Hydro-dip

[windym]

I put a bid on a pair of hydro-dipped side vents on the bay a while back. Then picked a plain pair up fairly cheap from another seller so cancelled the first bid. Thought nothing more about it until the postman delivered the hydro-dipped pair, ok no worries just contacted the seller need to return these.

I was considering using hydro-dip for a few things on the car but having seen the results will stay away. Im not sure if the seller had cleaned the vents before dipping but the finish is terrible full of bubbles, runs, dull areas, just horrible.

does anyone have any experience with this process, has this just been badly applied or is this par for the course with hydro-dipping?

Andy

 

[Aceman]

Hydro dipping is a far less forgiving process than wrapping but if applied well and the surface prepared properly looks far better. I think whoever di those vents basically cut corners and did not prep the surface correctly, you have to prepare the surface as you would if you were repainting them normally. I wouldn't be put off from having stuff hydro-dipped but ask around a few local bodyshops and find a local firm that does this process and is recommended rather than relying on an Ebay ad.

 

[GazHyde]

@pgunter has had some hydro dipping done and the work looks absolutely mint. No blemishes or other kind of mark on them. I'd say it's down to the person doing the work, rather than the process itself!

 

[pgunter]

@windym As @GazHyde has mentioned. I have had some done and all I can say it is down to the person who is doing the work. The guy who carried out my dipping was extremely fussy about the right finish. Even to the extent that when one of the mirrors reacted due to pervious paint, he sanded the both down again to get an exact match. Its not a case of just dipping. The items must be sanded smooth and then prep with an undercoat that will take the dipped transfer. I have attached a few photos to show you the items. They were green mirrors and a very funny shade of blue to begin with. Like most things, the better job does not come cheap. The mirrors and gills finished as they are were just into three figures. Funny enough I have been offered more for them, but they are not for sale.

If you need any help of the guys details, please drop me a pm. ok.

 

[windym]

Cheers guys, I figured this was the case will contact @pgunter to find out who did his. Incidentally any ideas on colour match to paint with hydro dipping?

Andy

 

[windym]

Hi @pgunter just beat me too the post. I will PM you.

Thanks Andy

 

[Antm72]

Im sure with colour match to paint is todo with the base coat.
As the dip its self is ink i imagine dipping say carbon fibre if the base was blue rather than black the blue would show through.
I imagine its down to how the dip is inked.

 

[Antm72]

Those mirrors look great ! @pgunter

 

[Antm72]

I looked at dipping locally but the local guy sold the business.
Its a place in leeds now i opted for wrapping and had a go as i wasn't happy with the shade difference when painted.
Mine wrapped.

They retain texture as the vinyl is what they class as 3d another option.....

 

[pgunter]

@Antm72 Steve at Slick Dips did a test with different base colours as the transfer is a semi transparent weave. We opted for a a colour on Anthracite to match my wheels, which are Anthracite with a chrome top spray. The all match in really well. The mirrors have the bases and frame around the mirror in a semi gloss black. The rear cover being the dipped part. I was very happy with the result considering the mirrors were a green.

 

[Antm72]

I think dipping over wrapping paticularly the mirrors is the way to go but if i go wrapped im paying someone that does it all the time the material is cheap and rather forgiving to be fair so i may try it over the christmas break to see if i can do it !
It was your car i saw the vents in carbon on, i think in pictures on one of the meets last year they look great and having painted mine and been unhappy at the paint match thought a total contrast as a statement rather than a mismatch was a better way to go plus you get to add abit of personal touch.

 

[Nifty Fifty]

I had the centre console dipped and would agree with previous posts it's all down to the preperation and under coat colour. Again find a well established company that knows what they are doing.

 

[littlefeller]

I had the centre console dipped and would agree with previous posts it's all down to the preperation and under coat colour. Again find a well established company that knows what they are doing.
View attachment 24836
View attachment 24835

hey thats ace, the kind of thi ng i was thinking about

 

[AllyZ32.8i]

Good stuff

 

[windym]

Cheers guys, looks good I think I will see about getting my vents dipped at slik dips. The ones sent to me are very poor indeed also the seller has not got back to me about them so not sure whats going on there.

andy

 

[5harp3y]

@windym As @GazHyde
View attachment 24823 View attachment 24824
View attachment 24826View attachment 24828

WOW!

Those mirrors look amazing!

 

[l3ggy]

I've been checking this out also. Company called HydroMonkey:

http://www.hydromonkeys.com/

Some of their stuff is awesome. I particular like this dipping of the door card.......