Background
Hydro-Graphics was founded by Jon Sykes, who combined over 20 years of experience in the printing and dipping industry with a keen interest in painting motorcycles and a love of field target shooting to create the ideal company for custom works.
Jon's desire to transform his own rifle into something which would 'stand out' is how we started and since then, we've dipped, painted and created some pretty unique finishes.
A major feat for us came when we acquired the license to utilise Realtree® patterns. Hydro-Graphics has since evolved into a company that provides high quality, unique and varied services to anyone wishing to personalise their items, or improve otherwise standard products. In 2020 Hydro-graphics was taken over under new ownership and Jon's legacy continues.
Expertise
Involvement in a wide range of services has allowed Hydro-Graphics to respond to an equally wide variety of challenges, including unique & custom paint scheme designs.
Our facilities include two 7m paint booths, a 2.5m hydro tank. We have an onsite colour mixing facility which allows us to match our client’s exact requirements for the shade and tone of their colour. Our wide knowledge of alternative coatings also allows us to provide customers with their exact requirements, whether domestic, industrial, or pharmaceutical application. The development of our expertise has allowed us to apply our knowledge from prosthetic hands to fully constructed and coated 2-seater light aircraft and everything between and the team's combined experience leaves us excited for new ideas and new business. So get in touch for more information on how we can prove our expertise on your products.
The Process
Hydro-Graphics, also known as immersion printing or water transfer printing, is a method of applying printed designs to three-dimensional surfaces. The Hydro-Graphic process can be used on metal, plastic, glass, hard woods, and various other materials.
Our two 2.5m hydro tanks allow us to dip a range of different shaped products. The process is extensive and is often used to improve the look of items that range from entire all-terrain vehicles and car dashboards, to small items like bike helmets or other automotive trims. For the most part, if the item can be dipped in water and can be painted using traditional techniques then the Hydro-Graphic printing process can be used.
Step By Step
1. First we prepare the item. Then after preparation, the base coat colour is applied, which is key to a quality finish.
2. A polyvinyl alcohol film (PVA) is printed with your chosen print to be transferred, and is then floated on the surface of a large water tank.
3. An activator chemical is sprayed on the film to dissolve it into a liquid and activate a bonding agent.
4. The piece is then lowered into the tank through the floating ink layer. The ink layer along with the polyvinyl alcohol backing then wraps around and adheres to the object. The adhesion is a result of the chemical components of the activator softening the base coat layer and allowing the ink to form a bond with it.
5. After removing the piece from the water, the object is washed, dried, lacquered and polished. This protects the dip as well as achieving the desired gloss level.
What we paint
Your component, our super detailed skilled workforce will transform the hands of a clock, a wing or door, alloy wheels or full bumper & grille sets. Scooter fuel tanks, motorbike mudguards. We can blast, sand, wash, coat, paint and polish.
For 2020 we are adding part blasting & cleaning to our services. Using the very latest blast technology, whether its a full vehicle chassis with years of paint and rust to remove or a small plastic component needing the surface agitating. Our equipment will provide a solution. Keep an eye out for us going live with this.
