Immersion Graphics

The Basic Steps in a Hydro Dripping Process

Hydrographic printing, also known as hydro dripping for short, is a modern printing method that uses unconventional processes to achieve desirable results. This printing method is usually done for 3D objects that cannot be explicitly printed on directly. For example, it is easy to print on paper, thin fibers and cloth, but it is extremely difficult to print on entire 3D surfaces such as body of appliances, weapon stocks, vehicle interiors and vehicle exteriors. This is where hydrographic printing comes in.

It uses water and its unique surface tension properties to print on almost any kind of 3D surface. The complete steps involved a typical hydro dripping process are as follows:

Step 1: Preparing the Object: The object which is to be coated should be properly treated first. A base coat is usually applied to such objects, with the color of the coat depending on the color of the print to be applied. For example, if the design has a metallic look, a silver coat will be most likely applied on the object to match it better.

Step 2: Placing the Film: The chosen design is first printed on a hydrographic film using a regular printer. The ink used is usually non-soluble, so as to prevent it from mixing with water. The finished film is then carefully placed on the surface of water.

Step 3: Dissolution of the Film: The hydrographic film slowly dissolves when exposed to water, leaving behind only the designed pattern. The image is sprayed with a special solution that dissolves any remaining components of the film while keeping the design’s colors and structure intact.

Step 4: Immersion: The object to be coated is then slowly immersed into the surface of the water. The high surface tension of water pushes the design onto the sides of the object, imprinting the design effectively on all the dipped surfaces of the object. The attachment is strong so that the design doesn’t get peeled off by any means.

Step 5: Final Treatment: After the immersion of the object is done, it is washed properly to remove any remaining residue of the film that escaped the previous steps. After removal of all residue, the printed surface is allowed to dry by blowing hot air to permanently stick the pattern to the surface. If there’s any further coating needed such as clear coating, it is done after the object has dried up completely.

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