CUSTOM FILM FAQ
Here at BadAss Custom Coatings we can turn your images or company into a custom printed hydrographic film for your next project.
What all colors can you print on a custom film?
We can print all the colors except for white ink. You will use a white base coat and that will give you the white for the pattern.
What size is the custom film? What is the dimensions of what I am getting?
We sell the custom film by the full meter wide 100cmx100cm (40″x40″) Half meter wide 50cmx50cm (20″x20″). The 20″ or 40” width is always constant and depending on how many meters of film you order, will determine the length of film.
Can I use any base color under the custom film?
Yes and no. Since we cannot print white, you will normally use a white base color for your base and then dip the pattern over the white base to show the colors correctly as well as make the pattern look exactly like the printed version you see on the film. You can however use different colors under the film but you may not get the results that you want. If your print is for example, a black and clear film, then yes you can use multiple colors to get multiple different variations of the same design. If your print has multiple colors that are bright and vibrant and you use a different color other than white, you will skew your colors and the print will not look correct under the different base color.
Is there anything different using the custom film vs normal hydrographic film?
Yes the custom film is a little different than standard film. First you will notice that the film will come with a clear plastic backing. This is to help feed the film into the printer. Before you dip the film, you will have to remove the clear plastic backing. Once the backing is removed you can then treat it like normal film by placing the side that was stuck to the paper backing DOWN on the water. ALL 4 corners should be kept under control with borders. After the film sits on the water for around 60 seconds at 80 – 90 degrees, you can spray the activator to activate the film. Once the film glasses out then you are ready to dip. For more detailed instructions please refer to the written instructions provided or YouTube videos, we are working on our own YouTube Video which helps understand working on custom films and will be up to view very soon!
Can I send you an image I took or does it need to be seamless?
No your pattern does not need to be seamless if you dont want it to be. We can print you any size square patterns that you want with any amount of blank space in between each print so you have plenty of room from one image to another. If you do want your image to be seamless then we can certainly help you out and get the pattern corrected if needed.
What base needs to be used under the custom film?
Normally you will want to use a white base coat like our BadAss Hydrographics Solid Brite White, but sometimes different base colors can be used depending on how the pattern is made and what colors are in the custom film.
What format do I need to provide to get a custom image made into a hydrographic film?
We recommend sending us the original file the document was created in. We can also use high resolution photographs as well. Some of the most common files that we use are – .TIFF, .AI, .PDF, . PNG, .JPG, .PSD, .SVG and many more. If you do not see your file type just send us an email or give us a call and we can gladly help you out with any file format you may have.
What is the DPI that I need to have my image to be ready to send to you?
We will print any image that you send us but we normally recommend at least a 300 DPI or larger file. If we see that the custom image that you provide us is not sufficient or will possibly look bad when scaled up to a certain size, we will certainly let you know before anything is printed.
Do you charge a design fee to setup my custom film for printing?
We charge a initial setup fee, which includes getting your design set up for printing and we will adjust image to your liking and are happy with the design.
Do you print trademarked patterns or CFL, NHL, NFL or Comic characters?
We DO NOT print anything like this unless you have the written consent of the party who owns the trademark to the pattern and/or image you are wanting to have printed. If you have a question or concern about an image please feel free to contact us and we can gladly let you know if we are able to print it or not.
Do you offer discounts on multiple orders or larger orders?
Unfortunately we do not as the film is very costly to print as well as the process involved to make it. Currently we sell all film for the same price across the board no matter if you order 1 square meter or 100+ meters of film.
How soon can you print my custom film? What is the turn around?
From start to finish for shipping, typically 1 to possibly 2 weeks, all depends on the complexity of the graphic designing changes and time between corresponding to make the film you want.
What type of printer, inks and film are used in our customs films?
What is Hydrokon film and why do we use it
Hydrokon water transfer film is a trusted, made in the USA, blank, printable hydrographic film. Did you know that many shops that offer custom hydrographic prints use Hydrokon water transfer film? Hydrokon has become a trusted source for quality printable blank hydrographic film because it offers some unique features that put it a cut above the rest.
Hydrokon film is easy to spot if you know what to look for to identify it. Below are some properties that make Hydrokon unique.
• Hydrokon has a clear polyester backing. This backing makes it easy to visualize your finished project, simply by laying the film over your prepared substrate. The clear backing is easy to remove and does not stick or absorb moisture like paper backing.
• Hydrokon has a built-in fluorescent indicator that will make a dipped substrate glow under blacklight. The fluorescent indicator makes it simple to judge if there is any leftover pva on the substrate when rinsing the hydrodipped item. There is no need to feel around for slimy leftover pva, just spotlight it with the blacklight and rinse it away.
• Hydrokon water transfer film has quality repeatable results due to its consistent coating thickness. Because Hydrokon film is held to a high quality standard during production, it has consistent, dependable performance that can be trusted.
• Activators such as Superbrew from K2 and DipPros are often recommended for use with Hydrokon Film.