Painting 3d Printed Pla

Its one of the easiest materials to work with but maximizing its potential requires that you apply a few finishing and painting techniques. Beginners guide to painting 3d prints pla abs by brian obudho jan 15 2020. Thin coats allow under painted layers to show through creating a rich deep color.
painting 3d printed pla

However 3d prints are far from perfect when they come out of the 3d printer.

Painting 3d printed pla. Prepare print modelwhen preparing models for painting in makerbot print keep in mind how your print settings. Get it 3d printed all3dp is an editorially independent publication. 3d printed models airbrushing airbrush is a technique of applying paint or dye on a surface in our case on a 3d printed model. Painting 3d pla and abs prints with an airbrush using an airbrush is quite different from painting with a hand brush but the results can be amazing.

With additive manufacturing giving you the freedom of shape and model manipulation you should also consider the personalization of your pla 3d models by painting it. Apply the paint by spraying the surface you want to paint in slow even strokes. Pla prints generally work well with acrylic paints. Clean and sand your model.

For a glossy finish you must build up thin layers of even paint in multiple coats over a pretreated surface. The person that maneuvers the tool controls the amount of paint that gets applied on the surface of the object. This unique feature opens a new set of possibilities for you to explore and innovate with. Although it seems like an easy task painting 3d prints takes a little effort in order to get a high quality and lasting paint.

After priming spray painting 3d printed models is a surprisingly quick process with the right technique. Start spraying with the stream pointing slightly outside the edge of the object you want to paint. The worlds 1 3d printing magazine for beginners and professionals. You can click here to read more about some of our favorite airbrushes found on amazon.

The same paints and process that works for pla prints also works for nylon powder prints like the ones from shapeways white strong and flexible ponoko and other large 3d printing providers with laser sintering sls. Short guide in painting 3d pla models. If you want to come up with a high quality 3d print that is sure to stand out then there will still be a lot of work to be done after the printing process. Pla is one of the most common materials used in 3d printing today and is quickly becoming the most popular.

The learning curve is a bit greater but its well worth it. An airbrush is an air operated tool that sprays paint on a surface in multiple tiny droplets. Stop spraying with the stream pointing slightly outside the object you want to paint.