hydrographics..... really cool stuff

[Cole]

http://www.carthrottle.com/hydrographics-are-a-spectacular-way-to-transform-your-ride/

 

[Cole]

Hey Buddy. Bet its pricey too. LOL

 

[imusa76]

I've seen this on OCC they did a bike with this instead of paint, I wonder how much it costs.

 

[Cole]

Got a buddy that's into graphics for Budwiser. I'll ask if he knows.

 

[turtle5353]

I think Roy , tnfastbk, did that to his dash trim. he put the carbon fiber look on his, it turned out pretty cool. Theres a thread about it on here somewhere.

 

[Kit Sullivan]

This is exactly how the graphics on my bike were applied...

 

[Kermit 460]

Very cool , Cole. Kit, I like your bike too.

 

[Mister 4x4]

I checked with a local hydro-imaging place, and they're wanting A LOT of money for this. I had considered getting some pieces carbon-fibered (like Roy did), but based on their prices, decided against it.

I just re-checked their site, and the prices have come down - drastically. I saw where they would cover a set of mirrors (I'm assuming truck mirrors) for about $70 the pair... truck fender flares $175 for all four. Basically, small items around $25, medium items around $75, and large items $100 and up - call if it's something crazy like a set of motorcycle tins.

Not horrible, but I'm still not interested - I have my own carbon fiber vinyl to work with now.

As an airbrusher, I can honestly say that hydro-imaging will not replace a good artist. I see both techniques working together and having their own place in the customizing biz. I would not want to attempt to make a big piece with a repetitive pattern (like carbon fiber), because it would get inconsistent the longer the project rolls on. Just as I would not want to try a truly custom graphic theme with the hydro-imaging, simply for getting the graphic lined up with the piece would seem like a royal PITA to me.

 

[JimNiki]

Uber kool!

Give it 12-24 months and the chinese will have them on eBay.

Can't wait to do my centre console in a new fresh woodgrain...

 

[imusa76]

Uber kool!

Give it 12-24 months and the chinese will have them on eBay.

Can't wait to do my centre console in a new fresh woodgrain...

the DIY kit for $79 + shipping...LOL

 

[74proii]

check the thread custom dash mach one, you'll see tnt's carbon fiber look dash

 

[JimNiki]

Does anyone how durable it is?

 

[RocketFoot]

I just got a 2013 Ram Truck with a 5.7 Hemi...I'm thinking about having the engine cover hydro dipped with something subtle like holographic skulls. I also wonder if it is durable?

 

[Paul of MO]

Several companies around St. Louis are now doing this. At first it was stupid expensive but as more businesses came on line the price collapsed. A few even have even gone out of business.

I saw a set of steel wheels dipped with a purple and black camo pattern and then clear coated - they have held up great even driving on gravel roads and in the mud.

The people making the money are the Chinese who produce the transfers.

The next innovation will be the ability to print your own designs on blank media using special ink cartridges in your home printer.

One of my clients used to do this kind of printing but could not make enough money on it so he is focusing on his established powder coating business.

FYI:

Calm soapy water sprayed with a chemical reducer, float the transfer on the surface and wait for the backing to melt, spray the reducer on the item and then pass it up and through the image. Very cool but a tricky skill to master.

The coolest item he was doing was deer skulls - his display item was a deer skull covered with thousands of small and evil looking deer skulls.

- Paul

 

[MechEng]

Pretty slick, not sure what I'd do with it myself, but cool!

 

[cazsper]

There's also a company "Hydro Dip". The dip car/bike parts and firearms as well. If I remember, they have a cost breakdown.

 

[Luke]

I would like to know how durable/heat resistant. imagine a block, heads, blower all match dipped with the tranny, be kinda cool for a show car or street rod

 

[Cole]

I think its pretty durable once clear coated. Can ya imagine a front grill off one of our cars dipped. That would be bad ass!!!