Hi my name is Sean with MakerBot Learning.
If you're looking to create a fully realistic
end stage prototype, painting is a great solution
for you. So in this video, we'll cover some
of the best practices associated with painting
your 3D prints. To complete the process outlined
in this video, you'll need the following:
a 3D print, rubbing alcohol, paper towels,
spray primer/filler, spray paint, hanging
cord, 1000 grit sandpaper, gloves, eye protection
and a respiratory mask. To create the highest
quality finish, we sand our models thoroughly
before painting. If you're curious how, check
out our video on sanding for more info. Once
you've sanded your model completely, it's
important to clean any remaining debris with
rubbing alcohol to ensure a clean surface
for painting. After sanding and cleaning,
a bit of touch up may be necessary around
small details, joints, or seams. Needlenose
pliers or a putty knife are great for this.
If you're painting a model that has multiple
components which is glued together, a filler
like Bondo can be used to help cover any seams
before painting. Visit our gluing page to
learn more. Next, hang your model in an open,
well ventilated space, be sure to attach any
hanging wire in an inconspicuous space where
it will not prevent coverage on your model.
After hanging your model, apply a high build
primer/filler to fill any small surface imperfections.
Apply 2-3 thin coats of primer/filler using
a misting technique. When priming, it's important
to use wide strokes beginning and ending in
the space outside of the model to create thin,
even layers. Hold the can 10-12 inches from
your model and do not spray in any one spot
for too long or else primer/filler will accumulate
and drip. As the primer/filler creates a rough
texture, you'll need to sand the primer/filler
with 1000 grit sandpaper to ensure a completely
smooth surface before applying the top coat.
Apply consecutive coats of primer/filler and
sand until you're confident the surface is
even, refined, and no pits, holes or seams
are visible. Paint will do little to cover
any surface imperfections that are present.
Once you've applied 2-3 layers of primer/filler,
and sanded to desired finish, you're ready
to paint your model. The next step is to apply
the top coat. We used standard spray paint
which will yield an impressive finish. Shake
well before use and remember to wear eye protection,
a respiratory mask, and gloves. Just as with
priming, use wide strokes beginning and ending
in the space outside of the model to create
thin even layers. Using a misting technique,
ensure that no stroke marks are visible. Holding
the can too close to the model, painting in
thick layers, or holding the can in one spot
for too long will create imperfections. Apply
at least 2-3 layers of paint to create the
highest quality finish. Wait 10-20 minutes
before applying each consecutive coat to let
the paint cure slightly. After each layer,
examine the part for surface quality and repeat
this process until you are satisfied with
the finish. Let the paint sit overnight to
cure. Typically, the dry to touch within an
hour and ready to polish within 24 hours.
If you'd like to protect the surface of your
model, you can also apply a thin clear coat
at this point. In the end, you're left with
a beautiful printed part. Here you can see
just how far we've come through each stage,
a 3D print that has been sanded and glued,
one that has been primed and sanded, and one
that has been painted. You just learned how
to take your prints beyond the build plate.
