For a glossy finish, you must build up thin layers of even paint in multiple coats over a pretreated surface. Apply a final coat of primer and after the manufacturer specified drying time, the part is ready for painting (a quick, final polish is not a bad idea).Īfter priming, spray painting 3D printed models is a surprisingly quick process (with the right technique). Most primers have an extremely flat finish that highlights intricate details under direct light. A heavy primer can be used as an alternative to sanding, but this might obscure any intricate details in your part.Īfter sanding and adding an initial coat of primer, inspect the surface again for imperfections. While primer will fill in very small cracks and holes, using a thin coat of paint will retain surface details.įor SLA 3D printers, this involves removing the support structures and sanding down the support marks. For FDM printers, when painting PLA or ABS 3D prints with large layer heights, sanding the entire model might be necessary before painting to make sure that the layer lines aren't visible. Prior to priming, the surface should be smooth. It makes the painting process much cleaner and the outcome more professional (especially with glossy surfaces). The neutral gray of a primer highlights imperfections in a model and preps them to be sanded or filled with modeling putty. The goal of priming is to create a pristine print surface before painting. If the end goal is to create a show-stopping object, then primer is essential.

Depending on the 3D printing process you used, there might also be clearly visible layer lines. Without treatment, small step-marks or support marks will show through on the final surface, along with any large triangles visible in the 3D printed mesh. But anyone who builds 3D printed models for a living knows that paint hides no flaws. This one step is priming.Īdding a final coat of paint to a part creates presence and polish. It makes painting effortless and helps create a flawless final surface. Most beginners skip it, but all experienced model builders do it. One step in the finishing process is the key to turning 3D printed objects into a professional product.

3d painting