Table of Contents
How do you use hydrographic film?
The hydrographic dip film is floated on the surface of a tub of water. It dissolves into a layer of paint floating on top the water. When you dip an object into it, the paint conforms and sticks to the surface. The hydro dip film process works best with objects that have flat or gently curved surfaces.
How do you activate hydro dip film?
To do the test wet your index and thumb finger and pinch the film on the corner, the side that sticks to your fingers is the PVA side and this side goes down on the water. Spray your Hydrovator Activator evenly at a steady pace. We recommend doing one even coat. Watch for the film expand and glass over.
Which side of Hydro dip film goes down?
WHICH SIDE DOWN DO I LAY MY WATER TRANSFER PRINTING FILM? We always test which way to lay our film down by licking our thumb and fore finger and pinching the film. The side that sticks to the moisture on your finger or thumb is the side which is water soluble and this is the side which faces down in the water.
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.
How does hydrographic dipping 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.
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.
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.
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 Hydrographic activator?
The activator is a chemical that liquefies the ink on the hydro dip film. This liquefies the ink on the surface of the water. You dip the item, and the water’s surface tension allows the pattern to wrap around your three-dimensional item.
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.
Do you hydro dip with hot or cold water?
The ideal water temperature range for hydrographic dipping is 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can you hydro dip 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 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 long does the hydro dipping process take?
Car polish and compounds can be used to polish or remove small marks as required. How long does the Unique Hydro Dipping process take? Turnaround for hydro dipped items is usually around 7 days.
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.
How is Hydrographic film made?
The film is floated over the top of the tank and then a liquid activator spray is applied. The activator dissolves the PVA backing on the film and it re-wets the ink on top of the PVA. The part is dipped into the tank transferring the wet ink to the part. The PVA is then washed form the part leaving only the ink.
What primer is needed for hydro dipping?
Primer and Clear Coat Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Flat White Primer is the go-to for hydro dipping.
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 long does it take for a hydro dipped nerf gun to dry?
Apply 1-2 light coats of the base coat spray provided in your kit, and leave the item to dry for one or two hours.
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 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 does the activator do in hydro dipping?
Activator is the key element in the hydro dipping process. It is a chemical so integral to the process of hydro dipping that it acts as a key difference between successful and unsuccessful dips. The activator is applied to the film to make it dissolve and turn the film ink into liquid.
What is Hydrographic 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 should base coat dry before Hydro dipping?
Most manufacturers of hydrographic dipping film recommend that you wait for a minimum of 20 minutes to eight hours after the painting step to do the dipping step. That’s because the paint needs to be a little soft in order for the hydrographic film to adhere to the item but hard enough to be handled.
Is hydro dipping easy?
How Do You Hydro Dip? When you have a complete hydro dipping kit, the process is easy and fun. You can use the patterns that come with the kit or have a custom pattern applied to the film. You fill a container with water and lay the film on the surface.
Do you let the primer dry before hydro dipping?
Next in the hydro dipping process you want to apply the primer. Onto the next step in your hydro dipping project. Wait for 15 minutes at 20 degrees c for the part to be fully dry before moving on to the next step.
