Using hot or warm water is best, but if you have to you can use cold water. If no residue is left over, your hydro dipped object should appear very dull. Any shiny areas means there is residue left and will need to be washed off.

What temperature should water be for hydro dipping?

80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit
The ideal water temperature range for hydrographic dipping is 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Some dip manufacturers may recommend a specific temperature, such as 80 degrees.

Does water have to be warm for hydro dipping?

Using hot or warm water is best, but if you have to you can use cold water. If no residue is left over, your hydro dipped object should appear very dull. Any shiny areas means there is residue left and will need to be washed off.

Do you need a special tank for hydro dipping?

Hydrographic tanks yield the best results for your hydro dipping process. They are available in different types, which include stainless steel tanks, plastic tanks, and fiberglass tanks. The stainless steel hydro dip tank is the most commonly used and offers the best longevity.

Do you need activator to Hydro dip?

Under and over activating are two of the leading causes in problems with hydro dipping. You are not applying a layer of paint, you just need enough activator (with a fine mist, fan pattern spray) to cover the film lightly.

What does the activator do in hydro dipping?

The activator is a chemical that liquefies the ink on the hydro dip film. After you have primed the object and painted it, the item is ready for the film. Hydrographic films are made from polyvinyl alcohol.

Can you Hydro dip with cold water?

A lot of people simply fill up a bucket with cold water and then try to hydro dip. While this still works the results won’t be as good because the water is too cold and makes the paint stiffer. Ideally you want the temperature of your water to be between 75-90ºF (23-33ºC). Basically a lukewarm temperature.

Can you Hydro dip without activator?

Although it is not an absolute necessity to apply an activator to the hydro dip film, it is highly recommended that you do. Skipping this step can result in your hydrographic not being applied as well as it would if you used an activator.

Do I need an activator to Hydro dip?

What is Hydrographics activator made of?

What kind of activator do you use for hydro dipping?

Although each manufacturer has its own blend, the common ingredients in activators are xylene, isobutanol, butyl, methyl acetate and methyl ethyl ketone. The fast-acting activators swap methyl ethyl ketone for ethyl isobutyl ketone. Some activators may include isophorone, texanol, 2-butoxyethanol or cyclohexanone.