The Hydrographic Dipping Process

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Hydro dipping or hydrographics, which is commonly know as immersion printing, water transfer printing and hydro imaging is a specialist process which allows you to apply graphics to virtually any three-dimensional object. Many different materials can be used to apply the film on including plastic, metal, wood and many more. The process is most commonly used in the auto industry but is becoming more popular with house hold items such as tables, chairs and a whole range of furniture. 

Hydro dipping is a seven step process which is explained below:

HOW IT WORKS… 

Objects can arrive in a variety of conditions. We carry out the initial preparation, whether it be 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 2 coats of acid etch primer and Poly plastics (PP, PE, PC etc) are lightly sand blasted to remove release agents and oils from the manufacturing process, and then coated with a special 2k High Build Primer designed for blasted plastics. 

The Hydro Dipping Process 

1. Every part then gets at least 3 coats of a 2k Primer. If the parts are smooth we use a wet on wet formula allowing us to move straight to the next stage. Parts that still have some texture receive high build Primer, which is then guide coated and smoothed by hand. The Prep and Prime stage is the most important and most time consuming.

2. The next stage is to apply 3 coats of your chosen Colour. This will form the main colour of the pattern and is what the hydrographic film pattern will be applied to. 

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

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

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

6. Once dry the object is finished in either a gloss, semi matte or matte clear coat. This gives it a perfect and protected finish.  

7.  Once the clear coat is hardened enough we remove any dust from the clear, and buff to a high shine. The part is then finished with polish and a protective wax coating.

I have been hydro dipping in Kent since 2013, if you wish to know more please don't hesitate to drop me an email