【3D Printing Knowledge】A Complete Guide to Painting 3D Printed Objects!
Want to add color to your plain 3D model but don't know how? This article will teach you how to do it in detail!
Whether you're 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 models might be a great solution.
In this tutorial, we'll 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) Hanging string
7) 80, 120, 240, 220, 1000 grit sandpaper
8) Needle-nose pliers
9) Adhesive
10) Sanding block and sandpaper
11) Gloves
12) Goggles
13) Respirator mask
1) 3D printed model
2) Isopropyl alcohol
3) Paper towels
4) Spray primer/filler
5) Spray paint
6) Hanging string
7) 80, 120, 240, 220, 1000 grit sandpaper
8) Needle-nose pliers
9) Adhesive
10) Sanding block and sandpaper
11) Gloves
12) Goggles
13) Respirator mask
Step One: Prepare and print your model
When preparing models for painting in MakerBot Print, remember that print settings will affect the quality of the paint job.
Considerations: Print settings, print orientation, number of build plates
TIP 1: Surfaces printed on the Z-axis have the smoothest surface finish.
TIP 2: Printing models 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 on areas you intend to paint, as they will require more post-processing for complete removal.
When preparing models for painting in MakerBot Print, remember that print settings will affect the quality of the paint job.
Considerations: Print settings, print orientation, number of build plates
TIP 1: Surfaces printed on the Z-axis have the smoothest surface finish.
TIP 2: Printing models 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 on areas you intend to paint, as they will require more post-processing for complete removal.
Step Two: Remove supports, material, and rafts
Items needed: Needle-nose pliers or flush cutters
After removing your printed model from the printer's print platform, you will need to remove any rafts or support material.
Items needed: Needle-nose pliers or flush cutters
After removing your printed model from the printer's print platform, you will need to remove any rafts or support material.
Step Three: Sanding, Glue, and User Fill (Optional)
Items needed: Sanding block, power sander, 80, 120, 240, 400, and 1000 grit sandpaper, cyanoacrylate glue (super glue), Bondo body filler
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 glue (super glue), Bondo body filler
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 on gluing and sanding here.
Step Four: Hanging
Items needed: Hanging 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: Hanging 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 PLA model printed at high resolution, a few coats of primer/filler before painting can fill in any small surface imperfections.
Primer filler is a high-build spray filler that comes 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 PLA model printed at high resolution, a few coats of primer/filler before painting can fill in any small surface imperfections.
Primer filler is a high-build spray filler that comes in aerosol form and can be purchased at most local hardware stores.
Tip: Remember to wear gloves, goggles, and a respirator mask before spraying.
Step Six: Let the model dry
After applying 2-3 coats of primer/filler, allow the model to dry for 30-40 minutes.
Step Seven: Sanding
1. Gently 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 out, continue to apply successive layers of primer/filler and sand.
Once you are satisfied with the model's surface, proceed to the painting stage.
After applying 2-3 coats of primer/filler, allow the model to dry for 30-40 minutes.
Step Seven: Sanding
1. Gently 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 out, continue to apply successive layers of primer/filler and sand.
Once you are satisfied with the model's surface, proceed 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 cure overnight
TIP 1: Typically, paint will dry in about an hour 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 coat of clear coat at this point.
- Finished Product -
Finally, you'll have a beautifully painted model, ready for approval presentations, enhancement for sets or galleries, optimization for better classroom learning, or simply improvement for better innovation!
Has this detailed guide to painting 3D printed objects helped you understand more and get started painting? If you need more details, feel free to contact us!
3DMart offers more than just 3D printing; we provide "3D printing services", "3D scanning services", and "360° spatial 3D scanning services"!
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Reference
Image source 1
Image source 2
3DMart offers more than just 3D printing; we provide "3D printing services", "3D scanning services", and "360° spatial 3D scanning services"!
Follow our fan pages for the latest news:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/3dmart.com.tw/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3dmart
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3dmart/
Reference
Image source 1
Image source 2