Chaotic Kustoms specializes in custom airbrushing and hydrographic printing!
Hydrographics, also known as ‘water transfer printing process‘.
We provide a custom decorating/modifying service that utilizes some of the most advanced technology available today. Hydrographics, or water transfer printing, is the process of transferring patterns to multiple surface objects using water displacement.
With our hydro-dipping (water transfer printing) process we have the ability to print the latest and most popular graphic patterns such as carbon fiber and well known camouflage styles on flat surfaces or surfaces with complex contours without leaving seams or voids. Any material that is hard surfaced and non-porous such as: metals, wood, glass, ceramics, fiberglass, and all types of plastic can be printed on to. In addition to carbon fiber and camouflage we also carry popular lines of wood grains, burl woods, stones, marbles, metals, snakeskin, alligator skin and many other abstract looks.
Hydrographics, also known as ‘water transfer printing’, is the process of transferring patterns to multiple surfaces using water displacement. Any material that is hard surfaced and non-porous such as: metals, wood, glass, ceramics, fiberglass, and all types of plastic can be printed on. There are hundreds of different patterns to chose from including: wood grains, camouflage, carbon fiber, snakeskin, custom graphics, even hundred dollar bills!
The Preparation
As with any coating process, preparation of the part is the key element to a quality finished product. The part needs to be cleaned, sanded, primed, then wet-sanded to be prepared for the next stage, which will be applying the base coat which is chosen to correspond with the appropriate pattern. Different color base coats control the shades of the patterns.
The Process
The pattern that you want comes printed on a water-soluble vinyl film. The film is cut according to the size of the part to be dipped. It is laid on top of clean water in a specialized stainless steel tank.
A chemical activator is sprayed which dissolves the film, leaving the printed pattern floating evenly on the water. Finally the part is ready to be dipped. The water being displaced by the object causes the pattern to efficiently wrap around the part and bonds the print to it no matter how complex the shape, creating a continuous finish.
Finished Product
The part is now removed and rinsed in a parts washer to remove any residue or contaminants. An automotive grade clear coat is applied to protect the pattern. The clear can be applied in a full gloss or matte finish. For the finishing touch, the part is wet sanded, buffed, polished, then packaged ready for pickup or delivery!
