What Kind Of Spray Paint To Use For Hydro Dipping?

In this blog post, we will discuss what kind of spray paint to use for hydro dipping. Hydro Dipping is a process that involves submerging an object in water, covering the surface of the water with paint, and then pulling the object back out, leaving an interesting design.

To find out which spray paint you should be using, I looked at some forums on Reddit where people were asking about their experiences with different spray paints.

The best spray paints to use for hydro dipping are special acrylic hydrographic film paints that are designed to float on top of the water and coat objects submerged through the paint. Special kits from Southern Hydrographics and Acro Color Store are pre-mixed and ready to used for a variety of crafts and projects.

Read on to learn more about the specifics behind our paint recommendations!

Best spray paint for hydro dipping:

As with any product, some brands are better than others.

In the case of hydro dipping, you really should look for some specialized products that were created just for this purpose. Namely, these paints were designed to float on top of the water in a smooth film that won’t dry before you are able to dip your object into the paint.

My research suggested that there are two good options: Special kits from Southern Hydrographics and Acro Color Store

According to reviews on Amazon, people who these pre-mixed kits were very happy with their results. Some common features of reviews include praise for how well it covers various surfaces and how resistant it is to chipping and fading.

Here are the two options:

Hydro Film Dip Kit from Southern Hydrographics

This kit is cool because it includes an actual film that you can use to hydro dip your objects along with all of the necessary chemicals to prepare the surface and seal it once you’re done. It has great reviews on Amazon and represents kind of an alternative approach to traditional paint-based hydro dipping.

Check it out here.

Acrylic Pouring Paint set from Acro Color Store

This kit is different from the first option because you will have a TON of color options to work with – you can truly mix and match your colors to create a sweet design while hydro dipping.

As these are acrylic paints, they will work great for the hydro-dipping process. But, the relatively small bottles mean that you might run out of your favorite colors fairly quickly.

Check it out here.

Spray paint hydro dipping problems:

One problem people have with hydro dipping is that it can be difficult to control which parts of the object get covered and that the object is covered evenly and smoothly.

For example, if you are trying to paint only the sides of an object, then you would need to hold it up by hand and spray one side at a time.

Another problem is how cheap things can look after just one use. Because acrylic paints are so fragile, they frequently chip and flake off of the object after only one use. This makes it difficult to reuse that item or at least keep its new color on there for very long.

To avoid these problems, consider using oil-based spray paint instead because of how quickly it dries (in less than an hour) and how resistant it is to chip.

Oil-based paints are also waterproof, making them ideal for objects submerged in water. So, if you are planning on one-time use, this might be the best option.

Acrylic spray paint for hydro dipping:

Acrylic spray paints are usually made from a mixture of water, oil, and acrylic paints. They produce a thin film that is ideal for finishing objects with a smooth flow of colors. 

However, they lack durability, meaning the color will rub off after being handled or simply being outside in the elements for long enough.

One advantage to using acrylic spray paint is that it covers the object with a single coat of paint. This means you won’t have to sand or use chemicals such as acetone to remove any previous coats on the surface. 

Also, according to consumers who used Rust-Oleum brand spray paints, they noticed how easy it was to get an even layer of color, thanks to how quickly it dries.

Another downside is that you won’t be able to use this paint for long since the color will rub off after just one or two uses which means you would need to repaint constantly.

Also, it might not be ideal for submerging certain objects into the hydro-dipping tank if they are not completely waterproof.

Also read:Why is my spray paint sticky? Steps to Fix Sticky Spray Paint

How to hydro dip at home?

You can easily hydro dip your projects at home without too much hassle; you just need the right materials. 

First, make sure to put down a piece of cardboard on your work area so that it doesn’t get dirty or wet if the hydro dipping solution spills.

The next step of hydro dipping is to sand the surface of your object down. If you are not familiar with sanding then check out some tutorials online for more help. 

After that, clean it thoroughly to ensure there are no loose particles or dirt on the surface, which might damage your paint job later on.

Then, put on gloves and goggles to protect yourself from the chemicals and liquid that will be used to remove any particles.

After those three steps are completed, you can now mix your paint according to the instructions on the label. Use a stirring stick or disposable cup to mix it thoroughly without making any bubbles or froth.

Once you have the perfect mixture, pour some of it into another disposable cup and add a few drops of thinner. Stir it thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth again.

Once your paint is ready to use, dip the object into the hydro-dipping tank, remove it smoothly over the edge, and let it dry in the open air without touching it for at least 24 hours. 

To avoid scratching your paint job, try not to use any objects with sharp edges. Finally, once the paint is dry, protect it with wax or a matte clear coat for further protection from the elements.

There you have it! That is all you need to know to hydro dip at home successfully.

Final Thoughts

As you have read, both acrylic and oil-based spray paints have their own pros and cons that should be considered before deciding on one over the other. Acrylic paint is a thinner coat of color compared to oil-based spray paint, which means it will require multiple coats for a full coverage.

On the other hand, because oil-based spray paint dries quicker, you can finish the job in a shorter amount of time. You will have to sand your object before using oil-based paint which means more time and effort is required when it comes to preparing the surface for painting.   

Regarding durability, acrylic spray paints don’t last as long when exposed to constant use or wet environments. Oil-based spray paints are ideal for exterior use since they are more durable than acrylic sprays.

The downside of oil-based paint is that it takes longer to dry, which means it might take you longer than expected before you can actually handle your object again. No matter what type of paint you choose, always remember to wear gloves and goggles to protect yourself from the chemicals and paint.

You are also advised to work in a well-ventilated area, such as outside or near an open window, for safety purposes. Hydro dipping doesn’t require too much effort, just enough patience and correct preparation of your object. And if you follow all these instructions, you will get the best results without too much hassle.   

Thanks for reading! Please comment on any questions or concerns you have. I will do my best to answer all of them with the knowledge that I have acquired through hydro dipping and painting various items. Please come back for more articles soon!

FAQs

Do you need special spray paint for hydro dipping?

No, you can easily use any regular Spray paint for hydro dipping.

What type of paint do you use for hydro dipping?

You can use both Acrylic and Oil based Spray paint for hydro dipping.

Can you hydro dip without primer?

Yes, you can. If you don’t want to use primer, then use a Spray paint that already contains primer in it.

Does acrylic paint float on water?

Yes, acrylic paint may float on water, you can use oil-based paint on water.