QA

How To Hydrographic Dip

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

What do you need for hydrographic 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.

Can I Hydro dip myself?

It’s the original (and patented) DIY hydro dipping kit. The process formally known as water transfer printing was once only available commercially. MyDipKit was designed for the everyday, do it yourself Hydro Dipping enthusiast. The kit contains the basic supplies needed for processing parts at home.

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.

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.

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 the activator for hydro dipping?

INK DRINK 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 much does Hydrographics cost?

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.

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.

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.

What tape is best for hydro dipping?

SmartSolve Water Soluble Tape is revolutionary to the hydrographic industry and is used to mask off sections you want covered, making it the perfect solution for double-dipping.

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.

What is Hydrographic activator A?

The activator is a chemical that liquefies the ink on the hydro dip film. This liquefies the ink on the surface of the water.

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 let the primer dry before hydro dipping?

Apply a very light dust coat and leave to dry for 15 minutes. Sand, clean and paint your item in an appropriate primer, and base coat prior to . The base coat is a big part of some hydro dipping patterns as they have a lot of clear parts in and it affects the hue of the finish on solid colour patterns.

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.

How long does Hydro dip take to dry?

Step 2: Paint the Base Coat The lightest color (in our case the white) will be your base coat. Be sure to avoid any fingerprints for a smooth finish, and avoid spraying the concrete at school to keep everyone happy in the process. After a full base coat is applied, it will take about 24 hours for the paint to dry.

Can u hydro dip glass?

These hydro dip glass bottles are colorful and unique and the paint technique is easy. You will never get the same paint finish twice with hydro dipping. I have photos, a tutorial, and a video showing the process. Definitely watch the video because the technique is so much easier to follow.

How do you hydro dip with acrylic paint without borax?

(If you don’t have Borax, you can also use liquid starch , or add a couple drops of dishwashing liquid to the water. The Borax, liquid starch or dishwashing liquid helps the color to adhere to the paper.) Use ramekins or plastic cups to water down acrylic paints – about a teaspoon of paint to a couple drops of water.