Typical hydro dipping uses a two part activator solution. These are additional chemicals that are supposed to help when dipping. We did try using them, but when we did, our parts actually failed. We kept trying but ultimately we were able to do it without using any of the activators.
Here are a couple of tips we that found for getting good results:
Drape on top
Make sure you dip your parts at a 45 degree angle. Once you've started dipping, don’t stop! If you accidentally lift your part back up, you'll actually tear the film and ruin the graphics. So just remember to keep on dipping!
Drape with both hands
Next, make sure to use both hands when draping the paper on top of the water. Don’t let water get on top of the paper or the whole sheet will sink.
Dissolve time
Don’t wait too long for the paper to dissolve. it should only take about 20 seconds. After that the ink will completely separate and mix into the water.
Continue downward dip
Make sure you dip your parts at a 45 degree angle. Once you've started dipping, don’t stop!
If you accidentally lift your part back up, you'll actually tear the film and ruin the graphics. So just remember to keep on dipping!
Dry time
Make sure to dry the part as soon as you take it out of the water, otherwise the ink will run and seep into the layer lines.
Try again!
It's totally OK if you mess up the first couple of tries. Don't worry because you can actually scrub off the ink – Just run water over the part, scrub off the ink with a paper towel and try again! So you won't ruin your parts as long as you quickly wash away the fail.
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