TNT Hydrographics

The hydro graphic process consist of transfering a pattern to an object using water displacement. Any material that is hard surfaced and non porous such as glass, wood, metals, fiberglass, ceramics and all types of plastics and can be submerged in water without harm can be printed. There are hundreds of patterns to choose from.
The most important step in the hydro graphic process is the preparation of the article to be printed. Cleaning, sanding and the appropriate bonder/primer are then applied and sanded smooth.
A base coat is applied to correspond with the pattern to be printed. The color of the base coat controls the hue of the pattern. Such as a brown for a woodgrain print. We can also control the contrast through the application of both the base coat and finish coat.
Unlike most other companys, Hydro Imaging has the flexibility to incorporate custom design and or graphics into and along with the pattern or patterns suited to your needs. If it can be imagined, it can be created by Hydro Imaging.
The pattern you have chosen has been printed on a water soluble polyvinyl film. This film is carefully laid on top of water that is contained in a special made tank for hydrographic printing.
An activating solvent is then applied by spray to the films pattern. As the film dissolves, it leaves the printed pattern floating evenly on top of the water.
The object being printed can now be dipped through the pattern. The water being displaced by the object causes the pattern to wrap around and adheres the print to the object no matter how complex the shape. Creating a continuous finish.
The item is then rinsed to remove any residue and then air dried.
Several coats of a catalized automotive urethane is applied. You may choose a flat to a glass like high gloss finish. We also offer a silicon soft touch finish that creates a rubber feel that is most populare with hunting sports equipment and products . Automotive urethane finishes meets the most demanding standards for hardness, UV resistance, chemical resistance and adhesion. It is also easily maintained.
Finally we wet sand, buff, and polish your item.
Most all manufacturers use hydro graphic printing to achieve their woodgrain and other patterns printed parts. Like that of which you would find in high-end model automobiles as well as marine and aviation.
The possibilitys are endless of objects that can be printed as well as the hundreds of patterns that there are to choose from.