Custom Film Instructions

How to Get Started With Hydrographics When you like to show off your personal style, consumer goods can seem too mundane. A standard leather baseball glove, ceramic platter, glass vase, or metal knife might be too boring for your tastes. You can add a personal touch to just about any product by applying a hydrographic film to it. Hydrographics have been around for a while, but now the supplies are more available and affordable for everyday people to try the process. Here’s what you need to know about how hydrographics work and some tips on getting started with your first project. Know What Hydrographics Are Hydrographics are films that allow you to coat a three-dimensional item. These films are used on items that won’t get damaged by water. For example, a knife, rim, or steering wheel can be hydro dipped. The film creates a chemical bond with the paint on the item. This allows the film to remain in place after dipped. A clear coat is applied on top of the dried film for additional protection. Prepare an Item for Hydrographic Dipping Before you do a hydrographics project, you’ll need to prepare the item. The product needs to be free of oil and grease. These substances prevent paint and hydrographic film from adhering to the item you want to dip. Measure your item and cut the film big enough to fit it. Choose a vessel for the water. A dishwashing tub, cooler, or glass washtub may be a good choice. Understand the Painting Step Before you can hydro dip, you need to paint the item. All hard items need to be painted. This includes knives, rims, vases, and similar items. Use high-quality paint as recommended by the manufacturer of the hydrographic film. You may want to use an epoxy primer before applying the paint. Use lighter coats of paint on each coat. You may need several coats to get full coverage of the paint. Allow the paint to dry between coats. Dip the Item Once the paint is dry, prepare your hydro dipping tank. Heat the water to the required temperature. Most manufacturers require the water to be at 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Apply the film to the surface of the water. Make sure you hav the correct side of the film on the water. The side of the film that sticks to your finger when wet goes down on the water. Wait 60 seconds for it to hydrate. Spray the hydro film activator. Allow it to react and glass out the film. Dip the item at a 45-degree angle at a steady downward pace. Finish the Project After dipping the item in the tank with the hydrographic film, lift it out of the tank. You’ll need to rinse the item with tap water in order to remove any excess film. After this, the item needs to dry until it’s smooth. Some manufacturers recommend using a heat source for faster drying. When the item is dry, you’ll need to apply a clear coat. Use the brand recommended by the manufacturer of the hydrographic film. The clear coat also needs several hours to dry before you use the product.

Tips for Successful Hydro Dipping a Piece After Painting The first time you do a hydro dipping project, you might feel a little overwhelmed. There are a lot of steps you must follow in order to come out with a successful project. Each of these steps has to be done in the right order. Not only do you have to follow the right order, but there’s also a timeline requirement. If you do a step too soon or too long after the previous step, the finished results might not live up to your expectations. An important part of the timeline involves when to do the dipping with the hydrographic film after you paint the item. Read on to learn some tips for how long you need to wait after painting to do the dipping. Recommended Timeline for Hydro Dipping After Painting 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. Keep in mind that each manufacturer’s requirements vary for both temperature and timing. If you’ve done a few hydro dipping projects and are using different films from different manufacturers, always read the instructions in full every time before starting the new project. If the last manufacturer’s film required an eight-hour wait, don’t assume this is what the next manufacturer’s film requires. Extended Dipping Timelines Some manufacturer’s hydrographic paints offer extended dipping timelines. These timelines are usually dependent on the paint line that you are using. If you plan to dip an item that has been painted with a hydrographic paint, you can sometimes wait for as long as six months between painting it and using the hydrographic dipping film. If you are using other hydrographic paint, some manufacturers recommend completing the hydro dipping step within six weeks after painting the item. How Long to Wait for the Clear Coat The initial base coat layer of paint is not the only coating you need to apply to a hydro dipped item. After the item is dry from the dipping step, you’ll also need to apply a clear coat. This clear coat chemically bonds to the hydrographic film. The final clear coat protects it from fading when exposed to sunlight. It also adds a layer of scratch and moisture resistant protection. You’ll sometimes need to wait about two hours or more to apply the clear coat after dipping. If you’ve used a convection oven or another heat source to dry the item after hydro dipping, it may be ready for the clear coat in as little as 30 minutes. It will dry faster under low humidity conditions. Dry the item in an area with less than 60% humidity. 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. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on dry times for the clear coat you are using.

What to Expect for Hydro Dipping Prices When you want to have some items finished with hydro dipping, you might be unsure of the cost. The prices for hydro dipping do have some geographic variation. Pricing will also be determined by the size and type of item you want to have hydro dipped. You should keep in mind that the complexity of your project will also be a factor in how expensive it is. These are some general guidelines on what you can expect when arranging for hydro dipping of different types of products. Why Hydro Dipping Is Not Cheap Hydro dipping, which is also called hydrographics, applies an image to a hard surface. This type of printing works on 3D products. It works for glass, plastic, wood, metal, and more. It is a popular method of customizing common products. The technology for hydro dipping received patents in the 1980s, and shops have perfected their techniques and equipment. 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. How Hydro Dipping Prices Are Determined Hydro dipping prices are determined by four factors. One is the size of the item. In general, a large item, such as a wheel, costs more to hydro dip than a small item, such as a ceramic bowl. Another factor is the finish. If you want a special sealant or other finishes on the product, this will add to the price. A third factor in hydro dipping pricing is the complexity of the image. Actual images of people or animals are more challenging to get right than abstract images. The final factor in hydro dipping pricing is the type of preparation that the item needs. If you want a dirty car wheel hydro dipped, it will take a lot more work than if you want a newly fired porcelain trinket box hydro dipped. Keep in mind that in artisan shops, hydro dipping may cost more than if it is done by a hobbyist. Hydro dipping may also cost more in urban areas, which generally have a higher cost of living overall. 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. Gun accessories cost $50 to $200 to hydro dip. The average cost for hydro dipping a smaller object, such as cups starts at $30. Unusual items, such as water skis and wakeboards, usually cost $150 to $300 to hydro dip. Hydro dipping can provide you with an excellent finished product, but be sure to get an estimate before you begin the process so that you know exactly how much you are going to spend.

Water Transfer Printing Explained Everything old is new again, and so it goes with the water transfer method of printing, which has been around for many years. Only recently, with the advent of transfer wrap printing seen extensively on vehicles, has interest in water transfer printing come back. This manner of printing has attracted attention during the last 10 to 15 years although it has been in use for more than 40 years. The name of this technology is often referred to as hydrographic printing or hydro dipping. With the use of this process, colorful graphics can be applied to a 3D surface. It utilizes a film that dissolves within the water. What Industries Use Water Transfer Printing? In the past, you might have seen camouflage applied to a helmet or a gun stock. Vehicle interiors have used this type of printing to add a statement of design to steering wheels or rims. Today, industries such as manufacturing, engineering, and construction well as the automotive industry might use water transfer printing. What Types of Patterns Can Be Done? From woodgrain to camouflage to geometrical to carbon fiber, there is an extensive list of patterns and textures that have been used in water printing. Even cartoons have been water printed. Dashboards, entire all-terrain vehicles, and even small items like bike helmets have incorporated designs and patterns accomplished through water printing. What Is the Process for Water Transfer Printing? The pattern is printed on a water-soluble film. As the design is put in the water, the film slowly dissolves, leaving the ink to float on the surface of the water. The item about to be printed has gone through a process of coating with an adhesion promoter or primer. After the primer has dried, a base coat is applied; this can be a color, such as green or neutral for camouflage or brown for the grain of wood. The object is ready for the bath after it has dried. A chemical activator is added to the film in the water to prepare it for adhesion. The next step is to dip the item in the water, allowing the ink to adhere to its shape. After it is decorated, the item is thoroughly washed and dried. A drying room, heat lamps, flash drying, and other means of circulating air are used. After it is completely dry, a clear topcoat is added to preserve the color and design. What Type of Materials Is This Method Suited For? Some of the substrates used in hydrographic printing include: Plastic Wood Ceramics Fiberglass Metal Hydrographic printing has been used in a number of different industries, such as sporting goods, home decor, automotive, marine, and many others. Vibrant color as well as muted designs can all benefit from this type of printing on a 3D surface.

Make Sure to Wait Long Enough After Spraying Your Base Coat Correctly applying your base coat is one of the most crucial of all steps in a hydro dipping project. If you make mistakes, it will end up posing a significant issue later. The base coat is the foundation for your final design. It is essential to apply the base coat right; you must wait long enough before moving to the next stage and dipping. Indeed, you want the base to remain in place before 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. Dry is always better than wet when you transition from step to step. Let Your Base Coat Set You have to wait long enough for the base coat to set, or you will experience problems with the finish. Avoiding problems later is the main reason to be thorough and patient with all aspects of the water transfer printing process. Hydrographics requires using a design strategy to get your details the way that you want them. The base coat color should be white for almost all designs. If you use other colors, they could blend with the ink to create variations in color that may not be desired. Either way, you need a dry base coat before moving on. It usually won’t take over a few minutes to see the results you desire. You should gently touch a small part of the design if you’re not sure, but be careful not to impact the overall design if you decide on that. Temperatures Decide on Final Drying Times If you have a dry room, the coat will dry out fast. With too much humidity, it will take longer. Temperatures as well will impact the dry times. Cooler air temperature will slow down the process significantly. It doesn’t take that long for base coating, but patience is still a must. The same holds as you move your way through the water transfer printing. What matters most is that the final design meets your artistic objectives and expectations. One tip that works well is to warm up paint before applying it. Simply placing it in a warm room is sufficient to make it looser and easier to be sprayed. Let the paint set in the room until you’re ready to use it, or for around twenty minutes, and then you’ll see the improved performance. Hydro dipping takes standard printing practices and adapts them to a variety of surfaces. It’s possible to put a unique print on almost any material, but some look better than others. It’s worth checking out tutorials or other learning resources to familiarize yourself with all the essential information you need. Many people who now do this type of work professionally are self-taught. After you’ve worked once or twice on hydro dipping, you’ll get a feel for precise times for drying. Then, the projects get easier. You may even decide on using one style over another, depending on how the items look.

Learn About the Durability of Hydrographics When you’re preparing to do a hydro printing project, you might want to know how durable the film will be on your finished item. There’s an investment of your time and money when you do hydrographics, so it’s important to know what to expect. Find out how long hydrographics typically last on different types of items and whether or not the film is likely to wear off over time. Typical Lifespan for Hydrographics 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. Like items that are painted, if you handle the item a lot with bare hands or abuse the item by leaving it out in the direct sun or a windstorm, the hydrographics may not last as long. What Causes Hydrographics to Wear Off Improper handling is the leading cause of hydrographics that wear off. If the item is allowed to rub or scrape against other items, this could lead to a faster deterioration of the film. Leaving the item outdoors in inclement weather could also make the hydrographics wear off faster. Improper Technique If you don’t clean the item before starting the hydro dipping process, you could end up with a film that doesn’t adhere properly. The film may also deteriorate faster. The film’s instructions will explain how to prepare the item. Another issue is how you handle and touch the item. If your hands are greasy, oily, or dirty, those substances will be transferred onto the item you want to hydro dip. Oil, grease, dirt, and petroleum products can interfere with the bonding and adhesion processes. Not allowing the film to dry for the correct length of time or applying the clear coat too quickly before the film is cured could also shorten the lifespan of the hydrographics. Choose the Right Adhesion Promoter If you’re doing the hydro dipping yourself, make sure you choose the right adhesion promoter. This is a material that you apply to the item before you do the primer and painting. The type of adhesion promoter you need will depend on the material of the item, the type of coating you’re using, and what you’ll do with the item. Consider a Protective Clear Coat To make your hydrographics last longer, consider a protective clear coat. Use the clear coat produced by the same manufacturer as the film you applied to the product. The two products are designed to work with each other and are compatible. A clear coat provides an additional barrier between your hands or the environment and your hydro dipped item. The clear coat also has a UV inhibitor that prevents the hydro film from fading if it’s exposed to sunlight.

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Pick the Base Coat That Best Suits Your Design Hydro dipping has a lot of different steps that are all crucial. One of the most vital of all is choosing the proper base coat. Without doing this step correctly, the chances of having beautiful finishes are less likely. Let’s take a look at how to pick the one that does the job best. There are many different base colors to choose from to start your project. The standard ones are tan and white. Tan is usually the selection for a camouflage-style design. Your Print Determines Which Base Coat to Use The choice for a base coat also depends on the film you use. For the most part, most you pick up will work well with a white base coat. This type of coating allows the printed design to show through, revealing a full range of colors. Blue and red ink stay the right colors after you dip them because of the base coat. Most colors have a degree of opacity that empowers the base coat to have an impact. Experience Helps You Learn Which Coating to Select Working with base coats is an excellent teacher about what to expect. You can follow a specific ruleset, but you have to remain flexible in case some colors don’t appear as you expect. Almost always, the white base coat is the best option because it will make the design look as true to its original format as possible. If you decide to use different colors for your base coat, expect wildly varying designs. For those people who’s prime love is to experiment with the art, that’s the most direct way to alter the final presentation. The ink and the base coat combine to create colors, so things turn out depending on the combination. There are several hydrographic films on the market that are transparent in areas to allow you to fully customize the design by changing the base color. We have found that the quickest and easiest way to determine the final look is to put test colors under the film of your choice. You can pick up color swatch books (cardstock books) at your local art/hobby store that will give you a variety of colors to choose from. You can lay these color sheets under the film to get an idea of what the final product will look like. Do keep in mind that the film look will vary but this will help you and the client get on the right track towards the correct base color. We do always recommend spraying a sample speed shape of the color and dip it prior to completing the job to ensure you get it right the first time. This will save you time and money in the long run. Hydro dipping always looks incredible when you do the process right. Getting to that stage may take some practice, but fortunately, once you get the hang of things, you don’t have any issues. The base coat selection will always be of prime importance. It’s the starting point for your design, so it has to be correct. Take the time to research/test the best colors and then use them for your project. If you do, you will end up with amazing and aesthetically pleasing designs.

The Ins and Outs of Hydrographics The word hydrographics has two separate meanings. The first meaning refers to the science of measuring and describing the physical features of bodies of water. The second meaning refers to the process of immersion printing or water-transfer imaging. Below, we’ll discuss what hydrographics is, how it’s used, and how to create your own. What Is Hydrographics? The water-transfer imaging process is used to apply designs onto a 3D surface. This method prints images onto glass, plastic, metal, hardwoods, and other materials. A few examples of materials used for hydrographics are water bottles, drinking glasses, steel tumblers, and even shoes, car parts, helmets, and other items. A team member for Kabushiki Kaisha Cubic Engineering, an individual by the name of Motoyasu Nakanishi, created hydrographics in 1982. While anyone can hydro dip objects nowadays, the company still holds the patent for the hydrographic equipment. People may confuse hydrographics with tie-dye, but the equipment used for each one is different. In tie-dye, the process requires various colored dyes. If you are tie-dying a shirt, you would only dip each section of the shirt into a specifically colored dye. Hydrographics, on the other hand, uses printed images and a large dipping container filled with water. While wearing gloves, you would fully submerge the item, taking care to tape any location on the item to prevent printing. Then you would move the rest of the print away from the object before removing the newly printed object from the container. How Are Hydrographics Used? People use hydrographics to customize anything from firearms, bicycles, to even the interiors or exteriors of their motor vehicles. Hydrographic applications, especially if done professionally, last for many years under everyday use. For this reason, you don’t have to worry about frequent reapplications, which would result in a changing pattern each time you choose to reapply the hydro dip. How to Create Your Own Hydrographics One way to hydro dip at home is to purchase a hydro dip kit either in the store or online. These kits typically contain the necessary supplies needed for creating hydrographics at home. If you don’t wish to purchase hydro dip kits, then you can put together your own supplies, such as paint or spray paint, gloves, tap water, a container large enough for the object, hydrographic activator, film, and tape to cover areas of the item you don’t want to be printed. You will also need to properly prep the item prior to painting. There are several ways of approaching DIY hydrographics; it’s just a matter of searching for videos online for a solution that works best for you. While it’s inadvisable to dip your entire vehicle in water, hydro dipping lets you customize your vehicle one part at a time.

Check Out All the Things That Can Be Hydro Dipped When you want to customize things you use every day or some of your favorite items, hydro dipping is a smart choice. This process allows you to turn an ordinary item, such as a coffee cup or hard hat, into something that shows off your style and personality. If you’ve been wondering what can be hydro dipped, you might be surprised to learn about the long list of things that qualify. Read on to learn about what can be hydro dipped and get ready to start creating one-of-a-kind items. How Hydrographics Work Hydro graphics, water printing, immersion printing, and hydro dipping all refer to the same process. You place the film in a tub of water and apply a chemical activator. As you slowly dip the item into the water, the film adheres to it. A unique feature of hydro dipping is that it offers 360-degree coverage. The printed film gets into the curves, crevices, and corners of the product you’re dipping. This results in total coverage of the item’s three-dimensional surfaces. The process doesn’t take long. It’s also permanent, so the design won’t rub, wash or flake off once a proper top coat is applied. The newly-printed item won’t fade, peel or crack if exposed to sunlight, water, or wind. Vehicles and Parts One of the top categories of items that people use for hydro dipping is automotive parts. You can dip your engine cover, spoilers, wheels, or any other interior or exterior part of your car, truck, van, SUV, ATV, snowmobile, or other types of vehicles. Plastic and metal parts can be dipped. Personal Items The things you use every day for hygiene and self-care can also be hydro dipped. You could use the process on your cell phone case, hairdryer or razor. Game controllers, clothes hangers, and refillable lotion or soap bottles can be hydro dipped. Customize Your Items If an item can be painted, it can be hydro dipped. There are specialty paints for, plastic, metal, ceramic, and other materials. With hydro dipping, the same film will work on any product that you want to customize. This makes the hydro dipping process simpler and easier to do.

Aerosol Activators vs. Paint Gun Activators If you’re going to be doing painting, you may be wondering if you should choose an aerosol activator or a paint gun activator. Each type of equipment can be preferable in certain situations. Here’s what you need to know about each type of activator to determine which one is the most appropriate one for you. Aerosol Activators Aerosol activators make it possible to spray the activator without using a paint gun. They’re designed so you can spray the activator right out of the can. Here’s what you need to know about the advantages and disadvantages of them. Advantages of Aerosol Activators If you’re looking for an activator that you do not need to spend a lot of money on a spray gun, an aerosol activator is likely to be best for you. In addition, you will not need an air compressor to use it, and they’re exceptionally easy to put away. Aerosols are ideal for small jobs and those starting out that want to give it a try without a huge initial investment. Disadvantages of Aerosol Activators • Difficult time getting consistent coverage when sprayed • Not ideal for professional use • Inconsistency between passes • Longer to complete jobs Paint Gun Activators Paint gun activators are typically used by professionals and individuals who frequently paint for their hobbies. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of these products. Advantages of Paint Gun Activators Paint gun activators tend to be much more cost-effective than aerosol activators in the long run, and they can allow you to complete jobs more quickly. That’s because each pass is able to cover a larger surface area. While aerosol activators only are able to paint a swath that’s around 2 inches or so per pass, paint gun activators can cover 10-12 inches per pass! Paint Guns also give you more accurate atomization with each pass ensuring that your film is activated correctly resulting in a better end result. Disadvantages of Paint Gun Activators Unfortunately, the higher initial start-up costs can make them cost-prohibitive for some home and business owners, but the fact that they are most cost-effective over time does largely compensate for this. In many cases, paint gun activators tend to be longer-lasting, which also improves their cost-effectiveness.

Equipment You Need To Do Hydrographics at Home Hydrographics is a process that has been used in the printing industries for years. It involves transferring intricate patterns onto three-dimensional surfaces. Some of the surfaces include glass, metal, plastic, and wood. The process of hydro dipping requires hydrographic equipment to succeed. Below are some of the supplies you need to do hydro dipping at home. Hydrographic Tanks Hydrographic tanks yield the best results for your hydro dipping process. They are available in different types, which include stainless steel tanks, plastic tanks, and fiberglass tanks. The stainless steel hydro dip tank is the most commonly used and offers the best longevity. Most hydro dip tanks include a timer, adjustable temperature controls, an industrial heater, pump, and a film-divider system. They also come in a variety of sizes, from small-sized tanks to production-level tanks. Kick start your hydrographic process with an excellent hydro dip tank. Hydrographic Printing Films Hydrographic films are used for many different applications, from helmets to guns and cups. You can customize your objects’ surface with beautifully designed hydro films of your choice. Hydro dip films offer different design prints, including abstract designs, camo, wood grain prints, animal prints, and many others. There are also great texture prints with trendy designs like skulls and carbon fiber-patterned dip film. If you can’t find the print you have in mind, our team can customize the design that best suits you. Always try to ensure you have high-quality hydrographic dipping film for your dipping project. Paint and Activators A hydrographic activator is used for activating hydrographic films. It liquidizes the film easily and produces good wrapping abilities and rinse abilities. A hydrographic activator requires a single application at low pressure. It, therefore, uses less product, ensures minimal film distortion, and produces good dipping results. Paint is essential to the hydrographic process. There are several ready to spray hydrographic paints on the market. Some of these will allow for no adhesion promoter or primer to be applied as well. Automotive paints can also be used for a desired base color but will need primer and adhesion promoter depending upon the part it is being applied to. Hydro Dip Kits A hydro dip kit is perfect for beginners. The kit includes a hydrographic activator, speed shapes for testing, samples films for testing, and a spray gun system to be used for your top coat or base paint if needed. With a beginner or professional setup you will always need to wear protective wear as these chemicals can be dangerous to your health. It is recommended to wear a respirator as well as latex gloves during the dipping process. Working reliable hydrographic equipment is necessary for your hydro dip process to be a success. Whether you are just getting started or already in business, ensure you get the procedure’s best supplies. The equipment stated will move your hydrographic skills to the next level. Call us to purchase any of the equipment you need.

While you should clean your different surfaces on a regular basis, you need to use a special type of cleaner if you plan to add a new layer or deep clean it. For example, if you want a new coat of paint on your wooden bench, then you should use solvent or water-based cleaners to remove wax and grease. If you don’t know which one you should use, we have advice for you. Why Use Oil and Wax Cleaners? Oil and wax cleaners are special types of cleaners. You can use standard soap or other types of cleaners to easily clean them. However, oil and wax cleaners are used to remove natural oil from hands, wax and other thin layers that you may overlook. In short, they allow you to deep clean various surfaces. You can use these cleaners on the surfaces that you plan to paint, shine or spruce up. These oil and wax cleaners will remove those hard to clean layers so you can properly put a new layer on the surface without much issue. Otherwise, the paint, finish or anything else will get stuck on the oil or wax instead of the surface. Solvent and water-based cleaners are the most common types for oil and wax removers. Each serves a purpose that you should keep in mind. Solvents are stronger chemicals that will do a better job of removing the grime, wax or anything else from a surface. This makes solvents great if you want to deep clean stronger surfaces. Solvent vs. Water-Based Cleaners Solvent and water-based cleaners are the most common types for oil and wax removers. Each serves a purpose that you should keep in mind. Solvents are stronger chemicals that will do a better job of removing the grime, wax or anything else from a surface. This makes solvents great if you want to deep clean stronger surfaces. However, it can remove paint, other finishes and it can damage some delicate surfaces. So if your surface is made out of wood or you’re worried about the paint getting damaged, then you can use a water-based cleaner to remove oils and other residue while protecting those surfaces. It comes down to figuring out how strong you want the cleaner to be and if you need to be mindful of damaging the surface. If you just want to clean it, then the solvent is a great option. However, the water-based cleaner works if you are worried about damaging the paint or the surface. Picking the Right Type of Cleaner It comes down to figuring out how strong you want the cleaner to be and if you need to be mindful of damaging the surface. If you just want to clean it, then the solvent is a great option. However, the water-based cleaner works if you are worried about damaging the paint or the surface. Keep in mind that both cleansers are strong, so you may not want to apply them directly onto the surface. Instead, you can put them on a rag. If you prefer, you can also use a special spray bottle designed for cleaners. This allows you to spray on only a little bit. Each of these cleaners exist to remove natural oils, wax or other types of grime from surfaces. This means you can use each of these cleaners on surfaces with oils on them. Make sure to review their purposes so you can pick the right cleaner for your needs.

The process of hydro dipping parts can be complicated. It takes practice and experience to master the craft, allowing you to make beautifully printed images on nearly every imaginable surface. Water transfer printing is relatively tricky at first. However, after a few runs, it becomes more straightforward. One step of the process that’s crucial for getting a beautiful finish is dipping the parts correctly. There are a few tips worthy of consideration to ensure a uniform application. Proper Washing Ensures a Long-Lasting Finish The primary reason to wash each part thoroughly after dipping is to ensure the topcoat stays neatly and permanently adheres to the surface. That simple trick will make the final product quality much better. The water pressure matters, but an even more crucial factor is the volume of water. Most people wash the most significant pieces with a hose, but more advanced printers will use a washing station for water transfer printing. That is a unit specifically geared towards solving the problem and allows you to water the parts using a 360-degree angle. Streamline the Process Streamlining production like this will save a ton of time while simultaneously reducing all labor costs. Washing for at least five minutes is the bare minimum recommended time. After that time passes, printers remove any existing excess PVA and all extra ink. When they do that, they can move on to the final stages of the hydro dipping. As with other procedures during hydrographic printing, it pays to move smoothly and slowly. Don’t rush any part of the process, because it will harm the final finish. Nobody is an expert the first time they do this type of project, so it’s usually a good idea to start small. That way, you won’t waste too many materials or cost yourself too much in time or effort. Fortunately, self-education is possible because there are many learning resources online. It’s also equally important to dry your parts correctly. Most printers will wash them manually as thoroughly as possible. Others use the automated wash station, which also functions as a drier. Some people set up a dedicated drying room. That is an area where dry air circulates and dries out the piece slowly. Dry Parts the Right Way for a Beautiful Finish Either way, what matters most is that the piece is bone dry before moving on. For printers who do this type of work consistently, an infrared curing system is also an option. After drying, it’s time to look for any imperfections. If you find them, you can do any needed touch ups on the part or you can always start fresh with a new dip if the print is beyond repair. Inspecting throughout all stages ensures that only the highest quality pieces exist. It’s up to you to decide on the quality control to ensure that you always get the best overall outcome. Hydro dipped parts look fantastic, and as long as the steps taken are perfected, the finish is very durable. With the proper techniques and attention to detail, genuinely outstanding finishes are the result.

Hydrographics, commonly called hydro dipping, is a method for applying a pre-printed design on a three-dimensional surface. The printing process works on plastic, hardwood, metal, and a variety of other materials. Although you can perform hydro dipping on almost every surface, it’s worth considering that the process is very wet. You may, for instance, damage electronics if you use this process. Despite this essential warning, almost any hard surface is a candidate for placing a unique design on it. Is Hydro Dipping Permanent? Hydro dipping is a durable finish similar to the paint on a car. That makes it a viable solution for work that you want to last for a long time. No matter what surface you’re working on, this method will not only be a tough finish but beautiful when completed. Prep Things the Right Way Prep work is the first step towards completing your hydro dipping project. It’s crucial to keep the surface clean and free of debris or any material that causes an interruption. If you plan on hydro dipping objects, you need to use the right materials. Start with an automotive primer, then apply 1-3 coats of automotive base paint and then when that is dry, you can now dip the part. Fill up any plastic container about 75% of the way with water. When it’s time to lay the film onto the water, you must put the proper side of the film facedown. The simplest way to do that is to use a wet thumb and finger to grab one of the film’s corners. after a few seconds let go, and you’ll find that it sticks to one of them. The side that’s holding is the one that you put facedown on the water. After you lay the film on the water, let it sit for 1 min. and then spray the activator on the film. Look Out for Air Bubbles At this stage, pay careful attention to see if there are any air bubbles. Any bubble that is under the film’s surface will distort the final design. If you do find one, blow on it gently to get it to move out of the way. You may have to poke or press one if it resists. It’s smart to be a bit patient and thorough as you go through the process. That way, you’ll ensure less overall blemishes in the final product. The last few stages involve spraying activator, dipping, and rinsing. Slowly Dip Until Things Look Fantastic You will want to dip your object in and out of the water slowly. The design ends up on the item with ink from a PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol) film. The water-soluble film absorbs moisture. As that happens, the ink and film both soften and the design becomes more pliable. Depending on how things look, some people also decide to add a candy to spruce up the display. It might take trying something a few times to achieve your perfect look. Nobody is an expert the first time they try hydro dipping. With enough practice, it’s possible to make out of this world designs that get attention!