Chloe Zhang
Hydro dipping is a fun and simple way to decorate plastic items with vibrant colours and designs. The process involves transferring paint from the surface of water onto an object by dipping it. To prepare plastic for hydro dipping, it is important to first thoroughly clean the plastic surface and scrub it with sandpaper to make it plain and smooth. Then, choose a suitable water-tight container that is large enough to completely submerge the plastic object. Fill the container with warm water, ensuring there is enough space for the water level to rise without overflowing. Before dipping, it is recommended to do a test dip with a Speed Shape to ensure the desired outcome, as each film will dip differently.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Waterproof materials like wood, metal, plastic, fiberglass, ceramics, etc. |
| Plastic Types | ATV plastics, motorcycle plastics, textured plastic, ABS, PP, PE, EVA |
| Paint | Oil-based spray paint; avoid water-based spray paints |
| Container | Water-tight container large enough to submerge the object; made of plastic, glass, or aluminum |
| Surface Preparation | Clean the object and scrub with sandpaper to make it plain |
| Base Coat | Apply 1-2 light coats of the base; leave to dry for 1-2 hours |
| Film | Water-soluble film with the sticky side down; remove bubbles |
| Chemical Activator | Spray a thin, light layer; avoid adding too much |
| Dipping | Wear gloves and slowly dip the object at an angle until completely submerged |
| Rinsing | Rinse off residue with a hose; gently wipe and avoid scrubbing |
| Drying | Air dry on a plastic sheet or cardboard for several hours |
| Top Coat | Apply a protective top coat for durability and shine |
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What You'll Learn
Choose a suitable container
Most DIY kits will not come with a container to use during the dipping process. Choose a watertight plastic, glass, or aluminum container that is deep enough to fully submerge the object you are hydro dipping. Buckets, large plastic storage containers, and feed tubs are all good options. The container should be large enough to accommodate the object without overflowing when the object is submerged. It should also be long and wide enough to leave 5-6 inches (approximately 12-15 cm) between the edge of the container and the object. If you do not wish to get paint on the container, line it with plastic sheeting before pouring in the water.
The water temperature should be warm, between 70-90°F / 21-32°C (the temperature of a nice warm bath). Do not fill the container to the top with water! This is to allow for enough area for the water level to rise without overflow and spillage during dipping.
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Prepare the plastic item
To prepare a plastic item for hydro dipping, start by choosing a plastic object that you want to decorate. Thoroughly clean the object to ensure it is free of dust and debris. If the plastic item has a clear protective coat, use sandpaper to scrub the surface and make it plain. Smooth everything out with a finer grit sandpaper.
Before applying any primer or base coat, use masking tape to block off any parts of the item that you do not want to have an image printed on. Then, spray the item with the primer provided in your kit, enough to coat it but not so much that the primer runs. Apply 1-2 light coats of the base coat spray, and leave the item to dry for one to two hours.
It is important to note that some plastic products may not require a primer or base coat. ABS plastic, for example, can absorb colours without these initial steps. However, the primer helps the image adhere properly to the surface, so it is generally recommended for a durable and long-lasting finish.
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Apply a base coat
To prep plastic for hydro dipping, you'll need to apply a base coat. This will help the hydrographic design adhere properly to the plastic surface. Here's a step-by-step guide:
First, ensure your plastic surface is clean and free of any dust, debris, or residue. You can use sandpaper to scrub the surface and make it plain and smooth. This will help the base coat adhere better.
Next, choose a suitable base coat spray paint. Oil-based spray paint is highly recommended for hydro dipping plastic as it is durable, adheres well to the plastic, and produces a smooth finish. Avoid using water-based spray paints as they are fragile and may not give a desirable finish.
When you have chosen your base coat paint, apply 1-2 light coats to the plastic surface. Hold the spray paint can about a foot away from the surface and apply the paint in even sweeps. Be sure to follow the instructions on your paint can for the best results.
Allow the base coat to dry completely before proceeding to the next step. This usually takes around one to two hours, but it's best to check the instructions on your paint can as drying times may vary depending on the type of paint and environmental factors.
Once the base coat is dry, you can apply masking tape to block off any areas of the plastic that you do not want the hydrographic design to cover. This is an optional step, but it helps create a neat and precise finish.
After the masking tape has been applied, you are now ready to move on to the hydrographic design process. Remember to always do a test hydro dip on a small, inexpensive object to get a feel for the process and ensure your desired results.
By following these steps, you can effectively apply a base coat to your plastic surface, ensuring a strong foundation for your hydro dipping project.
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Dip the plastic item
Once you have prepared your plastic item, gathered your supplies, and set up your work area, you are ready to dip your plastic item. This stage of the hydro-dipping process involves several steps to ensure a successful transfer of the design onto your plastic item.
Firstly, fill your chosen plastic container with warm water to a level that is high enough to submerge your plastic item without spilling over the sides. The water temperature should be between 70-90°F / 21-32°C, similar to the temperature of a warm bath. It is important to leave enough space to prevent water spillage during the dipping process.
Next, lay the patterned, water-soluble film on the water surface, ensuring the sticky side is facing down. You can determine the sticky side by touching the film with a damp finger. Check for any bubbles under the film and gently blow them to the side to remove them. Allow the film to hydrate for the time specified in your kit.
Once the film is ready, put on your protective gloves and spray the chemical activator onto the film in a thin, light layer. Be careful not to add too much activator. You will know the film is ready when it has a liquefied or glassy appearance in the water.
Now, you can begin the dipping process. Slowly dip the plastic item into the water at an angle, ensuring it is completely submerged. Maintain your hold on the item throughout the dipping process. If you are dipping a large item, you may need to "double-dip" by dipping one side at a time.
After removing the item from the water, carefully part the paint on the water's surface to prevent a second coat of paint from altering the original swirl pattern. Having an extra pair of hands for this step can be helpful.
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Rinse and dry the item
Rinsing and drying your item is a crucial step in the hydro dipping process. After you have dipped your piece, it will be covered in paint and water. It is important to remove any excess paint and water from the item. You can do this by rinsing the item with a garden hose. This step should be done outside, as the activator used in the hydro dipping process has a strong smell.
After rinsing, gently wipe down the item to remove any remaining residue. Be careful not to scrub or vigorously rub the surface of the item, as this may damage the paint. Once you have removed the excess water and paint, allow the item to air dry completely before handling. This typically takes about two hours, but the time may vary depending on the size and material of the item.
While the item is drying, it is important to ensure that it is placed somewhere safe and out of reach of children and pets. You can place the item on a plastic sheet or a piece of cardboard to dry. Once the item is dry, you can remove any handles or tape used during the dipping process.
After the item is completely dry, you may want to apply a protective top coat to seal the paint and protect your work. You can use a clear spray sealant, which is available in hardware stores in matte, semi-gloss, or gloss finish. Spray an even coat over the entire item and allow it to dry for several hours. For larger items, you may need to apply a second or third coat of the sealant.
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Frequently asked questions
You can hydro-dip different types of plastics, such as ATV plastics, motorcycle plastics, textured plastic, ABS, PP, PE, and EVA.
First, thoroughly clean the plastic surface. Then, use sandpaper to scrub the surface and make it plain. You can now apply a primer or base coat. Apply 1-2 light coats of the base coat spray provided in your kit, and leave the item to dry for one or two hours.
Oil-based spray paint is often considered a good option for hydro dipping plastic because it is durable, adheres well to the plastic surface, and produces a smooth and consistent finish.
