[3D Printing Knowledge] Complete Tutorial on Coloring 3D Printed Products !
Want to add color to your solid-color 3D model but don't know how? This article will teach you in detail how!
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 looking to incorporate more creativity into your 3D printed models , then painting them can be a great solution.
In this tutorial, we will show you how to create near-car-quality paint jobs 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.
Required items:
1) 3D printing model
2) External alcohol
3) Tissues
4) Spraying primer/filler
5) Spray painting
6) Hanging rope
7) 80, 120, 240, 220, and 1000 grit sandpaper
8) Needle-nose pliers
9) Adhesive
10) Sanding blocks and sandpaper
11) Gloves
12) Safety goggles
13) Breathing mask
1) 3D printing model
2) External alcohol
3) Tissues
4) Spraying primer/filler
5) Spray painting
6) Hanging rope
7) 80, 120, 240, 220, and 1000 grit sandpaper
8) Needle-nose pliers
9) Adhesive
10) Sanding blocks and sandpaper
11) Gloves
12) Safety goggles
13) Breathing mask
Step 1 : Prepare and print the model
When preparing a model for painting in MakerBot Print, remember that print settings will affect the quality of the painting job.
Considerations: Print settings, print direction, number of build boards
TIP 1: The surface printed on the Z-axis has the smoothest surface finish.
TIP 2: Printing the model at a 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 the areas you intend to paint , as it will require more post-processing to remove completely.
When preparing a model for painting in MakerBot Print, remember that print settings will affect the quality of the painting job.
Considerations: Print settings, print direction, number of build boards
TIP 1: The surface printed on the Z-axis has the smoothest surface finish.
TIP 2: Printing the model at a 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 the areas you intend to paint , as it will require more post-processing to remove completely.
Step 2: Remove supports , materials, and base plate
Items needed: Needle-nose pliers or flat-nose cutting pliers
After removing the print model from the print platform of the printer , you will need to remove all base plates or support materials.
Items needed: Needle-nose pliers or flat-nose cutting pliers
After removing the print model from the print platform of the printer , you will need to remove all base plates or support materials.
Step 3: Sanding, applying glue, and user-filled sealant (optional)
Items used : sanding blocks, electric sander, 80, 120, 240, 400 and 1000 grit sandpaper, cyanoacrylate glue (super glue), Bondo adhesive.
To achieve the highest quality painted surface, the next optional step is to sand the model.
Please ensure you wear goggles, gloves, and a respirator.
Items used : sanding blocks, electric sander, 80, 120, 240, 400 and 1000 grit sandpaper, cyanoacrylate glue (super glue), Bondo adhesive.
To achieve the highest quality painted surface, the next optional step is to sand the model.
Please ensure you wear goggles, gloves, and a respirator.
TIP: More details on bonding and sanding can be found here.
Step 4 : Suspension
Item used : Hanging rope
Once your model is ready to be painted, hang it in a well-ventilated, dust-free open space. This allows you to paint all surfaces evenly without having to handle the model while the paint is drying.
Step 4 : Suspension
Item used : Hanging rope
Once your model is ready to be painted, hang it in a well-ventilated, dust-free open space. This allows you to paint all surfaces evenly without having to handle the model while the paint is drying.
Step 5: Primer/Filler
Whether you choose to sand your model and apply filler, or simply paint a rough, high-resolution printed PLA model, several coats of primer/filler can fill in any small surface imperfections before painting.
Primer filler is an expensive 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, high-resolution printed PLA model, several coats of primer/filler can fill in any small surface imperfections before painting.
Primer filler is an expensive spray filler that comes in aerosol form and can be purchased at most local hardware stores.
Note: Please remember to wear gloves, goggles, and a respirator before spraying.
Step 6: Allow the model to dry
After applying 2-3 coats of primer/filler, allow the model to dry for 30-40 minutes.
seventh Step: Polishing
1. Lightly sand the model with 1000-grit ( dry ) sandpaper. This will smooth the surface of the model, as the primer filler tends to produce a rough surface texture similar to sandpaper.
2. Assess quality.
3. If the surface imperfections you want to smooth still exist, continue applying consecutive layers of primer/filler and sanding .
Once you are satisfied with the surface of the model, you can move on to the painting stage.
After applying 2-3 coats of primer/filler, allow the model to dry for 30-40 minutes.
seventh Step: Polishing
1. Lightly sand the model with 1000-grit ( dry ) sandpaper. This will smooth the surface of the model, as the primer filler tends to produce a rough surface texture similar to sandpaper.
2. Assess quality.
3. If the surface imperfections you want to smooth still exist, continue applying consecutive layers of primer/filler and sanding .
Once you are satisfied with the surface of the model, you can move on to the painting stage.
Step 8: Paint
When choosing paint, you usually have a lot of freedom in deciding what color and type of paint to use. Make sure you choose something that adheres well to plastic.
1. Choose a paint
2. Before painting the entire model, test the colors in an inconspicuous area.
3. Let the paint sit overnight to cure.
TIP 1: Typically, the 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 the painted model, you can also apply a thin layer of clear coating at this time.
- Finished product -
Finally, you'll have a beautifully painted model that can be approved for demonstrations, enhanced for sets or galleries, optimized for better classroom learning, or simply improved for better innovation!
Did this detailed tutorial on coloring printed materials help you better understand and practice coloring? If you need more details, please feel free to contact us !
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References
Image source 1
Image source 2
SanDiMa offers more than just 3D printing ; we provide three major OEM services: " 3D Printing Manufacturing ," " 3D Scanning Services ," and " Spatial 3D Scanning Services "!
Follow our fan page and stay up-to-date with the latest news:
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