Have you been wondering how to hydro dip? We have a very simple but fun tutorial so you can learn all about hydro dipping. Skip the hydro dip kits and make this easily at home for gorgeous hydro dipped items.
Learning how to hydro dip is so fun!
We have been hearing a lot about hydro dipping lately so I wanted to learn exactly how to hydro dip. It really is super easy and a pretty cool process with a fabulous outcome.
Keep reading to see how easy this is and be prepared for a lot of fun! You are going to love these gorgeous hydro dipped items.
We did a water bottle and phone case. So cool!
Check out this video on how to hydro dip!
What is hydro dipping?
Hydro dipping is the process of water transfer printing. It is simply using paint and water immersion to produce a cool water marbling technique on items.
It sounds fancy but it actually very simple.
What can you hydro dip?
The possibilities are really endless. Some ideas include: water bottle, cell phone case, shoes, baseball bat, helmet, tumblers and more!
How do you hydro dip:
In a few simple steps, you can easily turn plain items into something fabulous. Keep reading to see how easy it is!
Do I need to buy one of the hydro dip kits?
No, it is not necessary to buy a hydro dip kit. We have listed all of the materials that you will need below as well as detailed instructions.
There really isn’t any need for a kit. Plus, buying the individual items will allow you to make more items for less money. The kits can be pricey and usually only come with a small amount of supplies.
Let’s learn how to hydro dip!
Supplies needed for hydro dipping:
- Water
- Spray Paint in the Color of your Choice
- Primer
- Painter’s Tape
- Top Coat
- 3D item that you want to dip – We used a water bottle and cell phone cases.
Check out this video to learn how to hydro dip!
How to hydro dip:
Step 1: Mask off any areas on your 3D item that you do not wanted painted with the masking tape. The entire item will be dipped so make sure any part of the item that you do not want covered in paint is masked off with the tape.
Step 2: Paint your 3D item that you plan to hydro dip with a primer of your choice. We used a white spray paint primer on our items. We used 2 coats to make sure that it’s fully covered. Allow this paint to dry completely (probably will take 2-3 hours).
Step 3: In a large plastic bin or bucket, fill 3/4 of the way to the top with warm water. We used plastic bins that we found at the our local dollar store. You will want to ensure that your bin is wide enough to hold the item that you will be dipping.
Step 4: Choose the colors of the spray paint that you want for your item. Spray the paint on the top of the water and use a stick to slowly swirl the colors together to get the design that you prefer.
You can also spray multiple areas and use the different colors to get the marbled affect that you like.
Step 5: Then dip your item slowly into the water and paint mixture. We chose the area we liked based on the design on top of the water in that area.
You will want to completely dip the item into the water very slowly and then pull it straight up so it does not get additional paint on when it’s removed. Allow the item to completely dry.
Step 6: Then apply a top coat to seal the paint onto the item. Also allow this coat to dry completely.
Now you know how to hydro dip with spray paint!
Make this easily at home with these simple DIY instructions. So fun!
Share with your friends how to hydro dip tumblers.
How to hydro dip without spray paint:
If you do not want to use spray paint, use a hydro dip kit instead. This is an alternative method.
How to hydro dip shoes:
The concept is the same for hydro dipping shoes. Just be careful to tape off any logos, special markings and the insoles.
How to hydro dip a gun:
If you plan to dip a gun, I would suggest practicing on something easy first. Get the hang of the actual process prior to using such an expensive item.
Just with the other items, it is also important to tape off anything on the gun that you do want tape on.
How to hydro dip with acrylic paint:
The process is the same. Acrylic paint method tends to work great on canvas type items to make portraits and such.
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Marla says
Can I put letter stickers on the dipping item and before top coat peal it off?
carrie says
Yes, you can use the letter stickers or use tape to make the design that you would like to be on the object that you are dipping. It works great!
Sheila Parks says
Can you hydro dip glass jars?
and what do you use as a top coat?
carrie says
Yes, you can hydro dip glass jars, but make sure that you coat it with a primer coat first so the paint will adhere to it. I usually top my projects with a coat of polyurethane. Thank you!
Robin says
Can you use the squeeze out type paint like Apple barn instead of spray paint? And I bought some water bottles on clearance that are a dull colored finish. Should I prime them anyway?
carrie says
I haven’t tried the squeeze paint before only spray paint so I’m not sure if that would work. I would still prime the water bottles as it helps the paint adhere better. Thank you!
RONA McFADDEN says
I love how simple you made the hydro dip look. My only question is, if you did the whole bottle in the paint, the bottom of the bottle is also marbled, correct? How do you let it dry without the bottom not getting messed up?
carrie says
We dipped each side at the same time. It still looked great on both sides and then we set the bottle up on the bottle to allow it to dry.
Shawnee Bell says
Can you do socks or shirts
carrie says
I haven’t tried those before so I’m not sure. We only used hard objects as they are easier to pull through the paint. I think clothing would be difficult to keep straight to get a good design on it. If you try it, let me know how it turns out. Thank you!
Linda says
This is fabulous! Do you think it’s safe to make a candle in a hydro dipped glass jar after it dries? I think the alcohol in the spray paint would dissipate after drying??? Thank you for teaching me. I’m gonna try to make some for
Christmas gifts.
carrie says
Yes, I think that would work great – Let me know how they turn out!
Dani says
So I tried. But I don’t know where I went wrong! It seems very rough. I don’t know if my water wasn’t hot enough or if I used the wrong spray paint, but something isn’t right. I am letting it dry now so I haven’t made it to the clear coat part yet.
carrie says
Oh no, I’m not sure what happened. Mine wasn’t rough at all. You have to move pretty quickly once you spray the spray paint on the water. That’s the only thing I can think of.
Karen L Schneder says
I think this is a wonderful project i paint bottles and make bird feeders. I cant wait to try this thank you.
carrie says
I hope you enjoy it! Let us know how they turn out!