What are the steps to hydro dipping?

How to Hydro Dip

1. STEP 1: CLEAN. Using 91\% isopropyl alcohol, cleaning cloths and gloves, ensure that the work piece is clean.
2. STEP 3: BASE COAT. Apply the base coat.
3. STEP 2: PRIME.
4. STEP 4: Film placement.
5. STEP 5: FILM hydration.
6. STEP 6: Tape.
7. STEP 7: ACTIVATE & WAIT.
8. STEP 8: DIP.

Does hydro dipping last forever?

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.

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.

Do you need primer to hydro dip?

The first necessary ingredient to hydro dipping is the primer. It promotes adhesion of the transfer film to the object. After applying the primer, allow for it to dry, before transfering a film onto your part. This can take up to two hours.

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.

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.

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.

How long does Hydrographics last?

five to fifteen years
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.

Can you hydro dip yourself?

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.

How long after hydro dipping can I clear coat?

8-24 hours
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.

Can you hydro dip without activator?

Although it is not an absolute necessity to apply an activator to the hydro dip film, it is highly recommended that you do. Skipping this step can result in your hydrographic not being applied as well as it would if you used an activator.

How to make hydrographic film?

The development costs associated with a custom pattern are based on several criteria.

Design your pattern or provide a sample of the desired pattern.

Upon customer approval of the supplied proofs,the next step is the creation of the gravure printing cylinders.

When approved,the production film will be produced. This will take about 4 weeks,and the standard minimum run is 250 sq. meters.

What is hydro transfer printing?

Hydrographics or HydroGraphics, also known as immersion printing, water transfer printing, water transfer imaging, hydro dipping, watermarbling or cubic printing, is a method of applying printed designs to three-dimensional surfaces.

What is hydro film?

What is hydro film? Hydro film is the product used in the Hydro-Graphics process and is a durable coating that is transferred to many different kinds of objects, including guns, knives and countless other items and parts.