Hydro graphics

stangguyaz

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Minuteman
Jun 27, 2012
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phoenix az
I was wondering if anyone has used hydro graphics to camouflage their ar style rifle if so how does it wear is it easily scratched do you have to prime the rifle just wondering looks like a pretty new thing lots of cool graphics though thanks
 
Re: Hydro graphics

Try the search, cause everyone is probably annoyed with repeat topics.

Not anywhere near the realm of a "new thing"

If you're worried about getting it scratched...leave it black.
If you're worried about how it looks...get it out of the safe and use it more often.
 
Re: Hydro graphics

I asked this question a little while back and got a good answer. See below.

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...729#Post3416729

I've since talked to some companies that do hydro-dipping and discoverd that it's pretty durable. You need to understand exactly what the process does and what it is. I thought it was a decal or sticker of sorts but apparently when the film is in the water it dissolves. So it's just paint floating on the water and the paint is "printed" onto the item in that pattern. It is then typically finished with a clear coat to protect it. If it's chipping then your rifle is chipping just like any other paint job. Hope this helps.
 
Re: Hydro graphics

Ok I've searched the archives and learned a lot about it I have one question though if I want to do a light tan colored graphic like atac or some other camo pattern
would the rifle need to be painted or base coated and if so with what thanks
 
Re: Hydro graphics

I'm pretty sure it doesn't matter what the color of the rifle is. Each pattern has a base coat that must go on first. So a tan rifle would look the same as a black rifle after the hydro-dipping process is done. You can verify this with the company you choose to do the dipping.
 
Re: Hydro graphics

Yes, they do spray a "primer" coat before applying the graphics. I've had one AICS stock done and had my entire quad done. It is durable but you can scratch it. Even the factory guns that are camo'ed will scratch. That being said, my quad has been though some rough brush and still looks great. Where I would be more concerned would be all of the nooks and crannys on an AR. It might be hard to get a good, even application. Seems to work better on broader surfaces. Sometimes on sharp edges or curves, it gives a "stretched" appearance to the pattern.

DSC_0756.jpg
 
Re: Hydro graphics

i have done the wheatherby skulls pattern on my ar 15 andother than me playin with my can on a full auto upper and burning the paint it is very durable. This ar is my beater gun for hog hunting. i will take this gun anywhere and put it into any situation as well. There are a few things that i would warn you about if you decied to go this rout. Be sure to tape up everything as the pant that is used is very durable. mate stripped upper adn stripped lower togather. if you would like picks pm me with your email and i can get you some picks later this after noon