Hydro Dipping Services in Poole, Dorset

Hydro dipping services – water transfer printing

Professional hydro dipping and water transfer printing for automotive parts, motorcycle components, marine parts, plastics, metalwork and custom projects. Based in Poole, Dorset, JP Spraying provides a complete hydro dipping service, including preparation, base coating, hydrographic film application and protective clear coating. Hydro dipping allows detailed patterns such as carbon fibre, camouflage, wood grain and custom effects to be applied across complex three-dimensional shapes that can be difficult to achieve with conventional graphics or vinyl. Whether you have a one-off custom part or a batch of components, contact us to discuss your project and get a quote.

What Is Hydro Dipping?

Hydro dipping, also known as hydrographics or water transfer printing, is a process used to apply printed patterns to three-dimensional objects. We place a specialist hydrographic film is floated on the surface of water before an activator is applied. Then the component is then carefully passed through the film, allowing the printed pattern to wrap around the contours of the part. After that, the dipped component is then cleaned, dried and protected with a clear coating to provide the required finish and durability. Because hydro dipping works around curves, recesses and complex shapes, it can produce finishes that would be difficult to recreate using conventional decals or vinyl wrapping.

Our Hydro Dipping Process

A good hydro-dipped finish depends just as much on preparation and coating as it does on the dip itself. At JP Spraying, we can manage the complete finishing process.

1. Surface Preparation

The component is cleaned and prepared to provide a suitable surface for the coating system. Depending on the material and condition of the part, preparation may include degreasing, sanding, existing coating removal or other surface preparation.

2. Primer & Base Coat

Where required, we apply a suitable primer is applied before the component receives its base colour. The base colour plays an important part in the final appearance of the hydrographic pattern and can be changed to create different effects.

3. Hydrographic Film Application

The selected film is carefully positioned on the water before being activated. We then lower the component through the pattern at a controlled angle, allowing the design to wrap around its surface.

4. Cleaning & Inspection

Once dipped, we rinse the component to remove residue and inspected before moving onto the final coating stage.

5. Protective Clear Coat

The finished pattern is sealed beneath a protective clear coat. Depending on the project, different sheen levels may be available, including matt, satin and gloss finishes.

What Can Be Hydro Dipped?

Hydro dipping can be applied to many different materials, providing the surface can be correctly prepared and the component is suitable for the dipping process.

Common examples include:

Automotive Parts

Interior trim, centre consoles, dashboard components, mirror covers, engine covers and other decorative vehicle parts.

Motorcycle Parts

Fairings, panels, trims, covers, tanks and custom motorcycle components.

Marine Parts

Interior trim, panels, control surrounds and decorative marine components.

Plastics

Many plastic components can be prepared, painted and hydro dipped depending on the type of plastic and application.

Metal Components

Steel and aluminium components can also be hydro dipped once the correct preparation and coating system has been applied.

Custom & Bespoke Items

We regularly work with unusual one-off parts and bespoke projects. If you aren’t sure whether something can be hydro dipped, send us a photograph and we can take a look.

Hydro Dipping Patterns & Finishes

There is a huge selection of hydrographic films available, making it possible to create anything from subtle decorative finishes to highly distinctive custom parts. Popular styles include:

• Carbon fibre
• Camouflage
• Wood grain
• Marble and stone effects
• Skulls and graphic designs
• Abstract patterns
• Metal and technical effects
• Custom decorative patterns

The appearance of the finished pattern can also be altered through the choice of base colour beneath the film. Once dipped, the part can normally be finished in a matt, satin or gloss clear coat, depending on the required appearance and application.

Professional Hydro Dipping in Poole, Dorset

JP Spraying is based in Poole, Dorset, providing professional hydro dipping and specialist coating services for both businesses and private customers. Unlike a process that simply applies the hydrographic film, we can handle the complete coating system in-house — from preparation and base coating through to dipping and final clear coat. Our wet spraying experience also allows us to combine hydro dipping with custom colours, painted details and specialist finishes. We work with customers throughout Poole, Bournemouth, Dorset and across the UK.

Hydro Dipping for One-Off Parts & Production Work

We can assist with both individual custom projects and repeat component work. For one-off projects, we can help you choose a pattern, base colour and final sheen that works with the component. For commercial customers or repeat products, contact us with the component details, quantities and required finish so we can assess the most suitable process.

Hydro Dipping for One-Off Parts & Production Work

We can assist with both individual custom projects and repeat component work. For one-off projects, we can help you choose a pattern, base colour and final sheen that works with the component. For commercial customers or repeat products, contact us with the component details, quantities and required finish so we can assess the most suitable process.

Hydro Dipping FAQs

Is hydro dipping durable?

The printed pattern forms part of a complete coating system and is normally protected by a clear coat. The overall durability will depend on the component, preparation, coating system and the environment in which the item is used.

Can plastic be hydro dipped?

Many plastics can be hydro dipped, although the correct preparation and primer are important. Send us a photograph or details of the component and we can advise whether it is suitable.

Can metal be hydro dipped?

Yes. Steel, aluminium and other metal components can often be hydro dipped once they have been properly prepared and coated.

Can you hydro dip automotive parts?

Yes. Automotive trim and components are among the most common applications for hydro dipping, particularly carbon fibre effect finishes.

Can you hydro dip motorcycle parts?

We can hydro dip motorcycle panels, trims and other suitable components, and can combine the process with custom wet spraying where required.

Can I choose the base colour?

The colour beneath the hydrographic film can significantly alter the final appearance, and we can discuss suitable base colours for your chosen pattern.

Can I choose matt, satin or gloss?

In many cases, yes. The final sheen is created by the protective clear coating applied over the hydrographic pattern.

How much does hydro dipping cost?

Hydro dipping prices vary depending on the size, shape and condition of the component, the preparation required, the pattern and the final coating specification.

For an accurate quote, send us photographs of the parts along with an idea of the finish you would like.

Get a Hydro Dipping Quote

Looking for hydro dipping in Poole, Dorset or need a professional water transfer printing service for a custom project?

Send us some photographs of the parts along with the finish or pattern you have in mind.

We can advise on suitability, preparation, pattern options and the best way to achieve the finish you’re looking for.

JP Spraying Limited
Poole, Dorset

01202 790439