My first Hydrographics attempt

[Demonic69]

Ok, so it's not technically shooting related, though it has helped kill it's fair share of bad guys, zombies and many, many hours...
I settled on my 360 controller as it was small enough and complicated enough to test the process.
So I cleaned it, sanded it, cleaned it again, let it dry then painted it.
I used a scuff pad on the back and 80 grit followed by scuff pad on the front. Both seem to have worked fine.
A few light coats of primer followed by a silver base coat and we're ready to dip.
I masked out a section of film large enough and cut slits in the corners and edges (to let it expand).
Filled the container with warm water, laid the film on using the "cradle" technique, waited, sprayed on the activator and dipped at a 30-40 degree angle.
Here's where I went a little wrong. The film was still too solid when I dipped, either I didn't wait long enough or didn't use enough activator, practice should sort this.
The front went ok as it's reasonably flat, the back was worse as the film just strung across the high points. I removed the excess so you can see the voids next to the battery cover. I'm happy enough with it for now so I finished with some matte clear coat.
Seems pretty durable now, should be equivalent to a car paint job, though I admit it's not a pro job :-)
Next up.... Shooting stuff :-)





I don't read my own signature!

[Blackstuff]

:goodjob: I wouldn't use that pattern on a gun though unless you want some funny looks from your FEO next renewal :lol:

[Demonic69]

I'd only partner it up with a pink base coat if I did :-)
I've got a couple more films for the gun bits :-)

I don't read my own signature!

[Stuck]

Is that from the Khmer Rouge range of patterns?

[Demonic69]

Urrrrr no idea. It's from dipthis :-)

I don't read my own signature!

[The Gun Pimp]

:goodjob: I wouldn't use that pattern on a gun though unless you want some funny looks from your FEO next renewal :lol:

Seen it on a gun - looks fantastic! Good effort by the way.

[techguy]

Yep, I have too....looked awesome :)

[TattooedGun]

Looks great dude, and behind next to the battery would be the first to wear through anyways, as thats where your fingers sit behind the pad...

[Demonic69]

Looks great dude, and behind next to the battery would be the first to wear through anyways, as thats where your fingers sit behind the pad...

Cheers :-)
Technically it shouldn't wear through with the clear coat on, we'll see!
I think I'll have to do the back again though, just noticed some of the film has formed ridges that may do my head in :-)

I don't read my own signature!

[the running man]

Looks good mate! When u taking orders?