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What do you need to Hydro dip a phone case?

Author

William Cox

Published Mar 11, 2026

What do you need to Hydro dip a phone case?

Supplies needed for hydro dipping:
  1. Water.
  2. Spray Paint in the Color of your Choice.
  3. Primer.
  4. Painter's Tape.
  5. Top Coat.
  6. 3D item that you want to dip – We used a water bottle and cell phone cases.

Similarly one may ask, what do you need to Hydro dip?

Step-By-Step Guide to Hydro Dipping

  1. Large, deep plastic container (the container will have paint on the inside after the hydro dipping is complete)
  2. DIY complete hydrographic printing kit.
  3. Object to be dipped.
  4. Sandpaper to smooth the surface.
  5. Rags.
  6. Bucket of mild cleaning solution and water.
  7. Vinyl, rubber, or latex gloves.

Also Know, what liquid do you use for hydro dipping? The process of hydro dipping uses hydro(water) and paint filament to coat any type of material that has a base coat.

Considering this, do you need activator to Hydro dip?

Under and over activating are two of the leading causes in problems with hydro dipping. You are not applying a layer of paint, you just need enough activator (with a fine mist, fan pattern spray) to cover the film lightly.

How expensive is hydro dipping?

Average Costs for Hydro Dipping

The average cost for hydro dipping a wheel for a vehicle is roughly $150, and that pricing can vary by as much as 20% - 50%, depending on the type of activator, finish, and labor costs. Hydro dipping fees for guns typically range from $200 to $500, depending on the make and model.

How long will hydro dipping last?

Hydrographic finishes are very robust and will last for many years under normal use. However, similar to your car finish, the paint can scratch if the product is abused. Scratching the protective clear coat can cause failure to the hydrographic finish.

Can you do hydro dipping at home?

While there are many companies specializing in hydro dip art for large items (e.g. cars and sports equipment), it's possible to do the process on your own and be creative. Purchase a home hydro dip kit online to apply a design of your choice, with minimal equipment or experience.

Can you Hydro dip with regular acrylic paint?

Can You Hydro Dip with Acrylic Paint? Yes! Acrylic paint is usually heavier and needs to be thinned by mixing with water before adding it into your dipping water. Depending on the paint you're using, you may need to add some cornstarch or borax to add density to your water.

Do you clear coat after hydro dipping?

STEP 11: CLEAR COAT

Clear coating is highly recommended for all hydrographically decorated parts. This helps to seal in the inks and allows for a cleaner finished product. When the dipped part is dry, apply the clear top coating (matte, semi-gloss or high gloss) to finish off your newly dipped hydrographic part.

What can you use as an activator for hydro dipping?

The other type gives you more time to do the dipping. It is good for a beginner to use. Although each manufacturer has its own blend, the common ingredients in activators are xylene, isobutanol, butyl, methyl acetate and methyl ethyl ketone. The fast-acting activators swap methyl ethyl ketone for ethyl isobutyl ketone.

What is a hydro dip kit?

The kit contains the printed film, chemicals, and basic supplies needed to hydro dip parts at home. Each kit includes: Activator, Top Coat, Base Coat, Universal Primer. The pattern of your choice. Respirator Mask.

What is activator A?

The activator A is used for fixing the pigment ink on the film. When we put the film on water, the activator B is used for liquify the film. The blank film need both activator A and B while the printed film such as carbon fiber film only need activator B.

Why is my hydro film not sticking?

Too little activator and it won't stick properly and become clumpy, too much activator and it can become too thin and not stick properly either. So just a single coat of activator from about a foot or so away seems to work fine.

What temperature does the water have to be for hydro dipping?

The ideal water temperature range for hydrographic dipping is 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

How long after hydro dipping can I clear coat?

The clear coat should be allowed to dry for at least 8-24 hours. Your item will be ready to use when the clear coat is no longer tacky to the touch and has sufficient time to fully cure out.

Can you Hydro dip in a bathtub?

You can camouflage your entire rifle by dunking it in your bathtub, using a process known as hydrographics. One side of the film is water soluble, and the film is placed in a tub of water with that side down.

Is Hydro dipping permanent?

Hydrographics, otherwise known as Hydro dipping, is paint based printing process. Once your item is painted and hydro dipped, they are protected with an automotive grade clear coat, whilst this is a permanent change, if you ever did change your mind, you could simply paint over it.

Can u Hydro dip clothes?

Hydro dipping is an extremely fun way for you to decorate almost any item that can be completely submerged in water. The activity is great for youth groups!

How do you Hydro dip with spray paint?

Instructions for Hydro Dipping With Spray Paint
  1. Fill your bucket or tub full of water.
  2. Spray different colors of paint directly into the water.
  3. Use a stick to swirl the paint design just the way you want it before you dip your object.
  4. Dip your object into the paint design.

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What do you need to Hydro dip a phone case?