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 "What is Hydrographics?"

Hydrographic printing is a method of applying printed designs to 3-D objects. The hydrographic printing process can be used on metal, plastic, glass, hard woods, and various other hard materials. In the process, the substrate piece to be printed is cleaned, pre-treated and a base coat material is applied. A polyvinyl alcohol film is gravure-printed with the graphic image to be transferred, and is then floated on the surface of a vat of water. An activator chemical is sprayed on the film to dissolve it into a liquid and activate a bonding agent. The piece is then lowered into the vat, through the floating ink layer, which wraps around and adheres to it. After removing the piece from the water, a top coat is applied to protect the design. With multiple dippings, hydrographic printing can achieve full 360° coverage of the part surface, including small crevices.

FAQ's

 

How durable is the process? 
HydroGraphic printing is very durable because it is the same process and clear coats used by major manufacturing firms in the sporting goods and automotive industry.                                                                                                                                                                                                What kind of things can be printed on? 
Most any 3-D shape of wood, metal, or plastic that can be submerged fully in water and will fit into our tanks can be dipped.                                                                                                                       Do I need to disassemble my item(s) before bringing them to DG Custom Graphics?
YES. You or a professional should break it down and clean it so it is ready for paint and then bring or ship it to us.                                                                                                                       How long does the process take?  
Lead time is 2-4 weeks. Lead time may increase if multiple parts are customized. Every effort is made to have your parts returned on time or early. Contact Us for more info.                                                                                                                       Why do I see different shades of the same camo pattern?       We can change the tone of the camo by changing the color of the base coat. If we use a white base coat the camo will appear much lighter. Where as if we used a tan base coat the camo will be much darker.