Hydrographics/water transfer printing *update pg6 20/4/14

[hamps]

I started this a while ago because I wanted to try something different, plus it gets harder by the day to run Medway RS Centre so I'm slowly phasing it all out.

Hydrographics can be applied to anything that can be painted basically. the part is prepped and based, the chosen film/pattern goes in a stainless thermostatically controlled tank of water, it is then left for a set time normally 30-90 seconds before being sprayed with a special activator, this dilutes the backing and leaves the print on the water, the part is then dipped through the film, left for a bit, rinsed, dryed and then clear coated, the finish is as durable as paint.

Here are some pics of various jobs and samples I have done if anyone wants anything done i am based in Kent and you can call me on 07790195006

Typical prices for example Alloy wheels from £40 so it's not a bank breaker, but the effects and finishes are endless.


RS Turbo charge carrier in black base with skull dip and a tinted clear coat giving a ghost like effect





A air rifle stock, orange base dipped in "small soldiers cammo" with a semi matt clear coat





Mercedes AMG wheels dipped in maple wood the clear coated with a slight tint.




A gun stock in grey base with a grey cammo



Ford orion 16i ghia roof clock dipped the semi matt clear coat

[hamps]

Current project, porsche cayenne brembo 6 pot callipers still need to lay on porsche decal and clear coat

[grizz]

Good luck.

I suspect with a bit of clever marketing you can make a go of it.

[willowandmikey]

Shame to hear the rs center is being scaled down but the new adventure looks really exciting and as the previous poster states with some clever marketing I'm sure you will do well.

[hamps]

Thanks guys

[nofrills]

looking good dude, i was looking into this for a few bits in my engine bay.

[luckyseven]

That's pretty impressive stuff. I've always had am irrational hatred of farbon (faux carbon) but effects like the woodgrain look totally excellent. Do you have a website with example designs and pricings and stuff? I'm getting strange ideas about how good a wood strut brace would look...

[hamps]

Finished the callipers :mrgreen:

[hamps]

Sept 19, 2013 10:17:37 GMT luckyseven said:

That's pretty impressive stuff. I've always had am irrational hatred of farbon (faux carbon) but effects like the woodgrain look totally excellent. Do you have a website with example designs and pricings and stuff? I'm getting strange ideas about how good a wood strut brace would look...

website coming soon

[hamps]

Sept 19, 2013 10:04:50 GMT nofrills said:

looking good dude, I was looking into this for a few bits in my engine bay.

let me know what you want and i can help you make it reality

[willowandmikey]

When you have figured out a rough price list let me know. My mechanic is a Porsche specialist I'm sure some of his customers would love those calipers.

[hamps]

Sept 20, 2013 19:18:10 GMT willowandmikey said:

When you have figured out a rough price list let me know. My mechanic is a Porsche specialist I'm sure some of his customers would love those calipers.

Fire away mate, what ever you want to know i will price up

[hamps]

These are a few sample shapes giving an idea of what can be achieved

[willowandmikey]

I'm going to see him Tommorow so I will show him you're work and pass on your website details when it's up. The work looks spot on BTW

[luckyseven]

What are the approximate maximum sizes of stuff that can be done? Are we talking about, like, a tank the size of a chromers' one... or the size of a washing-up basin or somewhere in between?

[hamps]

My tank is 1800x1000 so I can do quite large stuff.

[redratbike]

Where are you actually based? have a few motorbike items,clutch covers etc I'd like doing...I know there is a guy in Maidstone doing it..is that you? Mate just had his wheels done for his motorbike

[dodgerover]

How is it with heat and rust resistance? Could you do a 2 stroke expansion chamber?

[tequilagrae]

Are they standard graphics or is it anything you can get an image of to print out?
What sort of price would putting an image on one face of a pool ball gear knob be?
Thanks

[hamps]

Sept 22, 2013 6:57:38 GMT tequilagrae said:

Are they standard graphics or is it anything you can get an image of to print out?
What sort of price would putting an image on one face of a pool ball gear knob be?
Thanks

Custom prints are available but it is an expensive option and order time is quite long, there are over 1000 prints available so unless you want it very personal or a logo most finishes are covered