Hydro Dipping.
Hydro dipping is a type of transfer printing sometimes known as water transfer printing. It's a process that allows you to apply complicated designs to three dimensional products. The process involves submerging a product into water which has a special film floating on the surface. The film contains the pattern, graphic or image you are looking to transfer. At the point the product is submerged into the water, the film adheres to the product surface, wrapping itself around all the curves of the product and surface areas, leaving you with a seamless finish.
This is a very popular process for adding a custom look and feel to automotive parts, panels, alloy wheels or even helmets, plus almost any consumer type products. With a massive range of designs from bright graphics to carbon fibre effects, it's a perfect solution to enhance your vehicle. Hydro dipping changes the look of the parts dipped, plus adds a protective layer to the surface.
With the ability to print any image onto hydrographic film, the options available are endless. This allows us to offer a fully bespoke service to you. We specialise in hydro dipping car components, anything from mirrors, alloy wheels, trims or even the entire dashboard.
Hydro dipping, also known as water transfer printing, is a popular method for customizing car parts with unique designs. Here's a brief overview of the process:
1. Preparation
- Clean the Parts: Thoroughly clean the car parts to remove dirt, grease, and any old paint. This helps the hydro dip adhere better. Without a completely clean surface you could end up with holes or an untidy finish.
- Sanding: Lightly sand the surface to create a better grip for the paint. Using a very fine grit sandpaper will make all the difference to the final results.
- Priming: Apply a primer suitable for the material of the part to enhance adhesion and finish.
2. Choosing the Film
- Select a hydrographic film with the desired pattern or design (camouflage, carbon fiber, etc.). Ensure it's compatible with the type of paint you're using. This can be an off the shelf pattern or a bespoke one we print onto the transfer material.
3. Application Process
- Water Tank Setup: Fill a tank with water and ensure it's deep enough for the parts to be submerged.
- Film Activation: Place the hydrographic film on the water surface and spray an activator over it. This activates the film and prepares it for dipping.
- Dipping: Slowly submerge the car part into the water, allowing the film to wrap around it. Pull it out carefully to avoid bubbles and distortions.
4. Finishing Touches
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse the dipped part to remove excess film and let it dry completely.
- Clear Coat: Apply a clear coat to protect the design and enhance durability.
5. Curing
- Allow the parts to cure fully according to the paint and clear coat manufacturer's instructions.
Tips
- Practice: If you're new to hydro dipping, practice on smaller items first.
- Environment: Ensure you work in a well-ventilated area and use protective gear.
- Patience: Allow adequate time for drying and curing to achieve the best results.
The end results can be stunning, changing the entire look and feel of the parts. Alloy wheels are one of our favourites as it adds a look which is totally unique and personal to you and the vehicle. If you are unsure of the options available, please give us a call and we can dicuss your exact requirements in detail.
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Reviews
See what our customers thought
Amazing attention to detail and customer service. The process from concept to execution has always been both seamless and delivered on time. I have used them for all my own motorsport, personal and customer vehicles and would not hesitate to recommend them.
Excellent company, super service and always go the extra mile, came to me with swatches, went away and about an hour later I had an email of what the design would look like on the car. Collected the design by the end of the week. Will definitely use again.
Amazing work of they're new liquid spray wrap! The team is incredibly helpful and couldnt do enough to make my experience perfect. I couldnt be happier with the outcome of my car and will definitely be back for anymore work I want doing in the future!
From first contact, taking vehicle to the guys to choose what type of wrap and get their suggestions to the fitment the whole process was friendly and professional and at a reasonable price. Would definitely use again. Thank you.
Race Car Graphics done a great job of our van and truck, easy to deal with, very fast response times, Graphic design service brilliant, over all service 5stars top job guys. Norfolk County Landscapes
Helpful and professional. Now have a great new livery on my van. Reasonable price, and good quality, even overcame a small issue with my van on the day!
Friendly staff, quick installation of van graphics and they look awesome. I highly recommend Race Car Graphics and their sister company Broadband Digital to everyone!
It was a pleasure dealing with race car graphics. Very friendly, great customer service. I am very happy with the high quality wrap. I'm definitely going to use them again and recommend to others.
The lads at race car graphics absolutely smashed it with my van! Communication from start to finish was great. Plenty of compliments on the new sign writing, will use in future
I have used this company several times Have done three vans for us now and several signs. All work has been done professionally. Staff are friendly and very helpful
Very good service and communication throughout. Very rare to see over and above attitudes like the members of this team. Can't recommend highly enough! Quality materials and quality service!
Very professional and fast service getting my trailer wrapped, very happy with the results, will be happy to use them in future for any vehicle wrapping needs.
Race car graphics .a superb experience. Very helpful .Attention to details.and super prices .10 out 10 score
Service, goes above and beyond 😃 This is the place to be 🤩
Such great job, friendly, professional! I highly recommend them!
Fantastic service from all the Team, complete transformation on our little track day car
Very good job looks like s new car lots of nice comments from other people
Quality work and great customer service, would definitely use them again.
Great graphics and great customer service. Will use again and would recommend to anyone.
Quick and professional work - with great results at a fair price. Wholly recommend 🤔
Absolutely fantastic!!
