How do you seal after hydro dipping?

Use a clear, spray sealant. To keep your hydro dip paint looking fresh and clean, spray it with a clear spray sealant (available in hardware stores in matte, semi-gloss, or gloss finish). Spray an even coat over the object and let it dry for several hours. Apply the sealant only after the object is completely dry.

Do I need a special printer for hydro dipping?

In addition, any of the latex printers from HP will work very well for hydrographics. The Deskjet, Envy, and most DesignJet printers from HP all use dye-based inks and should not be used for printing hydrographics with the exception to DesignJet Z6 and Z9+ .

Is cold or hot water better for hydro dipping?

Using hot or warm water is best, but if you have to you can use cold water. If no residue is left over, your hydro dipped object should appear very dull. Any shiny areas means there is residue left and will need to be washed off.

Do I need a special printer for Hydrographics?

What film is used for hydro dipping?

Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) film
The film used in hydro dipping produces a quality and custom finish for any OEM parts. Special inks are printed onto a large roll of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) film. This clear film is water-soluble, which means it will start to break down when floated on water and the activator chemical is applied.

What kind of ink do you use for hydro dip?

In general, there are 3 types of inkjet inks that will work for printing your own hydrographics: solvent, latex, and pigment-based. Some to AVOID are dye-based and sublimation, along with laser printers inks.

Do I need to prime before hydro dipping?

The first necessary ingredient to hydro dipping is the primer. It promotes adhesion of the transfer film to the object. After applying the primer, allow for it to dry, before transfering a film onto your part. This can take up to two hours.

Can you Hydro dip without spray paint?

It involves laying pre-printed, water soluble PVA film (“hydrographic film”) onto warm water. You will still have to use an aerosol activator to dissolve the film and activate the binding agents in the inks, but no spray paint is required so there is less mess and less fumes.