What can be hydro dipped?

Ever wondered which materials can be transformed with hydro dipping? Hydro dipping, also known as water transfer printing, is a game-changer in surface finishing. Let's explore what it can and cannot do.

Hydro dipping is a versatile technique, primarily used on non-porous materials like metal, plastic, and glass. It adds custom designs to irregular surfaces, offering more than just color – it introduces textures and patterns. However, not all materials can be hydro dipped, particularly those with high water absorbency.

While hydro dipping is perfect for many materials, there are limitations. Let’s break down what can’t be hydro dipped, so you can better understand where this technique fits.

What can not be hydro dipped?

When it comes to hydro dipping, not all materials are suitable. Some just don't hold up to the process. Let's dive into what materials you should avoid.

Hydro dipping is effective on materials like plastic, metal, and glass, but it’s not suitable for porous substances like fabric, paper, or highly absorbent items. These materials can't hold the film properly, making the process ineffective.

There are a few key reasons why certain materials cannot be hydro dipped. First, the process requires the surface to be non-porous, meaning it cannot absorb water. Items like paper, textiles, and certain fabrics are too absorbent for the water transfer printing technique. When these materials are submerged in the water, they tend to absorb moisture, which prevents the film from adhering properly to the surface. This results in peeling or a weak bond between the material and the design.

For example, fabric, especially soft or flexible ones, doesn’t offer the rigid surface needed for hydro dipping. The process involves submerging the material in water, and it simply doesn’t work on absorbent fabrics¹ or papers. Instead, these materials require different techniques like screen printing or heat transfer.

Porous materials are highly unlikely to produce good results with hydro dipping, as the film simply won't stick properly. Even if you try to apply it, the design will likely crack or fade away. However, non-porous items such as wood or ceramics, when treated correctly, can hold the film well and look stunning once the process is complete.

Can I hydro dip 3D printed parts?

3D printing has become a popular method for creating custom parts, but can hydro dipping be used on 3D printed objects? Let's find out.

Yes, 3D printed parts² can be hydro dipped, but there are some important considerations. The material used in 3D printing determines whether the object can handle the water transfer process or not. Most commonly, thermoplastic materials work well for hydro dipping.

3D printed parts have become an essential part of prototyping and product design. The main materials used for 3D printing, such as PLA, ABS, and PETG, can indeed be hydro dipped. However, before diving into the process, it’s important to understand the characteristics of these materials. For instance, PLA is a relatively easy material to hydro dip, but it’s crucial to ensure that the surface is properly prepped, including sanding and priming, to make sure the design adheres effectively.

ABS is another material commonly used in 3D printing that works well with hydro dipping. It's stronger and more heat-resistant than PLA, which can be an advantage when dipping into water. However, ABS often requires a stronger adhesion promoter or primer before the film can stick properly. With PETG, the result can be less predictable because it’s more flexible than ABS and PLA, which may affect how well the film adheres.

To ensure a high-quality finish on 3D printed parts, proper preparation is key. This might involve sanding the surface to remove any print lines or imperfections, followed by priming to provide a better surface for the film to adhere to. Additionally, the type of print finish (whether it's matte, glossy, or smooth) will also play a role in the final result of the hydro dipping.

Hydro dipping on plastic

Plastic is one of the most commonly hydro dipped materials. But what makes it so ideal for the water transfer process? Let's explore.

Plastic, especially hard plastics, is perfect for hydro dipping. It offers a smooth, non-porous surface that ensures strong adhesion of the transfer film. However, the type of plastic and its surface treatment³ can influence the outcome.

Hydro dipping on plastic is one of the most popular applications for this technique, and it’s easy to see why. Plastic is a non-porous material, which means the film adheres well without any issues related to water absorption. The smooth surface allows for vibrant, crisp patterns, making it a favorite for automotive parts, electronics, and consumer goods.

However, not all plastics are created equal. Materials like polycarbonate and PVC work especially well because of their rigidity and smooth texture. On the other hand, softer plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene might pose a challenge. These materials are more flexible and may not bond as strongly with the film. It’s essential to understand the plastic you're working with and consider using a primer to improve adhesion. Certain types of plastic may also require additional surface treatments, such as sanding or cleaning, to ensure the best possible results.

Plastic items that undergo hydro dipping are typically prepped through a series of steps. First, the plastic is cleaned and primed to ensure a smooth surface. Then, a base coat is applied, followed by the water transfer film. The film adheres to the plastic as it’s submerged in water, forming a beautiful custom design. Once complete, a protective clear coat is applied to seal in the design, ensuring durability and resistance to wear and tear.

Hydro dipping on metal

Metal objects can also benefit from hydro dipping, but they require more preparation. Let’s break down what’s needed to achieve the best results.

Hydro dipping works well on metal, but the surface needs to be prepared properly. Metals can be tricky because they require a primer to ensure the film adheres properly and that the design doesn’t peel off easily.

Metal is another versatile material that can be hydro dipped, but it requires a bit more attention to detail than plastics. The process starts by cleaning the metal thoroughly to remove any oils, dirt, or oxidation. This ensures that the film adheres properly to the surface. Unlike plastic, metals are often more challenging to work with due to their smooth, often shiny finish, which can make it harder for the film to stick.

To achieve the best results, a primer or adhesion promoter must be used. This prepares the metal surface for better bonding with the water transfer film. Once the primer is applied, the metal part is submerged in water, where the design film adheres to its surface.

One thing to note is that metal objects also require a clear coat to protect the film from damage. The clear coat serves as a protective layer, keeping the design intact and ensuring durability. In industries like automotive or appliance manufacturing, metal hydro dipping⁴ is a great way to add custom designs and increase product appeal.

Hydro dipping on glass

Glass is another material that works well with hydro dipping, but there are some nuances to consider. Let’s look into the details of hydro dipping on glass⁵.

Glass can be hydro dipped with excellent results, but it must be properly prepared. Unlike other materials, glass requires careful handling during the dipping process to avoid cracks or chips.

Hydro dipping on glass produces beautiful, smooth finishes, making it a fantastic choice for customizing glass objects like vases, windows, and even drinkware. The smooth, non-porous surface of glass makes it ideal for water transfer printing. However, the fragility of glass means that extra caution is required to prevent cracks or chips during the process.

Just like metal and plastic, the glass surface needs to be thoroughly cleaned and primed before applying the water transfer film. This step is critical to ensure that the design adheres properly and that the final result is smooth and vibrant. Since glass is more fragile than plastic and metal, it’s essential to handle the objects carefully during the dipping process to avoid any damage.

After the film is applied, a protective clear coat is also needed to shield the design from scratches, fingerprints, and other forms of wear. The end result is a stunning and durable finish that can transform ordinary glass items into personalized works of art.

Conclusion

Hydro dipping can be applied to many materials like plastic, metal, and glass. However, porous materials like fabric and paper are not suitable. It’s all about proper preparation.