Reimagining Aircraft Interiors with Style
From classic woodgrain finishes to bold custom designs, hydrographics are transforming aircraft interiors. This versatile, durable, and cost-effective process lets operators and owners create cabins with executive sophistication or a truly personal touch.
What Exactly Is Hydrographics?
Hydrographics, is a water-transfer process that applies a printed film onto solid materials, such as aircraft cabinetry. Think of it as wrapping cabinetry in a lightweight, durable, and highly customizable design layer.
How the Process Works:
- Aircraft components are removed, stripped, cleaned, and primed.
- A hydrographic film is floated on water, then activated to dissolve into a liquid pattern.
- The prepared items are dipped, rinsed, and the pattern bonds seamlessly to the surface.
- A protective clear coat is applied, and the items are reassembled and reinstalled in the aircraft.
The result? A seamless finish that mimics wood, stone, carbon fiber, or something completely custom.
Where Can Hydrographics Be Applied?
If it’s part of your aircraft’s cabinetry, chances are it can be hydro-dipped. Popular applications include:
- Bulkheads & doors
- Cabinets & tables
- Seat trays & accent pieces
- Drink rails & countertops
- Lavatory sinks & sidewalls
(Note: sidewalls may need touch-ups sooner since they see more wear from contact.)
Design Options: Classic or Creative
Hydrographics open the door to nearly any look you can imagine:
- Traditional: Polished woodgrain, marble, stone
- Modern: Carbon fiber, metallics, textured patterns
- Bold: Flames, skulls, flags, floral prints
- Custom: Your brand logo or a one-of-a-kind design
For operators managing multiple aircraft, custom films can even unify a fleet with consistent branding.
Cost, Durability, and Downtime
(add bullet) cost: Typically 10–20% less than new veneer installations.
- Durability: Just as strong as veneers, with a protective clear coat to guard against wear, fading, or cracking.
- Lifespan: With occasional refinishing of the clear coat (a quick “scuff-and-buff”), hydrographics can last for years.
- Downtime: Generally 6–8 weeks, faster than the 8–12 weeks required for new veneers.
What to Look for in a Shop?
Not all hydro-dipped finishes are created equal. A quality shop should:
- Be certified by a hydrographic film provider
- Provide consistent patterns across all cabinetry components
- Show no bubbles, cracks, or distortions
Hydrographics vs. Veneer: The bottom line
Hydrographics offer aircraft owners and operators:
- More design flexibility
- Lower cost and shorter downtime
- Easier future repairs (film patterns can be replicated, unlike veneers)
Whether you’re refreshing a single jet or refurbishing a fleet, hydrographics can deliver executive-level interiors with a personal touch.
We even Hydrodip guitars
In short: Hydrographics make it possible to have a cabin that looks as stunning and unique as the journey it takes you on.
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