3D printing has become increasingly popular over the years, allowing people to create intricate and detailed models with ease. However, once the printing process is complete, many people are left wondering how to make their models look even better. That’s where painting comes in.

Painting 3D printed models can take your creations to the next level, adding color and depth to your designs. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced model builder, there are a few key steps you should follow to ensure your paint job looks professional and polished. From priming to airbrushing, there are a variety of techniques you can use to achieve the perfect finish. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best ways to paint your 3D printed models and provide you with tips and tricks to help you get started.

Preparing Your 3D Printed Model

Before you start painting your 3D printed model, it’s essential to prepare it properly. This section will cover the two main steps to prepare your model: sanding and smoothing the model, and cleaning the model.

Sanding and Smoothing the Model

Sanding and smoothing the model is an essential step in preparing your 3D printed model for painting. It helps to remove any rough edges, bumps, or other imperfections on the surface of the model. Here are some tips to follow:

• Start by using coarse sandpaper (80-240 grit) to remove any large bumps or rough edges.
• Follow up with fine sandpaper (400-1000 grit) to further smooth out the surface of the model.
• If you want an even smoother finish, you can use a sanding sponge or a sanding stick to get into the nooks and crannies of the model.
• Be sure to wear eye protection, gloves, and a respiratory mask when sanding to protect yourself from the dust.

Cleaning the Model

After sanding and smoothing the model, it’s essential to clean it thoroughly before painting. Any dust or debris left on the model can affect the quality of the paint job. Here are some tips to follow:

• Use a soft-bristled brush or a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris from the surface of the model.
• If there are any stubborn spots or stains, you can use a mild soap and water solution to clean them off.
• Be sure to rinse the model thoroughly with water and let it dry completely before painting.

In conclusion, preparing your 3D printed model for painting is an important step to ensure a smooth and high-quality finish. By following these tips for sanding and smoothing the model and cleaning it thoroughly, you’ll be ready to start painting your 3D printed masterpiece!

Priming the Model

Before you start painting your 3D printed model, it’s important to prime it first. Priming helps the paint adhere better to the surface of the model, and it also helps to fill in any small gaps or imperfections in the print. In this section, we’ll go over how to choose the right primer and how to apply it to your 3D printed model.

Choosing the Right Primer

When choosing a primer for your 3D printed model, it’s important to consider the material of the model. If you’re printing with PLA, a primer designed for plastic surfaces will work well. If you’re printing with ABS, a primer designed for metal surfaces will work better. It’s also important to consider the color of the primer. If you’re planning to paint your model with light colors, use a white or light-colored primer. If you’re planning to paint your model with dark colors, use a black or dark-colored primer.

Applying the Primer

Before applying the primer, make sure the surface of the model is clean and free of any dust or debris. You can use a soft-bristled brush or a can of compressed air to remove any debris. Once the surface is clean, apply the primer in thin, even coats. It’s better to apply multiple thin coats than one thick coat, as thick coats can cause the primer to pool and create an uneven surface.

When applying the primer, hold the can about 6-8 inches away from the model and spray in a sweeping motion. Make sure to cover all areas of the model, including any hard-to-reach areas. Allow the primer to dry completely before applying any paint. The drying time will vary depending on the type of primer you’re using, so be sure to check the label for specific instructions.

In conclusion, priming your 3D printed model is an important step in the painting process. By choosing the right primer and applying it correctly, you can create a smooth and even surface for your paint to adhere to.

Painting Techniques

When it comes to painting 3D printed models, there are several techniques you can use to achieve great results. In this section, we’ll cover the basics of brush painting and airbrushing, as well as choosing the right paints for your project.

Choosing the Right Paints

Choosing the right paints for your 3D printed models is crucial. Here are some factors to consider:

• Composition of the paint: Some types of paint are better suited for certain types of plastics. Acrylics, enamels, lacquers, and oil-based paints are all compatible with common filament plastics.
• Method of application: Depending on the desired finish and level of detail, you may choose to brush paint or airbrush your model.

Before painting, it’s important to prime your model to ensure the paint adheres properly. A spray primer/filler is a good option for most models.

Brush Painting Techniques

Brush painting is a popular technique for painting 3D printed models. Here are some tips for achieving a smooth finish:

• Thin your paint: Thin your paint with a small amount of water or thinner to achieve a smooth, even coat.
• Use a light touch: Apply thin coats of paint with a light touch to avoid brush marks and drips.
• Work in layers: Build up your paint in layers, allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next.

A flat brush is a good choice for large areas, while a small detail brush is useful for intricate details.

Airbrushing Techniques

Airbrushing is a more advanced technique that can achieve a very smooth finish with fine detail. Here are some tips for airbrushing:

• Thin your paint: Thin your paint with a small amount of thinner or airbrush medium to achieve a smooth, even flow.
• Use a light touch: Apply thin coats of paint with a light touch to avoid drips and runs.
• Work in layers: Build up your paint in layers, allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next.
• Practice: Airbrushing takes practice to master, so start with a simple model and work your way up.

An airbrush kit with a compressor and a range of nozzles is necessary for this technique.

Overall, experiment with different techniques and paints to find what works best for you and your project. With practice and patience, you can achieve professional-looking results.

Finishing Touches

Once you have painted your 3D printed model, there are a few finishing touches you can add to make it look even better. In this section, we will cover two sub-sections: Adding Details and Highlights and Sealing the Paint Job.

Adding Details and Highlights

To give your model more depth and detail, you can use a technique called dry brushing. Dry brushing involves lightly brushing a contrasting color over the raised areas of your model to create the illusion of shadows and highlights.

To dry brush, you will need:

• A small, stiff-bristled brush
• A contrasting color of paint
• A paper towel

Here’s how to do it:

1. Dip the brush into the contrasting paint and then wipe most of it off onto the paper towel. You want the brush to be almost dry.
2. Lightly brush the raised areas of your model with the brush. The paint should catch on the edges and create highlights.
3. Repeat with different colors to create more depth and detail.

Sealing the Paint Job

Once you have finished painting your model, you will want to protect the paint job with a sealant. A sealant will help prevent the paint from chipping or rubbing off.

There are two main types of sealant: spray sealant and brush-on sealant. Spray sealant is quick and easy to apply, but it can be difficult to control and can leave a slightly glossy finish. Brush-on sealant takes longer to apply, but it allows for more control and can be applied in a matte or glossy finish.

Here are the steps to seal your paint job:

1. Choose your sealant and apply it according to the instructions on the can or bottle.
2. Let the sealant dry completely before handling your model.
3. If you want a more glossy finish, you can apply a second coat of sealant once the first coat has dried.

By following these finishing touches, you can take your 3D printed model to the next level and create a truly stunning piece of art.