Painting 3D prints with acrylics is a great way to add color, detail, and personality to your 3D printed creations. Whether you’re using a 3D printer to create models for your hobby, business, or education, painting your prints can take them to the next level. Fortunately, painting 3D prints with acrylics is easy and affordable, and it requires only a few basic tools and techniques.

First, you’ll need to prepare your 3D print for painting by cleaning it thoroughly with soap and water, and then sanding it lightly to create a rough surface for the paint to adhere to. Next, you’ll need to choose your acrylic paint colors and apply them in thin, even coats, using a small brush or a spray can. You may want to use a primer or a sealant to help the paint adhere and protect your print from scratches and damage. Finally, you can add details and highlights with a finer brush or a marker, and then let your print dry completely before handling or displaying it. With these simple steps, you can transform your 3D prints into colorful, customized works of art.

Preparing the 3D Print for Painting

Before painting a 3D print, it is essential to prepare the surface to ensure that the paint adheres correctly and provides a smooth finish. Here are the three steps to prepare a 3D print for painting:

Cleaning the 3D Print

The first step in preparing a 3D print for painting is to clean it thoroughly. Any residual dust, grease, or oils on the surface can affect the paint’s adhesion and cause it to peel or flake off. Here’s how to clean a 3D print:

• Use a soft-bristled brush or compressed air to remove any loose debris or dust from the surface.
• Wipe the surface with a lint-free cloth or paper towel moistened with isopropyl alcohol to remove any oils or grease.

Sanding the 3D Print

The second step in preparing a 3D print for painting is to sand it. Sanding helps to smooth out any rough patches or ridges on the surface and creates a better surface for the paint to adhere to. Here’s how to sand a 3D print:

• Start with a coarse grit sandpaper (around 220 grit) and sand the surface in a circular motion.
• Gradually move to a finer grit sandpaper (around 400 grit) and repeat the circular motion until the surface is smooth to the touch.

Priming the 3D Print

The final step in preparing a 3D print for painting is to prime it. Priming creates a base layer for the paint to adhere to and helps to prevent the paint from soaking into the surface. Here’s how to prime a 3D print:

• Apply a thin layer of primer to the surface using a spray can or brush.
• Allow the primer to dry completely before sanding it lightly with a fine grit sandpaper (around 600 grit).
• Repeat the process with another thin layer of primer and let it dry completely before painting.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your 3D print is properly prepared for painting with acrylics.

Choosing the Right Acrylic Paints

When it comes to painting 3D prints, choosing the right acrylic paints is crucial to achieving the desired results. In this section, we will discuss the different types of acrylic paints and how to select the right colors for your 3D print.

Understanding the Different Types of Acrylic Paints

Acrylic paints come in different types, each with its unique properties and characteristics. Here are some of the most common types of acrylic paints:

• Heavy Body Acrylics: These are thick and buttery paints that are perfect for creating texture and impasto effects.

• Fluid Acrylics: These are thin and runny paints that are ideal for glazing and pouring techniques.

• Acrylic Ink: These are highly pigmented and fluid paints that are perfect for airbrushing and calligraphy.

• Acrylic Spray Paint: These are aerosol cans that are perfect for painting large areas quickly and efficiently.

Selecting the Right Colors for Your 3D Print

When selecting the right colors for your 3D print, it’s essential to consider the color of the filament you used to print it. You want to choose colors that complement or contrast with the filament color to create a visually appealing print.

If you’re not sure which colors to choose, you can use a color wheel to help you make the right decision. The color wheel shows the relationship between colors and helps you choose colors that work well together.

Another thing to consider when selecting colors is the color temperature. Warm colors, such as reds, oranges, and yellows, create a sense of energy and excitement, while cool colors, such as blues, greens, and purples, create a sense of calm and relaxation.

In conclusion, choosing the right acrylic paints is crucial to achieving the desired results when painting 3D prints. Understanding the different types of acrylic paints and selecting the right colors for your 3D print will help you create a visually appealing and professional-looking print.

Painting Techniques for 3D Prints

When it comes to painting 3D prints with acrylics, there are two main techniques: brush painting and airbrush painting. Each technique has its own advantages and disadvantages, and which one you choose will depend on your personal preferences and the specific project you are working on.

Brush Painting Techniques

Brush painting is the most common technique for painting 3D prints with acrylics. It is easy to do and requires only a few basic supplies, including paint brushes, acrylic paints, and a palette.

To get started with brush painting, you will need to prepare your 3D print by sanding it lightly to remove any rough spots or imperfections. Once your print is smooth and clean, you can begin painting.

When brush painting, it is important to use thin layers of paint and to let each layer dry completely before applying the next one. This will help prevent the paint from pooling or dripping and will give you a smoother, more even finish.

You can also use different brush techniques to create different effects, such as dry brushing or stippling. Experiment with different brushes and techniques to find the ones that work best for you and your project.

Airbrush Painting Techniques

Airbrush painting is a more advanced technique that requires specialized equipment, including an airbrush and an air compressor. It is ideal for creating smooth, even finishes and for painting intricate details.

To get started with airbrush painting, you will need to prepare your 3D print by cleaning it thoroughly and priming it with a suitable primer. Once your print is ready, you can begin painting.

When airbrush painting, it is important to use thin, even layers of paint and to keep your airbrush moving at a consistent speed and distance from the print. This will help prevent the paint from pooling or dripping and will give you a smoother, more even finish.

You can also use different airbrush techniques to create different effects, such as masking or stenciling. Experiment with different techniques and settings to find the ones that work best for you and your project.

In conclusion, whether you choose brush painting or airbrush painting, the key to success is to take your time, use thin layers of paint, and experiment with different techniques and tools until you find the ones that work best for you. With a little practice and patience, you can achieve beautiful, professional-looking results every time.

Finishing Touches

After painting your 3D print, it’s important to add some finishing touches to make it look even better. In this section, we’ll cover two important steps: Sealing the Paint Job and Adding Details to Your 3D Print.

Sealing the Paint Job

Sealing your 3D print is a crucial step to ensure that the paint job lasts longer. Acrylic paints are water-based, which means they can easily get damaged by moisture. Sealing your paint job will protect it from damage and help it last longer.

To seal your paint job, you can use a clear acrylic sealer. You can either use a spray or brush-on sealer. Spray-on sealers are easier to apply, but brush-on sealers provide better coverage. Follow the instructions on the sealer to apply it properly.

Adding Details to Your 3D Print

Adding details to your 3D print can make it look more realistic and interesting. You can use a variety of techniques to add details, such as dry brushing, washes, and weathering.

Dry brushing involves using a small amount of paint on a dry brush and lightly brushing it over the surface of your 3D print. This technique can create highlights and shadows, making your print look more three-dimensional.

Washes involve diluting paint with water and applying it to your 3D print. This technique can create a stained or dirty look, which is great for creating a weathered effect.

Weathering involves adding wear and tear to your 3D print to make it look like it’s been used. You can use a variety of techniques, such as sanding, scraping, and chipping, to create a weathered effect.

Overall, adding details can make your 3D print look more realistic and interesting. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for your print.

Tip: Use a toothpick or fine brush to add small details.

In conclusion, sealing your paint job and adding details are important steps to take when painting 3D prints with acrylics. These steps will help your print look better and last longer.