The Hydrographic Dipping Process

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Hydro dipping, also known as hydrographics, immersion printing, water transfer printing, and hydro imaging, is a specialist process that allows you to apply graphics to virtually any three-dimensional object. Many different materials can be used to apply the film, including plastic, metal, wood, and more. While the process is most commonly utilized in the auto industry, it is gaining popularity for household items such as tables, chairs, and a wide range of furniture. At Paul Customs, we specialize in this innovative technique. 

Hydro dipping involves a seven-step process, which is explained below:

HOW IT WORKS…

Objects can arrive in various conditions. We perform the initial preparation, whether it involves rust treatment, filling dents, or minor repairs, and smoothing the parts. A pre-treatment coating is then applied: woods are sealed with a wood sealer, metals receive two coats of acid etch primer, and Poly plastics (PP, PE, PC, etc.) are lightly sandblasted to remove release agents and oils from the manufacturing process. They are then coated with a special 2k High Build Primer designed for blasted plastics.

The Hydro Dipping Process:

1. Every part receives at least three coats of a 2k Primer. For smooth parts, we utilize a wet on wet formula, allowing us to proceed directly to the next stage. Parts with some texture receive high build Primer, which is guide coated and smoothed by hand. The Prep and Prime stage is the most important and time-consuming.

2. The next stage involves applying three coats of your chosen color. This forms the main color of the pattern to which the hydrographic film will be applied.

3. The hydrographic film is placed in a tank of warm water, allowing the PVA backing to dissolve, leaving the solid ink pattern floating on the surface.

4. Once activated with a special chemical, the ink returns to a liquid state. The object is then immersed in the water through the floating ink layer, allowing the ink to wrap around all contours of the object. This ink engraves itself into the painted base coat, forming a permanent bond.

5. The object is rinsed to remove all PVA residue from the dipping process.

6. Once dry, the object is finished with either a gloss, semi-matte, or matte clear coat, providing a perfect and protected finish.

7. Once the clear coat has hardened sufficiently, we remove any dust and buff it to a high shine. The part is then completed with polish and a protective wax coating.

I have been hydro dipping in Kent since 2013, and if you wish to know more about Paul’s Customs, please don’t hesitate to drop me an email.