{"id":413,"date":"2017-01-30T13:53:51","date_gmt":"2017-01-30T11:53:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/?p=413"},"modified":"2025-07-17T14:45:24","modified_gmt":"2025-07-17T12:45:24","slug":"hydro-dipping-equipment-water-transfer-tank-for-sale","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/hydro-dipping-equipment-water-transfer-tank-for-sale\/","title":{"rendered":"Hydro dipping equipment – Water transfer tank for sale"},"content":{"rendered":"
How to start and specialize in hydro dipping?<\/span><\/h6>\n

The hydrographics printing process involves immersing any item through an inked film placed on the surface of the water and dissolved with a solvent.<\/p>\n

Dipping comes from the English word “to dip<\/strong>“.<\/p>\n

In this process, the parts to be printed are treated with a special preparation before their immersion into the hydro dipping tank.
\nThe object to be customized must be perfectly clean, cleansed with specific products to eliminate all the residues, greases, silicones, etc. which could affect water transfer printing.<\/p>\n

Useful advice for preparation:<\/em><\/span><\/h6>\n

Use a specific adhesion primer.
\nApply an undercoat and sand thoroughly with an abrasive sponge and some dishwashing liquid (to remove the surface tension).<\/p>\n

Once the substrate is clean, apply a base colour (this base colour depends on the hydro dipping pattern you are working with).<\/p>\n

This innovative process known as hydro dipping, water transfer or even hydrographics is a printing technique by immersing an object into floating inks,
\nwhich allow the application of tridimensional images and effects by dipping in water (into a water transfer tank).<\/p>\n

How does it work?<\/em><\/span><\/h6>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Hydro dipping is a 3D printing method in which an object is dipped into water, through a hydrographic film deposited on the water surface.<\/p>\n

Water transfer applies to any type of hard-surface object, once this surface has been prepared and primed.
\nThe first stage of the hydrographic transfer process is the application of the background colour (a paint, usually a matt basecoat for auto body works, is used). Carefully sand the surface so that the transfer film adheres to it securely.<\/p>\n

The hydrographics film is made of inks printed on a very fine and light polyvinyl alcohol-coated sheet which, when deposited in the water transfer tank, floats on the surface of the water.<\/p>\n

The film will be dissolved using a solvent-based activator sprayed over. The piece is then delicately immersed into water, through the floating ink layer, which wraps around and adheres to the item.<\/p>\n

Once the part is removed from the water, it\u2019s rinsed with warm water to get rid of any film residue. The piece is completely dried then topcoated with a car body clearcoat to protect the hydrographic pattern.<\/p>\n

Is it necessary to sand before applying the topcoat?<\/em><\/span><\/h6>\n

No; besides, the film would not withstand the sanding due to its frailty and finesse.
\nThe topcoat directly adheres to the ink.
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