Q: What is Hydrographics?
A: Water Transfer Printing or Hydrographics (commonly known as hydro dipping, hydro imaging, fluid imaging, hydro printing) is a 3D decorating process. Graphics like Carbon Fiber, Wood grain, Camouflage, Geometrical patterns are applied to decorate the items.
The Hydrographics process is worldwide used to decorate items that vary from Airplanes interiors to very small items like cell phone cases. Films can be applied to all kind of materials including plastic, wood, fiberglass, metal, and ceramics. For the most part, if the item can be dipped in water, the water transfer printing process can be applied.
Basically the products are decorated using a print, which resides on a thin base of water-soluble film. The printed film is placed on the surface of the water, and the base begins to dissolve. A special formulated chemical is sprayed over the film causing the ink to remain floating in an oil-like state on top of the water. Next the properly prepared part is immersed into the water, and the upward pressure of the water causes the ink to wrap around and adhere to the item. After the entire item has been immersed, it is removed from the water, cleaned and then coated with a clear coat.
A: Water Transfer Printing or Hydrographics (commonly known as hydro dipping, hydro imaging, fluid imaging, hydro printing) is a 3D decorating process. Graphics like Carbon Fiber, Wood grain, Camouflage, Geometrical patterns are applied to decorate the items.
The Hydrographics process is worldwide used to decorate items that vary from Airplanes interiors to very small items like cell phone cases. Films can be applied to all kind of materials including plastic, wood, fiberglass, metal, and ceramics. For the most part, if the item can be dipped in water, the water transfer printing process can be applied.
Basically the products are decorated using a print, which resides on a thin base of water-soluble film. The printed film is placed on the surface of the water, and the base begins to dissolve. A special formulated chemical is sprayed over the film causing the ink to remain floating in an oil-like state on top of the water. Next the properly prepared part is immersed into the water, and the upward pressure of the water causes the ink to wrap around and adhere to the item. After the entire item has been immersed, it is removed from the water, cleaned and then coated with a clear coat.
Q: Is Hydroprinting durable?
A: The Hydrographics ink is very durable itself. However, a protective clearcoat needs to be applied to protect decorated items to last for years. Also a great factor for its durability is the way a substrate is prepared prior to painting. After all, the pattern is just their for the design.
A: The Hydrographics ink is very durable itself. However, a protective clearcoat needs to be applied to protect decorated items to last for years. Also a great factor for its durability is the way a substrate is prepared prior to painting. After all, the pattern is just their for the design.
Q: How difficult is it to learn the process?
A: The process is pretty much straight forward. You just have to learn the proper activation of the film and some techniques when dipping some weird angled items. We do provide in-depth training as well. Please contact us for more info.
A: The process is pretty much straight forward. You just have to learn the proper activation of the film and some techniques when dipping some weird angled items. We do provide in-depth training as well. Please contact us for more info.
Q: Can items that are not correctly printed be reprinted?
A: Yes, items that are not decorated to customer satisfaction can be reprinted. The decorated piece needs to be sanded and painted again. Then, the piece will be ready for the dipping process.
A: Yes, items that are not decorated to customer satisfaction can be reprinted. The decorated piece needs to be sanded and painted again. Then, the piece will be ready for the dipping process.
Q: What types of items can be printed?
A: Wide variety of flat or 3-D items and materials can be decorated with this process. (plastics, metals, woods etc.) As long as the item is safe to submerge and won't effect the overall function.
A: Wide variety of flat or 3-D items and materials can be decorated with this process. (plastics, metals, woods etc.) As long as the item is safe to submerge and won't effect the overall function.
Q: How long does the process take from start to finish?
A: The process time depends on the complexity of the item being decorated. Preparation, top coat and curing time will take a lot of time. While the process of dipping is probably just 5 minutes.
A: The process time depends on the complexity of the item being decorated. Preparation, top coat and curing time will take a lot of time. While the process of dipping is probably just 5 minutes.
Q: How scratch resistant is the final product?
A: The clear coat recommended is the same as used on automotive exteriors. Resistant to UV, scratches, etc. The clear coat is a very important step of the process. It protects the items from scratching and gives them durability.
A: The clear coat recommended is the same as used on automotive exteriors. Resistant to UV, scratches, etc. The clear coat is a very important step of the process. It protects the items from scratching and gives them durability.
Q: What temperature and humidity is best to store film?
A: The hydrographic film is printed on Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA). It is very sensitive to humidity and temperature. You must store the film accordingly to ensure long life, durability and proper decorating. The hydrographic films must be stored in a humidity and temperature controlled room.
HUMIDITY: Below 60%
TEMPERATURE: 20 - 25°C (68° - 77°F )
A: The hydrographic film is printed on Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA). It is very sensitive to humidity and temperature. You must store the film accordingly to ensure long life, durability and proper decorating. The hydrographic films must be stored in a humidity and temperature controlled room.
HUMIDITY: Below 60%
TEMPERATURE: 20 - 25°C (68° - 77°F )
Q: Do I have to use a special kind of water?
A: No. Any clean water is enough. A tap water will be just fine.
A: No. Any clean water is enough. A tap water will be just fine.
Q: How long do I need to soak the film in the water before applying the activator?
A: Most films are good within 60 seconds. With the exception of some thick films. We let it sit for additional 10 seconds before we apply the activator.
A: Most films are good within 60 seconds. With the exception of some thick films. We let it sit for additional 10 seconds before we apply the activator.
Q: After applying the activator, how long should I wait before dipping my item.
A: It really depends on the pattern. Some may have to wait 10-15 seconds, others just 5 seconds before the Activator effects. Good rule of thumb is when the pattern turns to a glassy-like surface, that is the right time to dip your item.
A: It really depends on the pattern. Some may have to wait 10-15 seconds, others just 5 seconds before the Activator effects. Good rule of thumb is when the pattern turns to a glassy-like surface, that is the right time to dip your item.
Q: What are the sizes of the film you can provide?
A: Generally the minimum we provide is 1 meter. It varies in terms of width for there are 20" inch and 40" inch films. We can offer a custom size but it depends on the pattern and availability as well. Just contact us to arrange it.
A: Generally the minimum we provide is 1 meter. It varies in terms of width for there are 20" inch and 40" inch films. We can offer a custom size but it depends on the pattern and availability as well. Just contact us to arrange it.
Q: Let's do this! So how do I order?
A: Please follow the steps below.
A: Please follow the steps below.
- Begin by selecting a pattern of your preference. You can find all our offered patterns on THIS section.
- Then the size of the Activator. You can find it on THIS link.
- Then email us the code and preferred size of your selected pattern so we can confirm the availability.
- Upon confirmation; you can deposit your amount on our Bank Account which we'll be forwarded on your email.
- Once deposit is validated, provide us a 24 hour buffer to prepare and ship your items.
- Tracking number will be sent to your email or contact number.
Q: Do you ship to Visayas and Mindanao? How long does it take for my package to arrive.
A: Yes we do! It'll be handled via LBC or JRS. Its usually a day or two but it depends on your area as well. You can track your package with the tracking number we have provided by visiting the courier company's website or calling their hotline. Be advised, we don't have control of your package or order once we turn it over to the courier company.
A: Yes we do! It'll be handled via LBC or JRS. Its usually a day or two but it depends on your area as well. You can track your package with the tracking number we have provided by visiting the courier company's website or calling their hotline. Be advised, we don't have control of your package or order once we turn it over to the courier company.
Q: Do you have a physical store?
A: Yes! Our shop is located at: LTA Center # 8 Kabesang Segundo. Brgy. San Isidro, Sucat Paranaque City. For an exact location, please search us on Google Map or Waze using the keyword "Juandip" or "Juandip Hydrographics". Business hours from 10AM-7PM except on Saturday which is 10AM til 6PM.
A: Yes! Our shop is located at: LTA Center # 8 Kabesang Segundo. Brgy. San Isidro, Sucat Paranaque City. For an exact location, please search us on Google Map or Waze using the keyword "Juandip" or "Juandip Hydrographics". Business hours from 10AM-7PM except on Saturday which is 10AM til 6PM.
Q: If I'm about to dip the stuff myself, what are the things I need to provide?
- Paints - We're talking about the primers, basecolor and clearcoat. Since we have no idea what pattern you’ll be printing, we have no recommendation for the color you should pick. Usually the color is one of the colors in the print but that is up to you. Just be sure to use a good quality 2K paint! The base color is the dominating factor in the image transfer. Some of the films offered allow you to adjust the appearance of an image by changing the base color. If you select red or blue then these base colors would give the effect of red or blue. Although some patterns are solid and the base coat will have little effect on the pattern, while others have clear areas where the base coat will show through. You can easily find one on the nearest automotive paint store. (Tip: Never use 1K (acrylic) on a 2K (urethane) paint system. Bottomline is, don't mix different types of paint.)
- Spray Gun – Pneumatic spray gun or any spray gun connected to an air compressor. (Tip: Better to use a 1.8 tip size. Its a lot better when it comes to atomization of the activator.)
- Dipping Container – Make sure your container is deep enough to fully submerge the entire part and be careful not to bang your object onto the bottom or side of the tank when dipping. Fill it with water so you can easily manipulate your subject.
- Masking Tapes – You’ll use this as a containment item for your film.
- Scuff Pad/Sandpaper – This will be your cleaning material. Remember that the item should be free of grease. debris, etc.. before dipping. The sandpaper will be a good use too if its metal or if your item has a very shiny and smooth surface. Its all about the preparation.
Q: The film melted as soon as I laid it in the water?
A: You may have problems with the following:
A: You may have problems with the following:
- Borders - You need to have a properly taped border.
- Water Ride - Another factor would be a water-ride wherein water may have gotten on top of the film.
- Wrong Side - Lastly; you probably have the film reversed. The sticky part of the film goes down into the water. The easiest way to determine it to wet your fingers and touch both sides. The side that sticks is the side that should be facing the surface of the water.
Q: After spraying the activator some parts of the film melt and some do not?
A: It is important that when you spray the activator over the film that you spray in a smooth motion, covering the film evenly with activator. Spray straight down or at a tight angle.
A: It is important that when you spray the activator over the film that you spray in a smooth motion, covering the film evenly with activator. Spray straight down or at a tight angle.
Q: After spraying the film spread out too much / melted?
A: Contain the film by creating a border or an artificial dam. Another cause of this is spraying too much Activator.
A: Contain the film by creating a border or an artificial dam. Another cause of this is spraying too much Activator.
Q: Air bubbles appeared on the film after spraying the Activator?
A: You may have laid the film on the water flat instead of an angle approach.
A: You may have laid the film on the water flat instead of an angle approach.
Q: The print looked great on the item after I dipped but had air bubbles and little holes?
A: Not enough activator or you didn't give enough time for the activator to work. You dip when the film is liquefied but not much that the pattern melts. Another factor is you dipped your item flat. Always enter the water on an angle to avoid trapping air bubbles.
A: Not enough activator or you didn't give enough time for the activator to work. You dip when the film is liquefied but not much that the pattern melts. Another factor is you dipped your item flat. Always enter the water on an angle to avoid trapping air bubbles.
Q: Can I touch up a small imperfection?
Yes, spray some activator into a small container. Use a small brush, dip into the activator then rub the brush onto a piece of the film. You can dilute some of the ink from the carrier and dap it onto the area you wish to touch up. After this procedure wait 60 – 90 seconds and rinse the part under running water.
Yes, spray some activator into a small container. Use a small brush, dip into the activator then rub the brush onto a piece of the film. You can dilute some of the ink from the carrier and dap it onto the area you wish to touch up. After this procedure wait 60 – 90 seconds and rinse the part under running water.