Here at TN Liquid Imaging, our ultimate goal is to provide the highest quality service available when it comes to customizing the things that are important to you.
We have processed parts both large and small. From the engine cover for the weekend car enthusiast, to a full luxury tour bus interior, we can handle your project. Our equipment allows us to process parts as long as 8 feet, and as wide as 3 feet.
In addition to hydrographics, we can also handle any of your custom paint needs and vinyl graphics such as window decals and business logos.
Hydrographics, also known as hydro-dipping or water transfer printing, is a method of applying printed designs (carbon fiber, skulls, camo, etc.) to three-dimensional objects.
The hydrographic process can be used on metal, plastic, glass, hard woods, fiberglass, ceramics and various other materials of a solid nature. As long as the material can be submerged in water and tolerate the standard painting process, hydrographic imaging can likely be used to enhance it.
Hydrographics is an additional step to a full custom paint job. All processed items must be custom painted prior to the image application process.
There are hundreds of patterns to choose from in the market today. These patterns include everything from totally abstract, to zebra print, and everything in between.
Popular patterns include carbon fiber, wood grain, skulls, and camouflage.
Please check out our patterns page for some of the available patterns and let us know if you are interested in something other than what you see there.
Recent advances in the industry now make custom designs (specific to you) much more affordable. Contact us to discuss those options if you are interested.
After you have chosen a design (patterns, colors), your selected part is prepared as it would be to receive an automotive grade paint finish. The item is cleaned, prepped, primed, and painted the desired base color.
The color of the base coat impacts the finished color of the pattern. For example, brown for a wood grain pattern, tan for a camouflage print, and metallic graphite for a carbon fiber pattern.
Now that the part is prepped and ready it is time to apply the image (pattern).
For the dipping process, the film is cut to size and placed on the surface of the water in the “dip tank”. Care is taken to ensure no air bubbles are present between the film and the water as they will negatively impact the final transferred image. At the proper time in the process, the film is activated to liquefy the printed image.
With the image now ready to apply, the selected part is lowered (“dipped”) into the tank through the image on the surface of the water. The water being displaced by the object causes the pattern to wrap around and follow the shape of the object.
After removing the piece from the water (now imaged), the item is then rinsed to remove any film residue and then air dried.
After inspection the dipped item is now finished with several coats of automotive urethane clear coat. You may choose from a flat finish to a glass like high gloss finish. Automotive urethane finishes meet the most demanding standards for hardness, UV resistance, chemical resistance and adhesion, insuring a long lasting finish to your newly imaged parts.
The price of hydrographic processing varies depending on many factors.
Some of those factors include: the size, type, and condition of the part being processed, as well as the desired pattern and color being applied.
Because of the variables involved, it is nearly impossible to offer a standard price list for every imaginable item.
Pricing is provided on a per project basis.
We strive to maintain competitive pricing with other processors around the country.
Please contact us directly with the details of your project and we are glad to provide a pricing estimate.