Table of Contents
How big of a container do you need to Hydro dip?
A square or rectangular container is the most desired configuration. The container should be of a size that when you lay your desired part to be processed in the center of the container, you should have two to three inches of space between the sides of the container.
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.
How does a hydrographic 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.
Is Hydro dipping cheap?
The process is still hands-on, which is why it is not cheap. While machines can apply paint or sew stitches for customizing different products, hydro dipping still requires a lot of hands-on work. When you pay for hydro dipping, you are paying for quality materials and the technician’s expertise.
What is a hydro dipping tank?
Hydro-Dip is the #1 location in the nation for purchasing hydro dip tanks. Our dip tanks are designed and manufactured in the USA. Made from high-quality components designed to last for decades, our tanks regulate temperature, filter debris quickly, and allow for beautiful dipping for years to come.
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 do you dip pots in paint?
Hydro means water, and this technique involves using water and spray paint. The paint sits on the surface of the water, and then an object (shoes, pots, etc.) are dipped into the water. The paint sitting on the surface of the water sticks to the object being dipped and voila!May 30, 2020.
Do you need a base coat for hydro dipping?
Providing a nearly permanent base coat is essential to hydrographics. Make sure the surface dries thoroughly after applying the base coat for best results. This gives you a more durable finish that looks fantastic and will last for years.
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).
Can you Hydro dip without activator?
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. Not all activators are the same. We recommend HydroVator with all out films.
How do you hydro dip sheets?
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.
Is Hydro dipping durable?
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 you hydro dip at home?
While there are many companies specializing in hydro dip art for large items (e.g. cars and sports equipment), it’s possible to do the process on your own and be creative. Purchase a home hydro dip kit online to apply a design of your choice, with minimal equipment or experience.
Can you hydro dip plastic?
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.
Can you hydro dip wood?
Step 1: Prepare Your Wood Just like any paint job, before hydro-dipping you need to prepare your work. I dipped this natural wood skateboard, as it had a light coat of protective that was easy to sand away. Using an 80 grit sandpaper I blasted through the clear protective coat and got down to the raw wood underneath.
Can you hydro dip with spray paint?
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.
Do you need borax to hydro dip?
You’ll need a wide and deep tub or bucket to be filled with warm water, borax, primer, enamel paints, pipettes to lay the paint, and a stirrer. Additional supplies you might want are a base coat, a gloss or matte top coat, and a thermometer.
