The process of hydro dipping is a way to customize three-dimensional objects by liquifying a pattern that is printed on a special film. It is known by many other names, but the most common name for hydro dipping is hydrographic. This process is mostly seen on vehicles, but it can also be applied to all types of surfaces, including plastic, metal, ceramic surfaces, and even wood. The general rule of hydro dipping is if the item can be painted and dipped in water, it can be hydro-dipped. But, is it durable?
In this article, we are going to take a closer look at the process of hydro dipping, as well as discuss the durability of this popular finish. We will also discuss the many different uses for hydro dipping. Finally, I will offer a few suggestions on how to care for your hydrographic, and how you can keep them looking new for as long as possible.
What Is the Process of Hydro Dipping?
Hydro dipping, also known as hydrographic, is a process in which a sheet of hydro dip film is used to add graphics to an object. According to Matter Hackers, the hydro dip film is floated on the surface of a tub of water. The film then dissolves into a layer of paint that stays floating on the surface of the water. Once an object is dipped into the water, the paint then conforms and sticks to the surface of the object.
There are six steps to applying hydrographics to an object. These steps include:
- Cut out a piece of hydro dip film.
- Apply masking tape to the film.
- Gently float the film on the surface of a tub of water.
- Carefully spray the film with an activator.
- Dip an object of your choice into the water.
- Wipe your object down with paper towels and let it dry.
As you can see, hydro dipping is not an overly complicated process. However, you must approach it carefully and cautiously. If the process of hydro dipping is done properly, it is an amazing way to dress up objects that would otherwise be plain and ordinary. As long as you make sure that you follow the steps in order, and take your time, applying hydrographics is a great way to make objects unique and exclusive to you.
How Durable Is Hydro Dipping?
Perhaps the biggest concern you may have when deciding whether or not to apply hydrographic to something is whether or not the finish will last. After all, nobody wants to take the time to painstakingly apply hydrographics to an object when they are just going to wear off in a matter of days or weeks. Well, you have no reason to fear, my friends. Under normal wear and tear, the finish on objects that have been hydro-dipped is quite durable and generally lasts a long time under most circumstances.
With that said, the normal lifespan of hydrographic is anywhere from five to fifteen years, per the Liquid Concepts website. Of course, the lifespan of the finish on an object that has been hydro-dipped can be affected under extreme and abusive circumstances. It can also be extended if it is cared for properly. While there are no finishes that are guaranteed to last forever, how long your Hydrographics will last will depend on how well you take care of the object.
What Are Some of the Things That Can Be Hydro-Dipped?
Hydro dipping is a great way to add color and Graphics to the surface of just about any object you can imagine. The general rule is that if the object can be submerged in water, and can be hand-painted, it can be hydro-dipped. There are a wide variety of objects that can have hydrographic applied to them. This includes (but is not limited to) many types of substrates including plastic, fiberglass, wood, ceramics, and metal.
According to Auto Designs & Custom Graphics, here is a list of some of the most popular choices of items that can be hydro-dipped:
- Paintball Guns
- Video Game Controllers
- Cellphone Covers
- Interior Trim Pieces
- Exterior Car Part
- Motorcycles
- Motorcycle Helmets
One of the most unique objects that Hydrographics can be applied to is sneakers. Let’s say that you like the design of a particular pair of sneakers, but you are not exactly thrilled about the color choices available for those sneakers. Hydro-dipping shoes are an amazing and simple way to turn an ordinary pair of white sneakers into something that is exclusively yours. Besides, hydro-dipping sneakers are gaining popularity quite rapidly. There are several YouTube channels devoted to people doing exactly this.
Learn more about Hydro Dipping HERE!
How Do You Care For Your Hydrographics?
The easiest and most common way to protect the finish on objects that have been hydro-dipped is by applying a clear UV coating to the object. This normally happens when you apply hydrographics to an automobile and will protect the object and keep your Hydrographics looking new for much longer than if you choose not to apply the clear coating. However, if the clear coating on the object becomes scratched, it will compromise the hydrographic.
Two things can occur that will cause objects that will cause a hydro-dipped finish to rub off or wear down. The first instance occurs when you allow objects that have been hydro-dipped to rub against other objects. This will cause the hydro dip film to wear down faster than under normal circumstances. The other thing that can occur that will cause hydrographics to wear down is if they are applied using an improper technique. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you take your time when hydro-dipping objects, and follow each step in order.
Finally, if you are hydro-dipping an object yourself, ensuring that you are using the right materials will make a world of difference in how long your finish will last. Choosing the right adhesion promoter is one of the most important steps in applying hydrographics, and can be the difference in whether or not the hydrographic on your objects will last a long time. Always make sure that the adhesion promoter is applied properly to the object that you are planning to hydro-dip, and get recommendations on which one is the best one to use.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the lifespan of the finish on an object that has been hydro dip can last anywhere from five to fifteen years, under normal circumstances. However, under abusive conditions, hydrographics will not last nearly as long. Carefully following the six-step process, and ensuring that you are taking your time, is a great way to make sure that your hydro-dipped objects will stay looking new for a long time. The two most common ways that hydrographics wear off or by being applied through an improper technique, or by allowing objects to rub against each other.
Caring for your Hydrographics is another effective method to make them last longer under normal circumstances. There are a few things that you can do to ensure that your hydro-dipped objects won’t lose their luster shortly after you finish applying the finish. The most popular way to make sure that your hydrographic lasts for a long time is by applying a protective UV clear coat to the object that has been hydro-dipped. Choosing the right adhesion promoter, and making sure that it is applied properly, is another way to make your hydrographic look new for longer.
Maximize the benefits of coloring with my free adult coloring eBook and sign up for my email newsletter HERE!
Disclaimer: The information provided by ColoringMasterpiece.com (“The Site”) is for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however, we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information on the Site. Under no circumstance shall we have any liability to you for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the use of the Site or Reliance on any information provided on the Site. Your use of the Site and your reliance on any information on the Site is solely at your own risk. This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a legal expert to address your specific needs.
Terms and Conditions: https://coloringmasterpiece.com/terms-and-conditions/
