How to Prepare and Paint a 3D Printed Model

admin — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 21:08:58 +0000

So, you’ve chosen your model, you’ve had My Print Lab or someone else print it for you (or printed it yourself), and now you’re ready for the fun part – painting!

Painting your 3D printed models is fun and rewarding. With the right preparation and post-print care, you can turn your single-tone 3D models into beautiful works of art. While some specific advice may differ depending on what you’re painting, this guide will provide some broad-stroke (get it?) instructions on how to clean, prepare, paint, and care for your model, no matter its use.

Step 1. Prepare the Model

Before you can apply any paint or primer, you must prepare the 3D-printed model by removing any supports and cleaning up any rough edges or burrs. Begin by using a hobby knife to carefully remove excess plastic from the model.

Once all of the supports are gone, use sandpaper to smooth out any remaining burrs or rough spots on the surface of your model. Use finer grits of sandpaper for a smoother finish on your 3D-printed object.

Step 2. Prime Your Model

Primer helps to fill in any imperfections on the model, making it easier to paint and providing a better base for adhesion of your chosen paints.

Apply two or three coats of primer using an airbrush, aerosol can, or brush depending on the look you are trying to achieve. Make sure to use thin coats and allow each coat time to dry before adding additional layers of primer.

When finished priming, your model is ready for painting!

Step 3. Choose Your Paint

When selecting paints for your 3D printed model, it is important to choose paints that are compatible with ABS plastic or PLA plastic depending on what type of material your model was printed with and whether you want a glossy finish or matte finish look when completed.

Acrylics work best for this purpose as they bond well with 3D printed materials and come in plenty of colours!

Step 4. Painting Your Model

Once you have chosen your paint colours, begin painting small sections at a time rather than trying to cover everything all at once with one colour as this will help ensure even coverage and fewer streaks when finished painting all sections desired colours.

Base Coat

Start by using a base coat on the entire model to provide an even base for other colours.

Wash

After the base coat is dry, begin adding washes to areas of the model that need it. Washes are thinned down paints that can be used to add shading and depth to certain parts of your 3D-printed object.

To create a realistic look with further depth, add a few layers of washes.

Dry Brush

If needed, use a dry brush technique which involves taking small amounts of paint onto a brush and then lightly brushing over parts of your model in order to bring out certain details in smaller areas.

To avoid any smudging or smearing when painting, use masking tape along the edges of the model where you don‘t want paint

Step 5. Seal the Model

After you have finished painting your model, it’s important to seal it in order to protect it from wear and tear and ensure that its colours stay vibrant over time.

Low cost options, like Mod Podge or a matte varnish, are great for small models or those made from PLA plastic. For larger models made from ABS plastic, you may be better off with a more durable acrylic spray sealer like Plasti Dip to provide a stronger protective barrier.

For a more vibrant finish, use a gloss sealant; if you’re after a more natural/worn look, use a matte sealant

Apply several thin coats of sealant, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying additional layers until desired coverage is achieved

Step 6. Displaying and Using Your Model

With your model cleaned, painted, and sealed, you’re all set to display or play!

To ensure that your model retains its condition and lasts as long as possible, it is important to take proper care of it during use or display.

Avoid exposing the model to extreme temperatures or humidity as this can cause damage to the paint and sealant. For models that see infrequent use (display-only), it’s worth giving a semi-regular clean – a soft cloth dampened with water should do the trick.

With proper maintenance, your 3D-printed object will look great for years to come!

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