Hydrographics (water transfer film process)

[3wheelrider]

Pretty neat-any of you try it? Very simple process- though this guy doesnt explain it or show it all- but theres many other videos explaining it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bc0rfGRv3xg
Ive seen just about anything done: frames,rims,tanks(plastic& metal) works on wood,ceramic,bone,too)
Look up "Hydrographics. " Theres a few companies (on EBAY too) selling starter kits $70-$100 great for trying it out before going to a professional set-up with sprayer & fancy dip tank.- In the tank is just plain water & you can use any plastic tub really!
This NOT same as "plastidip"

[MattDragontamer]

With some practice you can do it no problem, but it isn't as dip and dry as shown. There are many factors to consider when dipping and techniques to use. If you mess up, it's a long process to start over. Other than that, it's good stuff.

You can view a build with hydrodipped commo theme here..

http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthread.php/164115-Camo-US90-Build

[El Camexican]

Yea, tried it. Looks great, but its starting to come off my rad shrouds where they flex.
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[e5earley]

I used to do it professionally. It is the same process as painting a car with the added step of film dipping. It's not as easy as the videos show. You can expect to go through a lot of film until you are able to get a good dip. If you're dip is no good, you have to wet sand to base coat then start over.

Good adhesion to plastic is critical. We tried the adhesion promoters and had best luck with flaming the plastic.

Not saying you can't DIY it. Just be prepared for an adventure.

[big specht]

Flaming the plastic ?

[e5earley]

Flaming the plastic ?
With polypropylene and polyethylene plastic, the paint will not adhere. You take a propane torch with a fan tip and move the blue part of the flame over the plastic quickly as if you're "painting" it with the flame. Then you wipe it down with 90 percent alcohol. This oxidizes the surface of the plastic. You can then prime and base coat.

The best torch to use is one made for shrinking heat shrink film.

[Darius1502]

With polypropylene and polyethylene plastic, the paint will not adhere. You take a propane torch with a fan tip and move the blue part of the flame over the plastic quickly as if you're "painting" it with the flame. Then you wipe it down with 90 percent alcohol. This oxidizes the surface of the plastic. You can then prime and base coat.

The best torch to use is one made for shrinking heat shrink film.

This is excellent advice! I am going to be sealing and painting and tank and will do this!!

[El Camexican]

Thanks for clearing that up e5, things were looking to get weird in the shop!
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[e5earley]

Thanks for clearing that up e5, things were looking to get weird in the shop!
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Little too much flame there. But I'm certain he could make it look "Fabulous!!!"

[El Camexican]

Ok, I think I'm understanding now. So this would be as far as one would be to get maximum adhesion?
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Seriously though, that explains a lot. I wonder what the OEM's do for prep when they put camo on an entire quad, or is the plastic blended to suit the process?

[e5earley]

I'm not sure what their process is. I do know that there is some equipment that treats plastic for painting using electricity.