Hydro Dipping spray painting is fun, but it is nothing more than a mess if you are not equipped with suitable materials. You might have faced problems like poor coverage, paint not adhering to the surfaces, and paint flaking off or chipping. All these issues happen when you need to use suitable paints. Spray paints are preferred for hydro dipping for ease of application. All spray paints are made differently and come with their advantages and disadvantages.
For a perfect and mess-free hydro dipping spray paint project, it is crucial to figure out the spray paint that works well with hydro-dripping. Also, you need to consider other features like the durability and appearance of the final finish. If you’re wondering what spray paint is best for hydro dipping, I’ve got your back. After trying out the multiple options in my projects, I’ve shortlisted the six best hydro dip spray for you.
Best Spray Paint For Hydro Dipping Overview
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
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Best Overall | Best Overall
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Rust-Oleum 327874 American Accents Spray Paint |
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Heavy Duty | Heavy Duty
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Krylon K05545007 COLORmaxx Spray Paint and Primer |
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Premium Pick | Premium Pick
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Rust-Oleum 277239 Stops Rust Spray Paint |
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Editor’s Choice | Editor’s Choice
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Rust-Oleum 1915830 Specialty Metallic |
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Rust-Oleum 249127 Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover |
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Top Pick | Top Pick
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Krylon K02719007 Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint |
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6 Best Spray Paint For Hydro Dipping Reviews
1. Rust-Oleum 327874 American Accents Spray Paint
I’ve been working with hydro dipping spray paint for more than 10 years. I know dozens of the best options in outdoor and indoor water dipped painting applications. But I always prefer Rust-Oleum American Accent Spray paints for hydro dipping. I purchased this paint to create the custom tumblers through hydro dipping. Since the metallic tumblers are entirely non-porous, I wasn’t sure about the paint adhesion to the tumbler surface. To my surprise, the paint works well with the metal.
The paint is advertised as all surface paint and works like it. It’s a 2-in-1 paint that comes with a premixed paint primer formation. Rust-Oleum uses the industry’s best sprayers, and this isn’t an exception. It comes in a handy aerosol spray can packaging, making applying customized layers easy. Several colors and gloss finishes are available for the paint. Also, it comes in a few flat finish options that offer a low-sheen finish.
A 12 Oz pack covers up to 12 sq. ft, which is impressive. Its 2x coverage formula helps you get a professional grade finish with little effort. In addition, metal paint works well with a wide range of materials like wicker, plaster, wood, plastic, unglazed ceramic, fabric, canvas, shoes, and fiberglass.
I’ve been using the paint for more than three years, and there is nothing much to talk about its problems except for some minor issues. The paint comes with a tight cap to prevent clogging. The cap is a little extra hard making it a little tricky to open. If you apply force, you may end up breaking the nozzle. Also, most of the paint options are available in gloss finishing. It doesn’t come in a matte or semi-gloss finish, which is disappointing.
PROS
- Super glossy and vibrant
- Ergonomic sprayer
- Works best with all materials
CONS
- Available only in gloss finish
- Cap is a little tricky to open
Hydro dipping is made easy with Rust-Oleum 327784 spray paint. Surfaces, both porous and nonporous, adhere well to this primer+paint premix. It is available in various colors, making your custom creation more diverse.
2. Krylon K05545007 COLORmaxx Spray Paint and Primer
Rust-Oleum American accent paint is impressive, but its unavailability in matte or flat finish limits its application to some projects. Krylon K055405006 COLORmax was discovered after extensive market research. Both indoors and outdoors can be painted with this spray paint. The paint is available in many finishes, including flat, high-gloss, semi-gloss, matte, and satin.
The color range is vast but less comprehensive than the RUST Oleum American accent. It is a 2-in-1 paint that comes with a premixed primer. The surface does not require a second primer layer. The paint is highly weather resistant. It works best for both indoor and outdoor water dipped painting applications. It comes packed in a professional-grade aerosol package. A big push button is the handiest trigger I’ve ever used.
The trigger is super soft and offers excellent control while applying the paint. Using it, you can apply an ultra-smooth layer of paint on the water’s surface. For best results, I advise keeping the water temperature between 90 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and shaking the can well before using. The paint works with almost all surfaces, like wood and plastic. The formula is a little thin and doesn’t offer good adhesion for a nonporous material. You may need to sand the metal or fiberglass to make them work with this paint.
Another advantage of Krylon COLORmax is that it dries very quickly. In direct spray painting, fully cured takes around 20-30 minutes. In the case of hydro dipping, it is advised to wait at least one hour before touching the final finish. It is available in multiple packaging sizes, from 11 fluid ounces to 15 fluid ounces. Hobbyists and professionals alike will benefit from its affordable price.
PROS
- Highly affordable
- Available in a wide range of finishes
- Handy trigger and sprayer
CONS
- Weak adhesion with nonporous materials
Krylon K05545007 COLORmax is one of the most versatile spray paints you can buy for hydro-dipping projects. The paint is available in a wide range of finish options and comes with premixed primer making it the best spray paint for hydro dipping.
3. Rust-Oleum 277239 Stops Rust Spray Paint
Next on the list is Rust-Oleum 277239 spray paint. It is another all-surface paint by Rust-Oleum designed for interior and exterior applications. The paint has been advertised as rust-protective spray paint, so it works best with metal. It is an enamel paint featuring a super durable formula. Steel and fiberglass are suitable non-porous surfaces for this adhesive. However, it doesn’t come with a premixed primer; you need to combine it with a primer, especially when using it with non-porous surfaces.
In addition to that, it offers a highly durable glossy finish on the ceramic and wood. It makes it a perfect choice for painting ceramic plates through hydro dipping. There are 79 shades and colors of paint in this high gloss finish. Unfortunately, the paint doesn’t come in a semi-gloss or matte finish.
The oil-based formula of the paint prevents fading and chipping. Commercial-grade projects benefit from this feature. It allows you to make sellable products through hydro dipping. Although durability is impressive, the paint takes slightly longer to dry than other oil-based paints. It takes 3-4 hours to get perfectly fixed on a porous surface. It may take 8 hours to get fully cured to a non-porous surface.
The coverage of the paint is impressive, and it can cover up to 15 sq. ft with a 12 Oz can. Like all other rust oleum products, it uses a highly ergonomic sprayer. The trigger is smooth and helps you get pleasing and smooth layers. It is a thick oil-based formula highly prone to clogging, so cleaning the nozzle with a paint thinner is advised after every use.
PROS
- Durable fade-resistant formula
- Resist rust and corrosion
- Works well with non-porous surface
- Available in 79 colors
CONS
- Only available in gloss finishes
- Needs a separate primer
Rust-Oleum 277239 enamel paint is one of the most durable spray paints you can buy today. Its ability to work with all surfaces, weather-resistant finish, and wide range of colors make it the best spray paint for hydro dipping.
4. Rust-Oleum 1915830 Specialty Metallic
Rust-Oleum Specialty metallic is another dependable option that you can consider for your hydro dipping projects. The paint offers a super shiny metallic finish to the items. It is formulated for indoor decor items and helps you create custom designs and finishes on all types of decor items in your home.
The paint contains metallic fakes and features a gloss finish formula. It offers a super shiny, highly reflective finish on all items. The paint adheres well to materials like metal, wood, and ceramic. It is a great way to paint candle holders, photo frames, and other decor items in your home.
Its oil-based durable formula makes the final fish exceptionally durable. It leaves a hard layer when dried, making it less suitable for delicate items like fabric or shoes. Since the paint is designed for interior use, applying a clear coat on top is unnecessary. The clear coat spray paint will affect the brightness and vibrancy of the paint.
The paint comes in medium consistency for ease of application. Plus, it uses a handy sprayer and trigger, making layering easy. The coverage of the paint is more than impressive, and even with a thin layer of paint, you get a professional-grade finish. The recommended time between the coats is 30 minutes. It takes around 20 minutes to get thoroughly dried, but you must allow it to dry sufficiently for maximum durability.
PROS
- Glossy metallic finish
- Offers a durable hard finish
- Easy to handle
CONS
- Only available in silver color
Rustoleum Speciality metallic paint is a professional-grade formula for rehabilitating antiques and decorating items. Its oil-based formula, handy sprayer, and soft consistency make it the best spray paint for hydro dipping.
5. Rust-Oleum 249127 Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover
One of the best things about this paint is that it adheres well. Rust-Oleum Painter’s touch 2X ultra cover is an oil-based formula that sticks well to all surfaces. This paint is formulated to be equally helpful for indoor and outdoor applications making it one of the finest choices for hydro dipping.
You can paint on fabric, shoes, or any other material. The paint adheres well to both porous and non-porous surfaces. However, you must sand the surface with a non-porous surface like metal or fiberglass. The paint is available in various colors, making it equally suitable for hobbyists and pros.
In addition to its versatility, this paint is easy to use. It is not a thin paint, but its consistency is not very thick either. It is available in 8 finishing options: gloss, flat, semi-gloss, ultra matte, satin, matte, high gloss, and metallic. The sprayer is equipped with an all-angle spray tip making the layering pretty easy, and that is all you need for hydro-dipping projects.
It dries up quickly and takes around 30 minutes to cure fully. However, I recommend allowing the paint to cure for at least one hour for maximum durability. The biggest downside of the paint is that it is not temperature resistant. Cracks are formed when exposed to extremely high or shallow temperatures. It limits its application in outdoor water dipped painting projects.
PROS
- Competitively priced
- Ergonomic all-angle spray tip
- Adhere well to all materials
CONS
- Prone to cracking
If you are looking for affordable spray paint for your DIY projects, this is the best spray paint for hydro dipping. Its oil-based non-toxic formula, medium consistency, and all-angle spray tip make it the best paint for hydro dipping. There are eight different finishes and a variety of colors to choose from.
6. Krylon K02719007 Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint
The final option on the list is Krylon K02729007 fusion all-in-one spray. This all-in-one spray paint comes with a premixed primer. It forms a strong bond without priming or sanding, even with nonporous material. It is equally helpful for interior and exterior use and offers an ultra-durable final finish. All other options cannot compete with its direct adhesion to all surfaces.
Several colors and finishes are available for the paint. You can use it for hydro dipping on shoes, fabrics, metal, decor items, and other materials. Its formula is thin enough to be directly used in hydro dipping. The hydro-dipping process can, however, be made to work with paint thinner when the temperature is low. The sprayer is handy, and a big push button makes the layering easy.
The coverage of the hydro dip spray is also impressive. With a 20 oz can, it offers around 20 sq. ft coverage. It dries up fast, maybe less than half an hour. The biggest issue with this paint is that it is highly prone to clogging, especially in winter. Clogging issues can be prevented by cleaning the nozzle regularly. Clogging issues can be prevented by cleaning the nozzle regularly.
PROS
- Wide range of colors and finishes
- Easy to use trigger
- Adhere to all surfaces
CONS
- Highly prone to clogging
Krylon Fusion all-in-one spray is ready-to-use spray paint that you can use for hydro dipping. In addition to adhering to all surfaces, it allows for easy layering. Its ergonomic sprayer and non-toxic formula make it a good option for beginners.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Durable Is Spray Paint Hydro Dip?
The durability of the hydro dip spray depends upon the used paint type. Acrylic paints are easy to use in hydro dipping but fade and chip easily. Oil-based and enamel paints are a little tricky to use but offer impressive durability for both interior and exterior use.
Does Acrylic Spray Paint Work For Hydro Dipping?
Yes, acrylic paint works for hydro dipping. Acrylic paints are non-toxic and help you get smooth fishing with a little effort. However, acrylic paint does not offer a durable finish and does not adhere well to non-porous surfaces
Wrapping Up Spray Paint For Hydro Dipping Review
This post will help you choose the best spray paint for hydro-dipping projects. Hydro dipping works well with all surface paints, as discussed above. There is no compromise on quality or performance in any of the options on this list. My top three picks from the list are:
- Rust-Oleum 327874 American Accents Spray Paint for impressive coverage, ability to adhere to all surfaces, and super glossy vibrant finish.
- Krylon K05545007 COLORmaxx Spray Paint and Primer for an affordable price, a wide range of finishes, and a handy sprayer.
- Rust-Oleum 277239 Stops Rust Spray Paint for availability in a wide color range, ability to adhere to nonporous surfaces, and ease of use.
This review post will help you understand what kind of spray paint for hydro dipping. If you are a beginner, I recommend using acrylic paint since it is non-toxic and easy to handle. For maximum durability, an oil-based formula is the best choice.
Adam Wilson is the plumbing products Editor for Mechanics Gear, covering everything related to plumbing. He have 15 years of experience as a plumber and written about plumbing gear for over two years and plans to continue writing for a long while to come. Since he started sharing his plumbing knowledge on Mechanics Gear, he loves nothing more than relaxing in his home and and writing his plumbing experiences. Adam Wilson likes finding new plumbing products and dive into, from manuals, forums and different plumbing groups.