Why Water Temperature Is Important When Hydro Dipping

Why Water Temperature Is Important When Hydro Dipping

When you’re planning a hydro dipping project, it’s important to follow each step carefully in order to achieve the desired finished results. Skipping a step or missing one of the instructions could result in a film that doesn’t adhere properly or a film that wears off well before it should. The water temperature is an important factor in the success of a hydro dipping project. Read on to learn how water temperatures affect your hydrographic dip.

Ideal Water Temperature Range for Hydrographic Dipping

The ideal water temperature range for hydrographic dipping is 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Some dip manufacturers may recommend a specific temperature, such as 80 degrees. It’s important to follow this recommendation as closely as possible. Be sure to invest in an accurate thermometer if your tank does not have a thermostat. Regularly check and calibrate the thermometer/thermostat so that you can rest assured knowing your water is the right temperature for optimal results when doing a hydrographic dipping project.

What Happens if the Water Is Too Cold

One of the most common mistakes that people who are learning to do hydro dipping make is using water that is too cold. If the water temperature is below 75 degrees Fahrenheit, you will end up with a dip that is sticky. The film will not melt properly, so it may not conform to the item that you insert into the bath of water. The film may not stick properly to the item. The result will be a messy item, and you probably won’t be pleased with the final result.

What Happens if the Water Is Too Warm

While you can heat the water above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, it isn’t necessary to do so. If the water is too hot, you will have to adjust the soak time of the film to a lower time as you will be dissolving the film at a much quicker rate. This will also effect the inks on the flim and the activator that is applied to the film. However, if you heat the water more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit, you are putting yourself at risk of burns. Using an accurate thermometer is the best way to achieve the recommended temperature range for the water you’ll apply the hydrographic film to for your dipping project.

How Hot and Cold Temperatures Affect the Dipped Product

Once you have applied the hydrographic film to an item, rinse the excess film off and allowed it to dry. Then you will apply the clear coat to protect it and the item is ready for use. If you’ve done the hydro dipping on an item that will experience extreme temperatures, you might be wondering how those temperatures will affect the durability and appearance of the item. The cured and coated item is resistant to extreme heat and cold. You can drive your car with a hydro dipped hood in temperatures of 0 degrees Fahrenheit or 120 degrees Fahrenheit without any ill effects on the dipped item. The cured items are generally heat-resistant to temperatures of 300 – 325 degrees Fahrenheit.