We often get asked about the durability of hydro-graphics. According to NL Light Bars, many “people think Hydro Dipping is a removable, delicate finish when it is in fact stronger than many factory finishes.
How well will your hydro dipping project last, NL Light Bars shot this video and it is insane the amount of abuse he dishes out at this finished sample. Now that should answer any questions you may have about durability.
Here is a very easy guide for you to follow if you want to try hydro dipping on your own.
Hydro dipping is a fun and very satisfactory way to decorate any 3-D item.
Many companies like Foster Hydro Dipping specializes in hydro dip graphics for many types of items (e.g. motorcycles and sports equipment).
It is quite possible to do the process on your own and be creative. Purchase a home hydro dip kit online to apply a design of your choice, with minimal equipment or experience. However before you dip that special item… practice.
How to Hydro Dip
Read More about Hydro Dipping at WikiHow https://www.wikihow.com/Hydro-Dip
I guess one of the fundamental questions people ask is what is “Hydro Dipping?”
Water Transfer Printing or Hydro Dipping has been around for a while and has been used world wide to create outstanding custom graphics on a wide range of materials.
According to Wikipedia the exact origin of the water transfer printing process is unclear. However, a US patent was registered for the first hydro-graphic by Motoyasu Nakanishi of Kabushiki Kaisha Cubic Engineering on Jul 26, 1982.
The patents abstract reads “[a] printing apparatus provided with a structure which supplies a transcription film into a transcription tub containing a liquid so that the transcription film is kept afloat on the liquid, a structure which makes the liquid flow in a direction in which the film is supplied, and a structure which slantingly immerses an article to be printed into the liquid in the transcription tub from an upstream position to a downstream position of the liquid.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrographics_(printing)
The water transfer printing process is applied to customize items that range from entire all-terrain vehicles, car dashboards, automotive trim and wheels. More popular items are found in the sports, hunting and fishing field. Bike helmets, hockey goalie masks and other sports equipment, guns, fishing gear, or anything related to your lifestyle.
A good rule of thumb is if the item can be submersed in water without damage and can be painted using well known methods, then the hydro-graphic printing process can be used.