Sofia Martinez
Painting Shapeways Fine Detail Plastic (FDP) models can be tricky, as the printing process can leave an oily residue that prevents paint from adhering correctly. To prepare an FDP model for painting, you must first clean it with a mild solution of hot water and dish soap, or with acetone or Simple Green solvent. Once the model is clean and dry, you can begin the painting process. It is recommended to use a primer before painting and to apply several thin layers of paint rather than one thick layer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Need to wash before painting | Yes, to remove oily residue from the print process |
| Washing method | Soak in a mild solution of hot water and dish soap at around 70ºC/158ºF for a few hours |
| Alternative washing method | Use acetone or Simple Green solvent to remove residual oil or wax |
| Painting method | Airbrush or hand-painting |
| Airbrush kit | Requires a fine-tip sprayer kit and masking to cover areas not intended to be painted |
| Hand-painting brushes | Use small-sized synthetic brushes |
| Paint type | Acrylic or enamel model paints |
| Paint application | Apply in thin layers, allowing each layer to dry before adding another |
| Primer | Recommended |
| Paint dilution | Dilute dark colours first |
| Hollow parts | Can be painted internally, but the material is translucent so this may be outwardly visible |
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What You'll Learn
Removing oily residue
When it comes to removing oily residue from Shapeways plastic before painting, there are several methods you can try. It is important to note that different types of plastic require different care, so identifying the type of plastic you are working with is crucial before beginning the cleaning process. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:
- Hot Water and Dish Soap Solution: The easiest way to de-grease Shapeways plastic models is to submerge them in a mild solution of hot water and dish soap. Use hot water with a temperature of around 70ºC/158ºF and let the parts soak for a couple of hours. The wax and oil will separate from the model, and you may notice the water turning cloudy. Repeat this process if necessary without worrying about harming the plastic parts.
- Degreasing with Solvents: If the hot water and dish soap method doesn't work, you can try using solvents to remove the oily residue. Test different solvents in an inconspicuous area first to ensure they won't damage the plastic. You can use mineral spirits or paint thinner specifically designed for oil-based paints. Soak a cotton ball with the chosen solvent and rub it onto the affected area until the oil residue is gone.
- Baking Soda and Vinegar: Another effective method is to soak the Shapeways plastic in hot water with equal parts baking soda and vinegar. This combination helps to break down the oily residue, making it easier to remove. After soaking, use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe away any remaining residue.
- Non-abrasive All-purpose Cleaner: If there are still some stubborn stains or residue, use a non-abrasive all-purpose cleaner. Spray the cleaner onto the affected area and gently wipe it clean with a damp sponge or soft cloth. This will help remove any remaining oil residue and prepare the surface for painting.
- Polishing: After removing the oily residue, you can gently polish the model using fine-grit sandpaper or toothpaste and a toothbrush. Be cautious not to rub away any fine details on the model. Polishing helps create a smooth surface and improves paint adhesion.
Remember to always inspect the quality of your Shapeways plastic model before beginning any cleaning or painting process. If you have concerns about the model's quality, it is best to contact the Shapeways support team for further assistance.
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Degreasing with hot water and dish soap
When it comes to cleaning 3D-printed plastic models, it is important to remove any oily residue left over from the printing process, as this can prevent paint from adhering correctly. One effective method for degreasing plastic items is to use hot water and dish soap. This process can be completed in a few simple steps.
First, wipe off any excess surface grease from the plastic with a paper towel or reusable cloth. This initial step ensures that large grease deposits are removed before the actual degreasing process. Next, prepare a solution of hot water and dish soap. The water temperature should ideally be around 70ºC/158ºF. The amount of dish soap used can vary, but a dash or a small squeeze is usually sufficient. Mix the solution until the soap is fully dissolved, creating a mild degreasing agent.
For small plastic items, such as miniatures or models, submerge them completely in the hot, soapy water. Allow the items to soak for a couple of hours. During this time, you may notice the water turning cloudy as wax and oil separate from the plastic. If the items are particularly greasy, you may need to repeat this soaking process multiple times until the water remains clear.
For larger plastic items or those with intricate details that cannot be submerged, use a sponge soaked in the hot, soapy water to scrub and wipe down the surfaces. Pay extra attention to greasy areas, and consider adding a small amount of dish soap directly to the sponge for increased degreasing power. Rinse the item with plain water to remove any remaining soap residue.
After degreasing, always rinse the plastic item with plain water to remove any soap residue. This step ensures that the plastic is ready for the next step in the cleaning or painting process. It is important to note that hot water and dish soap may not be sufficient for heavily soiled or stained plastics, and in these cases, additional cleaning agents like vinegar or baking soda may be required.
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Polishing with sandpaper or toothpaste
If your plastic item has scratches, you can use light abrasives such as toothpaste or baking soda to buff them out. Toothpaste and baking soda are both mild abrasives that can be used to polish plastic. To use this method, squeeze a small amount of non-gel toothpaste directly onto the surface and rub it in a circular motion with a microfiber or cotton cloth. You can also make a paste with baking soda and water and rub it into the plastic in the same way.
If your plastic item has deeper scratches, you will need to use progressively finer grit sandpaper to polish it. Start with a coarse grit sandpaper, such as 120-grit, to remove any prominent protrusions or grooves, then move on to finer grits such as 320-grit, 400-grit, and 600-grit. For the final pass, use ultra-fine grit sandpaper such as 800-grit or 1,600-grit. Sand lightly and in a circular motion, and wipe the sanding residue off with a microfiber cloth after each grit type.
It is important to proceed with caution when using these techniques, as using the wrong technique can dull the finish or create more scratches. Before you begin, clean the plastic surface thoroughly to ensure that any loose debris doesn't further scratch the plastic. You can use warm water and a few drops of dish soap, or a small amount of rubbing alcohol applied to a clean cloth or cotton round. If your plastic item has been in a harsh environment, it may have a greasy coating that will interfere with the polishing process. You can usually remove this coating by wiping the plastic with a mild detergent solution.
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Using a primer
It is highly recommended to use a primer before painting Shapeways plastic models. Primer is added as the first coat to provide a uniform surface and a stronger hold for the paint. A thin primer is best to keep the finest details visible. For example, the Krylon Color Master Primer will do the job, but Tamiya Fine White Surface Primer is suggested as a nicer alternative to any Krylon indoor/outdoor product.
When using a primer, it is important to apply it in thin layers, allowing each layer to dry completely before adding another. It is better to apply several thin layers of primer rather than one thick layer. Once the primer is dry, you can begin painting. Like the primer, it is best to apply several thin layers of paint rather than one thick layer.
Before applying primer, it is important to clean the model to remove any residual oil or wax support material left over from the production process. This can be done by submerging the model in a mild solution of hot water and dish soap. The water temperature should be around 70ºC/158ºF. Let the model soak for a couple of hours. The water may turn cloudy as the wax and oil separate from the model. You can repeat this process if necessary. Alternatively, you can use acetone or Simple Green solvent to remove the residual oil or wax. Simply dip the model in the solvent and let it air dry, or lightly spread the solvent on the model with a paintbrush and let it air dry.
After applying the primer and paint, you may want to add a varnish as a final step. This will seal the paint and provide the desired sheen. Choose a matte or satin finish depending on your preference. The varnish should be thinly applied and allowed to dry completely before displaying the model.
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Airbrush vs hand-painting
When it comes to painting Shapeways Fine Detail Plastic (FDP) models, there are a few important steps to follow to ensure the best results. Firstly, it is recommended to clean the model before painting to remove any residual oil or wax support material left over from the production process. This can be done using a mild solution of hot water and dish soap, with a temperature of around 70°C/158°F. Small wax remainders can also be removed with a toothpick or cotton swab, and the model can be gently polished using fine-grit sandpaper or toothpaste and a toothbrush.
Once the model is clean and dry, you can move on to the painting stage. There are two common methods for painting FDP models: airbrushing and hand-painting. Each method has its own advantages and requirements, which will be discussed in the following paragraphs.
Airbrushing is a great technique for quickly covering large areas of your model with paint. It requires the use of a fine-tip sprayer kit and masking to cover the areas that are not intended to be painted. Airbrushing can give a smooth and even finish, but it may be more costly upfront due to the need to invest in an airbrush kit.
On the other hand, hand-painting is a more accessible option that does not require specialized equipment. For this method, small-sized synthetic brushes are recommended as they do not fray, have a longer lifespan, and allow for finer details due to their stiffer structure. Acrylic or enamel model paints are suggested for hand-painting. Start by adding the larger base details with a larger brush, then use a smaller brush with lighter colors to make the details stand out. As with any painting technique, it is best to apply several thin layers of paint rather than one thick layer, allowing each layer to dry completely before adding the next.
Whether you choose to airbrush or hand-paint your Shapeways FDP model, there are a few general painting tips to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended to use a primer before painting, such as the Tamiya Fine White Surface Primer designed for plastic models. Ordinary model kit paints can be used, with satin and matte paints being the best options. If using dark colors, it is advisable to dilute them first. Keep in mind that FDP is a translucent material, so any paint added to the interior may be visible from the outside. Finally, always inspect the quality of your model before beginning the painting process, and reach out to the Shapeways Service team if you have any concerns.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is recommended to wash Shapeways Fine Detail Plastic (FDP) models before painting to remove any residual oil or wax support material from the production process. This can be done by submerging the model in a mild solution of hot water and dish soap at around 70ºC/158ºF for a couple of hours.
You can use either an airbrush kit or hand-painting techniques with small-sized synthetic brushes. For hand-painting, it is recommended to use acrylic or enamel model paints. Regardless of the technique, it is suggested to use primer before painting and to apply paint in thin layers, allowing each layer to dry completely before adding another.
Remember that the material is translucent, so any paint added to interior parts may be visible from the outside. It is also important to inspect the quality of the model before painting and contact the Shapeways Service team if there are any concerns.
