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Liquid Designz

Liquid Designz in Mitchell is bringing something new to the table of automotive customization. Hydrographics is a state-of-the-art practice of bringing the greatest amount of detail to any submergible application. Owner, Todd Dozark, loves what he does and the projects he gets to complete. Not only handling hydrographics, Liquid Designz also offers their new Ceramic Cerakote, which can be used for racing or motorcycle exhaust where a high temperature application is needed. Strap in for a closer look at the art that can make your next project one of a kind.

Dozark has been in the industrial painting industry for around twenty years. Wanting to hone his talent and move towards automotive applications, Dozark started attending a Mitchell Technical Institute (MTI) night class for automotive refinishing. The students at the time were restoring a motorcycle, which when finished was entered into an automotive show in Minneapolis, MN. At this show, there was a gentleman who specialized in hydrographics, and was giving demonstrations. Dozark remembers, “I walked past his booth quite a few times in that two-day period. I would stop and listen for a few minutes, make a round and come back; essentially spending hours listening to this guy. I loved what he was doing, and it really inspired me to try hydrographics on the next project we were doing in class.” The next project the class was completing was replicating a 1968 motorcycle for Drag Specialties, the world’s largest aftermarket motorcycle parts distributor. After testing his hydrographic “dipping” skills on his dad’s motorcycle, and talking his class into letting him dip it, he was ready to give this project a little extra customization. The result was nothing if not a piece of art. Drag Specialties put photos of the bike on the cover of their Old Book Catalog in 2014. This customization even featured the company’s logo strategically placed throughout the dipped areas of the bike.

If you are like most enthusiasts, you have seen very detailed work on vehicles and bikes and thought it was an amazing airbrush technique. But in fact, it could very well be the work of hydrographics. The process in itself sounds amazing, and the end result speaks volumes. First, the surface is primed and painted the desired background color. This has to be the first step, as the film will only stick to a freshly painted surface. The design film is essentially ink placed on a very thin water soluble film, that serves as a transfer for the ink to the desired surface. Once the film design is chosen, it is placed in the dip tank filled with water. With the image upside down in the water it will need to soak in order for the design to be pliable for application. After soaking, an activator is sprayed on the film to turn the ink back to a liquid state that will sit on the surface of the water. Anytime you take a three dimensional object and dip it into the water, that film will conform right around it. After the dipping stage, the item will need to be rinsed, dried and then a clear coat is placed on top to seal the design onto the project piece. You might start thinking: what can this film be dipped on? The answer is pretty simple. This film can be placed on any surface that can be submerged and painted. “Whether it’s a gun stock, a motorcycle fender, auto interior dash parts, wheels and even skulls! There are never ending applications for hydrographics.” In fact, Dozark has dipped a keyboard stand, motorcycle helmets and a veteran’s cane with custom graphics.

Liquid Designz is the only shop in the area that is a licensed “Pro Staff” shop of hydrographics, as they are properly trained in this application. The process to become a Pro Staff shop isn’t an easy one. “You have to meet certain standards: be in business for a certain amount of time, complete all proper training, and have permits and licenses within the city. We’ve been dipping for around five years now, and have been burning the candle at both ends. We are not a small tub dipping operation.”

Liquid Designz offers a product that can help with the need of high temp coatings used in racing and on motorcycles. Cerakote Ceramic Coatings are considered number one in extreme high temperature applications. “Cerakote offers high temperature ceramic coatings for the automotive, motorcycle, ATV, off road, and heavy duty truck industries, as well as many other high temperature industry applications. This ceramic coating is a protective finish often referred to as an exhaust coating and is designed to prevent corrosion of exhaust systems and engine components. The high temperature coating process can increase durability and provide thermal insulation against corrosion and thermal shock. This product can withstand temperatures of 1800 degrees Fahrenheit.” This finish is available in multiple colors and can be applied to motorcycle parts, race car parts and hot rod parts; such as headers, exhaust, turbos, cold air intakes, wheels and even firearms.

Liquid Designz has hundreds of film patterns to choose from, many of which they have in stock! “We have any color camp’s carbon fiber, flames, skulls and wood grains.” Dozark’s shop includes a full down draft paint booth, dip tank and rinse station which are meticulously kept up and cleaned to ensure an amazing result every time. He even has a little help in this department. “My daughter will come down to the shop and help clean up. I’ve already started teaching her the process of dipping as she’s pretty interested in it. Thanks to all my family and friends for helping and supporting me to get to this point!” The dipping process is definitely something to see, and Dozark’s completed project photos speak louder than words. With the experience and the right tools, customers can expect one of a kind service for their next project from Liquid Designz in Mitchell. Be sure to follow their Facebook and Instagram accounts for pictures of Liquid Designz’s newest projects!

March 2016

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