Hydro dipping: what it is, how it's done and prices
Hydro dipping is a technique for decorating parts of any shape by transferring a printed design through water. It is also known as water transfer printing, hydrographics or immersion printing. At HYDRA we do it in our workshop in Agost (Alicante, Spain) and sell all the materials so you can do it yourself.
What is hydro dipping?
It is a process that transfers a design (carbon fibre, wood, camo, marble...) onto a part by dipping it in water. The design is printed on a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film that dissolves in water. When sprayed with activator, the ink floats as a liquid layer, and as the part goes in, the ink wraps around it and sticks, even on curves, recesses and grilles.
It works on plastic, metal, wood, glass and ceramics, and on small or large parts: gun stocks, motorbike and car parts, helmets, bike frames, game controllers, wheels or home decor.
How to do hydro dipping, step by step
- Prepare the part. Clean, sand and degrease the surface. On plastic, apply a primer.
- Paint the base coat. Paint the part in the base colour recommended for the film. The base changes the final result a lot: each film's page says which one to use.
- Prepare the water. Fill a container or a hydro dipping tank with water at about 25 ºC.
- Lay the film. Cut the hydro dipping film to size, lay it on the water shiny side down and let it hydrate for about 90 seconds.
- Activate. Spray the activator in one even pass from about 20-25 cm. The film turns into a layer of liquid ink.
- Dip the part. Lower it slowly at an angle without stopping, so the ink wraps it without wrinkles.
- Rinse and dry. Rinse with water to remove the film residue and let it dry.
- Clear coat. Apply a clear coat to protect the design from knocks, scratches and UV.
What materials you need
- Hydro dipping films: over 490 designs in 50 and 100 cm widths. See all films.
- Activator: as a spray for home jobs or in bulk for a spray gun. See activators.
- Primer, base coat and clear coat. See base paints and clear coats.
- A container or tank: big enough for the part, plus gloves, masking tape and sandpaper. See accessories.
If you are starting from scratch, the easiest option is a hydro dipping kit, which includes everything.
Hydro dipping prices
The cost depends on what you want to do. These are the current shop prices in euros including Spanish VAT; each product page shows the price for your country:
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| Hydro dipping film (50 cm) | from 5.99 € |
| Activator spray 400 ml | 14.99 € |
| Base coat or clear coat spray 400 ml | 9.99 € |
| TEST kit (activator and 1 m² of film) | 23.99 € |
| Mini starter kit (activator and 4 films) | 29.99 € |
| Complete kit with accessories (carbon fibre or camo) | from 59.99 € |
| PROFESSIONAL kit (1 L activator and 15 m² of films) | 219.99 € |
| Hydro dipping course of 4, 8 or 16 hours | 315 €, 525 € or 945 € |
| Professional stainless steel tank | from 4,299 € |
Hydro dipping FAQ
How long does hydro dipping last?
With a good clear coat on top, years. The clear coat protects the design from scratches, knocks and sun. Without it, the design scratches and wears with use.
Can you do hydro dipping at home?
Yes. For small parts you only need a deep plastic container, warm water, the activator spray and the films. A hydro dipping kit includes everything you need.
What materials can it be applied to?
Plastic, metal, wood, glass and ceramics. The key is to prepare the surface well and use the right primer so the base coat bonds.
What is the difference between hydro dipping, water transfer printing and hydrographics?
None: they are different names for the same technique.
Where can I learn hydro dipping?
On our in-person hydro dipping courses in Agost (Alicante, Spain): one-to-one lessons, with your own parts and a certificate at the end.