【3D Printing Knowledge】A Complete Guide to Painting 3D Prints!
Want to add color to your plain 3D model but don't know how? This detailed guide will show you how!
Whether you are an engineer or product designer creating concept models, a prop or set designer, an artist or educator, or a 3D printing enthusiast who wants to incorporate more creativity into your 3D printed models, then painting your model might be a great solution.
In this tutorial, we will show you how to create a near automotive-quality spray paint job on any 3D printed model.
Note: Working time will vary depending on your model. Including drying time, the process shown takes approximately 6 hours from start to finish.
Items Needed:
1) 3D printed model
2) Isopropyl alcohol
3) Paper towels
4) Spray primer/filler
5) Spray paint
6) String
7) 80, 120, 240, 220, 1000 grit sandpaper
8) Needle-nose pliers
9) Adhesive
10) Sanding block and sandpaper
11) Gloves
12) Safety goggles
13) Respirator mask
1) 3D printed model
2) Isopropyl alcohol
3) Paper towels
4) Spray primer/filler
5) Spray paint
6) String
7) 80, 120, 240, 220, 1000 grit sandpaper
8) Needle-nose pliers
9) Adhesive
10) Sanding block and sandpaper
11) Gloves
12) Safety goggles
13) Respirator mask
Step One: Prepare and Print the Model
When preparing a model for painting in MakerBot Print, keep in mind that the print settings will affect the quality of the paint job.
Considerations: Print settings, print orientation, number of build plates
TIP 1: Surfaces printed along the Z-axis have the smoothest surface finish.
TIP 2: Printing the model at 100-micron layer resolution will result in a slightly smoother surface finish, but will take significantly longer.
TIP 3: If possible, avoid placing support material where you intend to paint, as it will require more post-processing to remove completely.
When preparing a model for painting in MakerBot Print, keep in mind that the print settings will affect the quality of the paint job.
Considerations: Print settings, print orientation, number of build plates
TIP 1: Surfaces printed along the Z-axis have the smoothest surface finish.
TIP 2: Printing the model at 100-micron layer resolution will result in a slightly smoother surface finish, but will take significantly longer.
TIP 3: If possible, avoid placing support material where you intend to paint, as it will require more post-processing to remove completely.
Step Two: Remove Supports, Material, and Rafts
Items needed: Needle-nose pliers or flush cutters
After removing the printed model from the printer's build plate, you will need to remove all rafts or support material.
Items needed: Needle-nose pliers or flush cutters
After removing the printed model from the printer's build plate, you will need to remove all rafts or support material.
Step Three: Sanding, Gluing, and User Filling (Optional)
Items needed: Sanding block, power sander, 80, 120, 240, 400, and 1000 grit sandpaper, cyanoacrylate adhesive (super glue), Bondo
For the highest quality paint finish, the next optional step is to sand your model.
Please ensure you wear safety goggles, gloves, and a respirator mask.
Items needed: Sanding block, power sander, 80, 120, 240, 400, and 1000 grit sandpaper, cyanoacrylate adhesive (super glue), Bondo
For the highest quality paint finish, the next optional step is to sand your model.
Please ensure you wear safety goggles, gloves, and a respirator mask.
TIP: Find more details about gluing and sanding here.
Step Four: Hanging
Items needed: String
Once your model is ready for painting, hang it in a well-ventilated, dust-free open space. This allows you to paint all surfaces evenly without handling the model while the paint dries.
Step Four: Hanging
Items needed: String
Once your model is ready for painting, hang it in a well-ventilated, dust-free open space. This allows you to paint all surfaces evenly without handling the model while the paint dries.
Step Five: Primer/Filler
Whether you choose to sand your model and apply filler, or simply paint a rough, high-resolution PLA model, several layers of primer/filler can fill any small surface imperfections before painting.
Primer filler is a high-build spray filler, available in aerosol form, and can be purchased at most local hardware stores.
Whether you choose to sand your model and apply filler, or simply paint a rough, high-resolution PLA model, several layers of primer/filler can fill any small surface imperfections before painting.
Primer filler is a high-build spray filler, available in aerosol form, and can be purchased at most local hardware stores.
TIP: Remember to wear gloves, safety goggles, and a respirator mask before spraying.
Step Six: Let the Model Dry
After applying 2-3 coats of primer/filler, let the model dry for 30-40 minutes.
Step Seven: Sanding
1. Lightly sand the model with 1000-grit sandpaper (dry). This will smooth the surface of the model, as primer filler tends to create a rough, sandpaper-like texture.
2. Evaluate the quality.
3. If there are still surface imperfections you want to smooth, continue applying successive layers of primer/filler and sanding.
Once you are satisfied with the model's surface, move on to the painting stage.
After applying 2-3 coats of primer/filler, let the model dry for 30-40 minutes.
Step Seven: Sanding
1. Lightly sand the model with 1000-grit sandpaper (dry). This will smooth the surface of the model, as primer filler tends to create a rough, sandpaper-like texture.
2. Evaluate the quality.
3. If there are still surface imperfections you want to smooth, continue applying successive layers of primer/filler and sanding.
Once you are satisfied with the model's surface, move on to the painting stage.
Step Eight: Painting
When choosing paint, you generally have a lot of freedom in deciding what color and type of paint to use. Make sure to choose something that adheres well to plastic.
1. Choose a paint
2. Test the color in an inconspicuous area before painting the entire model
3. Let the paint sit overnight to cure
TIP 1: Typically, paint will dry within an hour or so, and can be polished within 24-48 hours.
TIP 2: If you want to protect the surface of your painted model, you can also apply a thin clear coat at this time.
- Finished Product -
Finally, you will have a beautifully painted model, ready for approval presentations, enhancements for sets or galleries, optimization for better classroom learning, or simply improvement for better innovation!
Has this detailed guide to painting 3D prints helped you better understand and get started with painting? If you need more details, please contact us!
3DMart offers more than just 3D printing; we provide three major OEM services: “3D Printing OEM,” “3D Scanning Services,” and “360° Space 3D Scanning Services”!!
Follow our fan pages, don't miss new information:
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References
Image Source 1
Image Source 2
3DMart offers more than just 3D printing; we provide three major OEM services: “3D Printing OEM,” “3D Scanning Services,” and “360° Space 3D Scanning Services”!!
Follow our fan pages, don't miss new information:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/3dmart.com.tw/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3dmart
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3dmart/
References
Image Source 1
Image Source 2