Frequently asked questions about our custom Hydrographics service

Check out our FAQs about Hydrographics

• What is Hydrographics coating or printing?
   

  Hydrographics, also known as water-transfer printing, hydro dipping, cubic printing or liquid printing, is a way of applying printed designs to three-dimensional surfaces. The process utilises a water-soluble film that contains the printed designs. Once an activator has been applied, the film dissolves and leaves the ink on the surface of the water. Now, the item can be immersed into the water and the ink wraps around it. It is then washed and protected with a clear topcoat.

  Find out more about the Hydrographics process

• What can you cover with Hydrographics or water transfer printing?
   

  We can cover most 3-dimensional materials including wood, metal, stone, carbon fibre, ceramics, glass, plastic. Basically, if the part can be submerged safely in water, it can be covered using Hydrographics coatings. That means a huge variety of objects, from furniture to vehicle parts, car and bike parts, electronics, home fixtures such as worktops and bathroom suites, and even aeroplane interiors. Check out our What we can print on and Sectors sections for more information.

• What kinds of designs or finishes can I get on my item(s)?
   

  We have an almost unlimited supply of designs, patterns and effects. From our fun and wild Flames, Skulls and Sports to our nature-themed Florals, Trees and Animal patterns, plus our architectural-themed Wood, Stone and Metal effects, and loads more besides, you will be spoiled for choice.

  Or if you’re feeling creative and you’d like to use your own photo, drawing or pattern, you can supply that to us  and we’ll transfer it onto the item of your choice.

  Check out our Patterns catalogue for more details and to start choosing today!

• What do I do if I want to get an item coated by Jellybean Custom Coatings?
   

  It’s easy to get the ball rolling – just email us at enquiries@jellybeancustomcoatings.com with: 

  • two or three clear pictures attached to your email of each item you’d like us to coat
  • which pattern, effect or design you’d like or whether you wish to supply your own design 

  We’ll email you back with a quote and, if you’re happy to accept the quote, simply bring your item(s) to us or post it/them to us. We can even arrange for them to be collected and/or delivered back to you if you are local.

  Or you can phone us and we can agree the ideal solution for you, and the postage/delivery details that suit you.

  View our Location information 

• How much does it cost to get my item(s) coated?
   

  Water Transfer Printing is an advanced yet cost-effective process, which overcomes problems faced by traditional printing methods, such as conversion coating, screen printing, transfer printing, and hot printing.

  The actual price for your item(s) depends on a few factors such as: 

  • the size of the item(s);
  • the condition of the item and whether it will need to be professionally cleaned or to go through our Blasting process for example (e.g. for a corroded car part);
  • what kind of coatings you’d like ;
  • how quickly you need the work to be carried out;
  • which pattern you’d like / whether you’d like to supply your own.

  We’ll give you a quote when we’ve assessed your item, and we will always be fair and reasonable.  

  Please note - all prices are based on new items with limited or no preparation required. Items that require additional preparation will be priced accordingly.

• How long will it take to get my items professionally coated by Jellybean?
   

  Turnaround time is generally 5-7 days plus postage times, but it may be possible to agree earlier turnaround times (see our Priority Services) so please feel free to ask.

• Does the Hydrographics process damage my item?
   

  No, there will be no damage to your item. However, it may need to be sanded at some point in the process.

• I have a business and I need to have multiple items coated. Is this possible?
   

  Yes, we cater for businesses and manufacturers as well as for individuals. No job is too large or small, as long as any items (or the coatable parts of the items) can fit into our 1.3-metre-long tanks.

• Is Water Transfer Printing / Hydrographics durable?
   

  Yes. Some of our biggest customers are automotive manufacturers who demand the highest standards of quality and durability on their products. The ink from the Hydrographics film is very durable itself. However, a protective clear coat needs to be applied to protect decorated items to ensure that they last for years.

• Is Hydrographics coating or printing realistic?
   

  It’s very realistic, because the quality of films and products that we use is so high. You can achieve the look or effect of many materials such as wood, stone, marble, carbon fibre, animal fur/skins and metal.

• Is it safe to apply the coatings to electrical or mechanical items?
   

  Yes, we cover a wide range of electrical and mechanical items – or at least the parts and covers and casings that can be safely removed and dipped. Once completed and dry, they can be safely reattached to your item.

• Can I get my car interior refinished with Hydrographics?
   

  Yes, in fact this is a very popular use of Hydrographics coatings. Without realising it, you may have seen Hydrographics coatings already in cars that have luxury wood-effect dashboards, gear sticks and other trim. We can also provide luxury coatings for aeroplane interiors, so that you can achieve the look of metal, stone or wood without the resulting cost or weight.

  Check out the services we provide to various Sectors
  View our realistic patterns and designs 

• What if I want a different design on my item in the future? Can the coatings be removed?
   

  Yes, that’s no problem! The decorated piece needs to be sanded and painted again. After that, the piece will be ready again for the printing process, with no harm whatsoever to your item. Then we simply apply your new design.

• Can items that are not correctly printed be reprinted?
   

  Yes, items that are not decorated to your complete satisfaction can be reprinted, using the process described in the previous answer.

• How scratch-resistant is the final product?
   

  The clear coat recommended is the same as is used on automotive exteriors. That means it’s resistant to UV, scratches, etc.

• Is it safe to apply the coatings to kids’ toys, even ones that can be chewed?
   

  We wouldn’t recommend coating kids’ toys or eating/drinking vessels with these paints.

• What can’t be covered with Hydrographics coatings?
   

  The materials and items that we can’t cover with Hydrographics paint coatings include:

  • clothing / fabric / textiles
  • gel-based items
  • entire electrical / mechanical items
  • cardboard- / paper-based items
  • anything bigger than 1.3m (that’s how big our tank is)
  • anything that will heat up

  If you have an item you’d like to ask about, and you’re not sure if we could cover it, please contact us and we’ll let you know what’s possible.

• How is the Hydrographics film supplied?
   

  Hydrographic film comes in rolls of 100 cm wide.

• What’s the difference between Hydrographics, water transfer printing and cubic printing?
   

  There’s no difference – they’re all names for the same process. We call it “Hydrographics” as it’s a very commonly used term in the industry, but it can also be called any of the above names or hydro dipping, hydro imaging, or fluid imaging. 

Get in touch today with any questions, or a quote request

If you have any other questions about our custom coating service, or you’d like to request a quote for coating your item, we’d love to help. Just contact Jellybean today and we’ll get right back to you.