydro dipping fees for guns typically range from $200 to $500, depending on the make and model.
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.
What is the activator for hydro dipping?
INK DRINK FILM ACTIVATOR. INK DRINK Hydrographic Film Activator is an easy to use film activator, compatible with most films on the market. Ink Drink maintains the richness and color vibrancy of your film and activates most films with a single pass (one coat).
How long does hydro dip last?
Hydrographic finishes are very robust and will last for many years under normal use. However, similar to your car finish, the paint can scratch if the product is abused. Scratching the protective clear coat can cause failure to the hydrographic finish.
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.
Do you clear coat after hydro dipping?
STEP 11: CLEAR COAT Clear coating is highly recommended for all hydrographically decorated parts. This helps to seal in the inks and allows for a cleaner finished product. When the dipped part is dry, apply the clear top coating (matte, semi-gloss or high gloss) to finish off your newly dipped hydrographic part.
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 is Hydrographic activator A?
The activator is a chemical that liquefies the ink on the hydro dip film. This liquefies the ink on the surface of the water.
Do you let the primer dry before hydro dipping?
Apply a very light dust coat and leave to dry for 15 minutes. Sand, clean and paint your item in an appropriate primer, and base coat prior to . The base coat is a big part of some hydro dipping patterns as they have a lot of clear parts in and it affects the hue of the finish on solid colour patterns.
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.
Can you Hydro dip one color?
Spray a generous amount of one colour directly onto the water, you can do one big spray in the middle of the container or a few smaller sprays around the surface. Different spray locations will produce different patterns. Don’t overthink it though, the pattern will change quite a bit with each successive spray.
How does Hydrodipping work?
Hydro dipping works by creating a film-like layer of paint on the surface of water that your object is pushed through. The paint is hydrophobic (oil-like) and designed to permanently stick to objects quickly but not to dissolve in the water. So as an object is pushed through the paint binds to the object.
How does a hydro dipping tank work?
How does it work? Printed film is placed on the surface of water in a large tank and then allowed to soak for 1 minute. The film is then sprayed with a chemical known as hydrographics activator that transforms the film into a liquid state. The product receiving the pattern is then dipped into the liquid and rinsed off.
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.
