Table of Contents
What is Hydro dipping film made of?
Hydrographic films are made from polyvinyl alcohol. The film is carefully placed on the water surface of a dipping tank. Once the film is hydrated, you add the activator. This liquefies the ink on the surface of the water.
What type of film is used in Hydrographics?
A PVA hydrographic film, which has been printed on with a desired graphic image using latex or pigment-based inks, is carefully placed on the water’s surface in the dipping tank.
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 expensive is hydro dipping?
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.
What 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.
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 I need a special printer for Hydrographics?
What kind of printer do I need for Hydrographics? A standard inkjet printer is capable of printing hydrographic films. Any inkjet printer from Epson, Canon, or HP will perfectly get your job done. All you need is to ensure that the picture format is well supported.
Can you clear coat over hydro dipping?
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 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.
Does Hydro dip wear off?
Hydro dipping, also known as Immersion Printing, is a process of transferring colors and patterns onto various materials. The resulting look is 360-degrees of awesome. But does hydro dipping wear off? As long as the base paint remains stable, the hydrographics will remain intact.
Can I Hydrodip at home?
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.
How long does Hydrodipping last?
A typical lifespan for the hydrographic film adhered to an item is five to fifteen years. For many types of items that you’d want to hydro dip, this would cover its full lifespan. Items that aren’t handled much, such as a vase or figurine, may have a much longer lifespan.
How durable is hydro dipping?
When an item is hydro dipped, it might take 30-90 days for it to be fully cured, as durability increases. Contact with solvents or other chemicals can damage it during this time of curing. To ensure scratch resistance and durability, use a professional who knows the hydrographics printing process.
Can you use gloss spray paint for hydro dipping?
A gloss paint is ideal for hydro dipping. Rust-Oleum offers a wide selection of colors under high gloss, gloss, and semi-gloss finishes. If you are still looking for matte or satin finish, you can achieve that with your clear coat at the end.
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.
What are good things to hydro dip?
What Are Our Most Popular Items For Hydro-Dipping? Wheels. Are you the kind of person who likes the style of the wheels you own now, but the finish is boring? Paintball Guns. Video Game Controllers. Cellphone Covers. Interior Trim Pieces. Exterior Car Parts. Motorcycles. Motorcycle Helmets.
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.
Can you hydro dip something twice?
Sometimes you’re not happy with your initial hydro dip so you want to give it another coat to cover up the old paint. Or maybe you want to dip more than once to merge multiple graphics and create cool effects. If you’re going to do this make sure your product is dry before dipping again.
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.
