Table of Contents
What is Hydrographic 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 kind of film do you use for hydro dipping?
The film used in hydro dipping produces a quality and custom finish for any OEM parts. Special inks are printed onto a large roll of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) film. This clear film is water-soluble, which means it will start to break down when floated on water and the activator chemical is applied.
How are Hydrographics made?
Hieroglyphs were written on papyrus reed, which is a water or marsh plant, with tall straight hollow stems. The reeds were flattened, dried, and stuck together to make pages. The Egyptians also carved hieroglyphs onto stone and painted them on the walls of the tombs. What did Ancient Egyptians use to write with?.
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 materials do you need for hydro 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.
What is the activator used in Hydrographics?
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).
Do I need an activator for hydro dipping?
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 does Hydrodip 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.
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.
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 you Hydro dip a pistol?
Hydro Dipping and GunSkins both enhance the surface of your gun for the better. Both require effort from the end user as is the nature of any do-it-yourself kit. Hydrographics is a relatively costly and complex process that is very permanent.
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 I 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 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 I start a hydro dipping business?
How to Start a Hydro Dipping Business You’ll need to create your business identity. Secure your business location. Find a film supplier. Make sure that you practice. Make sure that you invest into copyrights. Make sure that you have stunning signage. Find a product that really makes you stand out.
Who is activator?
1. a thing or person that activates. 2. Chemistry. a substance used to induce or accelerate a chemical reaction.
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 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.
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.
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.
Is Hydrographics permanent?
Hydrographics, otherwise known as Hydro dipping, is paint based printing process. Once your item is painted and hydro dipped, they are protected with an automotive grade clear coat, whilst this is a permanent change, if you ever did change your mind, you could simply paint over it.
