Author Topic: Hydro Dipping (Read 381 times)

sixshootertexan · « **on:** December 03, 2018, 07:37:03 AM »

I'm finally getting around to finishing some of my projects that I never seem to complete. I got a kit from MyDipKit.com and camo'ed my carbine.

Alan · « **Reply #1 on:** December 03, 2018, 11:42:45 AM »

A long time ago, I had a varmint rifle dipped. But the guy who did it used a huge tank, and the paint (really a plastic of some sort) was sprayed on top of the water, and the part was brought up from below. That finish stayed on for a very long time. So the question is, how durable is this technique?

sixshootertexan · « **Reply #2 on:** December 03, 2018, 03:32:24 PM »

I had my blue rifle done professionally. It wasn't cheap. This kit cost $59 and had everything I needed in it but something to hold the water for dipping. In my opinion it's not that durable. It will scratch. I already have a couple scratches on my blue rifle. This is a hunting rifle if it get scratches I don't care. When you break down what hydro dipping is it is nothing more than painting. You have a primer coat, base tint coat, the hydro dip film, and a clear coat. I guess the harder the clear material is the more scratch resistant it will be. I don't really know how hard the film is itself. All in all it's cheaper than anodizing aluminum or a pro hydro dip and you can always touch it up with a little more paint. Plus you can get cool designs.

Alan · « **Reply #3 on:** December 03, 2018, 04:08:19 PM »

If nothing else, it is a lot less time consuming than painting. At least I think so? Of course, the cheapest is that self-sticking (only to itself) camo tape. I find, however, that it holds moisture, so if you're out in the wet weather, you'd best remove it when you get back home. No free lunch I guess?

sixshootertexan · « **Reply #4 on:** December 03, 2018, 05:41:01 PM »

Not really less time. You have to prep the surface. Depending on the surface you may need to sand but I only used the Scotch brite pad to rough the surface. You then prime it with the self etching primer paint from the rattle can supplied. After you get a couple coats of that on you put on the base coat from the rattle can supplied. In this case it was a tan color. Hydro dip with the film. Once it's dried clear coat with low gloss , again supplied with kit. It took me 4 evenings to get the job done.