Hydrodipping RC Bodies (How To)

[Mr.Duke]

@slick2500 inspired Kraton body just came out of the water

I think I’m going to go bright aluminum for the base coat followed by black to back it.

I did have a slight blowout on the passenger side but this body is going to see hard bashing and end up with some battle wounds so I’m not upset about it at all

 

[slick2500]

@slick2500 inspired Kraton body just came out of the water

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I think I’m going to go bright aluminum for the base coat followed by black to back it.

I did have a slight blowout on the passenger side but this body is going to see hard bashing and end up with some battle wounds so I’m not upset about it at all

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I tried looking for that film on eBay and couldn't find it again.

 

[Mr.Duke]

I tried looking for that film on eBay and couldn't find it again.

Dude…. I wish I had known or I’d have dipped another pattern and saved this piece for you. I’ve had it since I dipped yours years ago and figured I’d use it up

These were the other 2 patterns I was considering but the angry shrooms won out

 

[slick2500]

Dude…. I wish I had known or I’d have dipped another pattern and saved this piece for you. I’ve had it since I dipped yours years ago and figured I’d use it up

These were the other 2 patterns I was considering but the angry shrooms won out
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I still have that body laying around, It has taken a beating over the years.

 

[Ken7272]

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Looks excellent, would like to do my big rock like that.

 

[Mr.Duke]

I forgot to post final pics of the latest hydro dipped project

 

[joshludden]

I forgot to post final pics of the latest hydro dipped project
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Man that looks absolutely killer!!! You made the process sound so easy, but I'm sure there's a learning curve just like everything else

 

[crimsonfancy]

Follow the @Mr.Duke technique and you'll be in great shape, friend.
I'm only a guy that sneaks in every once in a while but I'll admit that Mr Duke has done more for me and the progress of my RC hobby than I can even describe.
When I get back in here (should be soon enough) I look forward to all the great fun and greater friends I experienced a couple years ago.

 

[shaglioni]

Anyone do this as a side project? Looking for a hydro dipped B6.3.d body, with some Film I can choose from a website of one's choosing.

 

[RC-Dude]

What a schlepp to find friendly and happy designs.....

I do have a skull aready - literally carrying it around on my neck all the time.

 

[slick2500]

Anyone do this as a side project? Looking for a hydro dipped B6.3.d body, with some Film I can choose from a website of one's choosing.

You can do it. I have faith in you.

 

[lemonteksunrise]

I forgot to post final pics of the latest hydro dipped project
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This has been an awesome thread to read through and watch your progress. I've got quite a few clear bodies laying around and thanks to you I might just have to spend some more money and give this a try...damn it lol.

 

[chilly81]

I forgot to post final pics of the latest hydro dipped projec

Looks like you definitely have it down to a science. Does that one have taped and masked windows, or did you repaint them black from inside or something? Looks good - wondering if you could leave them clear that way if that was your preference.

 

[Mr.Duke]

Looks like you definitely have it down to a science. Does that one have taped and masked windows, or did you repaint them black from inside or something? Looks good - wondering if you could leave them clear that way if that was your preference.

I just used blue painters tape to mask off the insides of the windows while dipping and then removed it to apply the black backer paint. For clear windows just remove the tape for the final step when you remove the clear protective outside film that comes on the body

 

[Nubster]

Just finished reading every post. I'm intimidated but also somewhat encouraged. So here's my idea and I'm hoping for maybe a little thoughts on how to go...
I want to do a Comp Wagon body. It's body only, no bed. I'd love some heavy metal flake. Planning on doing skulls (pirate theme of sorts). I'm afraid that due to the height of the cab...getting the print all the way to the roof might prove difficult. So, I'm thinking of doing the top half black, print on the hood and sides/rear. Grill will also be painted so don't need the graphics on there.

So...with that in mind, how would you dip? Rear to front or front to rear? Also, would you do clear flake first and dip over that or back the dip with the clear flake before backing with color? Or I back with a metallic color? Here's the body and this example has the upper half painted black like I'm thinking of doing...black will be black and where it's silver I want the dip graphics...the graphics, and the backing color...

 

[Nubster]

Bueller....Bueller....Bueller....

 

[Mr.Duke]

 

[Nubster]

Thanks for the help. I appreciate it.

 

[Mr.Duke]

My sinceres

Thanks for the help. I appreciate it.

Sorry about that, I didn’t see your earlier post you made on the 17th until now.

Painting the top half of the cab black would definitely be the right call with that much surface area and even if you could get the pocket of air out, it would stretch the image too far IMO.
It’s difficult to say which way to dip the body (front first vs rear first) and my suggestion would be to fill a tub with just water and practice different angle entries to see how the water contacts the inside. You’ll more than likely want to dip front first as that’s the most visually pleasing section to look at and the start point of entry Is most times the best for image adhesion and detail. If the image starts to fall apart or stretch it would fade and look better to have at the rear of the cab vs the front.

For flake, I’d put a couple light coats on after the dipping process and before final backing color simply because some paints don’t play well when you’re trying to get the image to adhere to them.