Frequently Asked Questions

Water dipping is a method of applying printed designs to three-dimensional objects. The water dipping process can be used on metal, plastic, glass, hard woods, and various other materials. In the process, the substrate piece to be printed is pre-treated and a base coat material is applied. A polyvinyl alcohol film is gravure-printed with the graphic image to be transferred, and is then floated on the surface of a vat of water. An activator chemical is sprayed on the film to dissolve it into a liquid and activate a bonding agent. The piece is then lowered into the vat, through the floating ink layer, which wraps around and adheres to it. After removing the piece from the water, a top coat is applied to protect the design. With multiple dippings, hydrographics printing can achieve full 360° coverage of the part surface, including small crevices.

Water Dipping is also known as:
• Camo Dipping
• Cubic Printing
• Hydro Imaging
• Hydro Printing
• Hydrographic Printing
• Immersion Printing
• Water Dipping
• Water Printing
• Water Transfer Imaging
• Water Transfer Printing

 

Hydrographic printing is very durable. After the item is printed, it receives the same high quality clear coat finish that is used in the automotive industry. Clear finishes are available in flat, matte, and high gloss.

The hydrographic printing process can be used on almost any 3-D shape of wood, metal, or plastic that can be submerged fully in water and will fit into our tanks.

YES. Before shipping your item(s) to us for hydrographic printing, you or a professional should break it down and clean it so it is ready for paint.

*Only send us the items that will be receiving the hydrographic finish.

 

Our hydrographic printing turnaround time varies but most of the time it is 2-3 weeks, plus shipping time. Contact us for more info.