Hydro dipping, a process also known as water transfer imaging, allows you to get creative and decorate any three-dimension printed object. The method is useful, especially if the item can be submerged in water without harm. Through hydro dipping, you can give a custom color and glamor to your home items.

 

Hydro dipping is not like wrapping since the ink shrinks less quickly and is weatherproof. It may be useful to learn how to perform hydro dipping during quarantine and give your home items an appealing look.

 

Hydro dipping is not as complicated as it sounds, and you can embellish some of your items from your home. With hydro dipping, you don’t require any special printing equipment or custom paint.

 

The process is much easier when you have a hydro dipping kit with custom patterns and the required chemical solutions.

 

For hydro dipping at home, you will need:

 

• Object to be dipped

 

• Base coat

 

• Gloves made from latex or vinyl

 

• Sandpaper for scrubbing the surfaces

 

• Bucket with water and small amounts of cleaning solution

 

• Rags

 

• Top Coat

 

• Plastic container for dipping

 

• Primer Coat

 

It might not be difficult acquiring some of these materials as they may be accessible from your nearest hardware or hydro dipping convenience shop.

 

How to Go About Hydro Dipping

 

Cleaning

 

This stage involves preparing the object to be hydro dipped. Using sandpaper, scrub the surface of the object to get rid of any finish. Use the rugs to clean dust before and after scrubbing.

 

Gloves are required to prevent hand exposure to the cleaning solutions and to expose the polished surface to contaminants. Rinse the surface thoroughly and dry using a clean rag.

 

Priming

 

This process includes spraying the primer to the surface to ensure paint adhesion. Ensure to use the right primer or find a custom hydro dipping primer that may come in the set. The primer may differ based on the type of material to be dipped, so make sure that you use the right one.

 

Applying the Base Coat

 

Once you have determined your desired pattern, apply your base coat. The applied base coat will influence the final outcome, and choosing a base coat is essential to the overall look.

 

The base coat acts as an adhesive for the film and provides the secondary color to the film. After applying the base coat, place the item in a cool, dry, and dust-free environment to dry.

 

Film Placement and Hydration

 

At this stage, fill your plastic container with water to a level where water won’t overflow when dipping. Carefully place the patterned film on the water surface and ensure that the sticky side faces down in the water.

 

Ensure there is no air trapped between the film and water by checking for bubbles. Blow the air bubbles to the sides of the film lightly. Allow the film to sit in the water for almost a minute or the time specified on the kit.

 

Activation

 

Spray the activator onto the film in an overlapping pattern from side to side. Ensure that you don’t add too much activator by slowly and carefully spraying onto the film. After spraying the activator, wait for a few seconds until the film acquires a glassy look.

 

Dipping

 

Wear the gloves and slowly dip the item into the water at an angle until it is completely submerged. Ensure that you don’t let go of the object. The dipping angle will depend on the type of object and surface to be covered.

 

After dipping, rinse off the residue using running water directly over the dipped surface. You may consider doing this outside using a hosepipe due to the activator’s strong smell. Place the item in a cool spot to dry, and after that, gently wipe any residual film with a rag.

 

Once your object is dry, apply a clear coat for a neat finished product. The clear coat allows sealing in ink and acts as a protective coat.