Omar Khalid
Coloring plastic for 3D printing can be achieved through a variety of methods, each with its own advantages and considerations. One approach is to use colored filaments, known as direct color 3D printing, which offers bright colors and decent detail but lacks the ability to mix colors. Alternatively, indirect color 3D printing involves applying color from an external source, allowing for color mixing and more intricate designs. Advanced full-color 3D printers can create lifelike prototypes, medical models, and artwork reproductions. Painting is another option for coloring 3D-printed plastic parts, requiring a primer coat to prevent paint absorption and a finish coat of spray paint. Acrylic paints are beginner-friendly due to their quick drying time and easy cleanup, while enamel and lacquer paints offer a more durable finish. Transparent 3D-printed parts can be achieved through stereolithography (SLA) or Polyjet 3D printing, with the latter allowing for the use of UV-curable resins and smooth surfaces.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of 3D printing | Stereolithography (SLA), PolyJet, FDM, SLS, Powder Bed Fusion |
| Types of plastic | PLA, ABS, Resin, Transparent, Translucent, Nylon |
| Types of paint | Acrylic, Enamel, Lacquer, Spray |
| Paint tools | High-quality brushes, spray cans |
| Paint techniques | Thin coats, hand painting, spray painting |
| Paint preparation | Primer coat, well-ventilated area, PPE |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right paint for plastic
When choosing the right paint for colouring 3D-printed plastic, it's important to consider the type of plastic used, the desired finish, and the tools available. Here are some tips for choosing the right paint for your 3D-printed plastic projects:
Acrylic Paints
Acrylic paints are a popular choice for 3D-printed plastics, especially those made with PLA. They are beginner-friendly because they dry quickly, are water-based, and are easy to clean up. Acrylic paints also adhere well to primed surfaces, resulting in a smooth finish after multiple thin coats. They are available in various colours and finishes, making it easy to experiment with lighter colours, create gradients, or add fine details.
Enamel and Lacquer Paints
For a more durable finish, consider enamel and lacquer paints. These paints can be applied to 3D-printed plastics for added protection and a long-lasting finish. Acrylic lacquer paints can also be used as primers since they chemically bond with the plastic surface.
Spray Paints
Spray paints are ideal for achieving a smooth, even finish on plastic surfaces. They are perfect for covering large surfaces quickly and evenly, making them a popular choice for 3D prints that require a uniform base coat. Spray paints are easy to apply, dry quickly, and come in a wide range of colours. However, it's important to use spray paints specifically formulated for plastics and to work in a well-ventilated area to protect yourself from fumes.
Epoxy Paint
Epoxy paint is a durable option that is often used on plastic surfaces exposed to heavy use, such as automotive parts or industrial equipment. It is a two-part paint known for its resistance to wear and tear.
Remember to choose the right primer based on the type of plastic used in your 3D print. For common plastics like PLA and ABS, use primers labelled for plastic. Resin prints require primers specifically designed for resin surfaces, and FDM prints benefit from primer fillers that smooth out visible layer lines. Additionally, consider using a white primer for lighter colours and a dark primer for darker colours.
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Primer coats
A spray-on primer is the best way to prime 3D-printed parts because it provides even coverage without brush marks. Hold the can about 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) away from the model and apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat, as thick coats can obscure fine details. Brush-on primers are available but are tricky to work with.
The type of primer depends on the material of the 3D print. For common materials like PLA and ABS, primers labelled for plastic work best. A neutral grey primer coat can be used under lighter or darker colours to improve colour vibrancy and achieve a more consistent finish. Black primer is ideal for darker colours, while white is ideal for lighter colours.
After applying the primer, inspect the surface again for imperfections. Once the primer coat is dry, the part is ready for painting.
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Spray painting vs hand painting
When it comes to colouring 3D-printed plastic, there are several methods to consider, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Spray painting and hand painting are two popular options, and the choice between the two depends on factors such as the complexity of the model, desired finish, time constraints, and budget.
Spray painting offers a quick and efficient way to cover large surfaces evenly and smoothly. It is ideal for 3D prints with larger, less intricate details, as it provides broad coverage with minimal brush marks. Spray paint cans are easy to use and can be held 10-12 inches away from the model to apply thin coats, avoiding pooling or dripping. However, spray painting can be expensive to start, especially with airbrushes, and may require additional investment to mitigate the creation of airborne particulates that can be harmful to lungs. Cleanup can also be messy, and spray painting requires access to a well-ventilated area or a spray booth.
On the other hand, hand painting offers unmatched control and precision, making it suitable for 3D prints with fine details or intricate patterns. With hand painting, you can work on small areas, create shading effects, and build up layers of colour with greater accuracy. Hand painting is generally more beginner-friendly, especially when using acrylic paints, as mistakes can be easily corrected, and brushes can be rinsed with water. However, hand painting can be time-consuming and labour-intensive, especially when covering large areas. It requires a steady hand and experience to avoid brush strokes and achieve a flawless finish.
The choice between spray painting and hand painting ultimately depends on the specific requirements of the project. Spray painting is ideal for quick and efficient coverage of large, less intricate surfaces, while hand painting offers precise control for detailed and intricate work. Combining both methods, as suggested by some experienced painters, can also yield exceptional results, especially when back-brushing or rolling after spraying to ensure a smooth and uniform finish.
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Transparent plastic 3D printing
To achieve a transparent effect, the material used should have a low index of refraction, which means that light passes through it without bouncing around in different directions. This is why transparent materials like air and glass allow text placed on one side of a 3D-printed transparent part to be legible from the other side. Additionally, some materials with a higher index of refraction may also exhibit low reflectivity, resulting in higher transparency.
When using SLA 3D printing, it is crucial to ensure sufficient wall thickness for successful printing. For embossed details, a minimum thickness of 0.5 mm and a height of 0.6 mm are recommended. For engraved details, a minimum thickness of 0.6 mm and a depth of 0.6 mm are advised. It is also important to allow clearance between the space of two objects to ensure freedom of movement.
To enhance the transparency of 3D-printed parts, several techniques can be employed:
- Utilize a flexible resin tank to reduce peel forces.
- Aim for a smooth surface finish during the printing process.
- Implement post-processing steps, such as sanding and polishing, to improve the reflectivity and smoothness of the surface.
- Experiment with different printer settings, including extrusion temperature, print bed temperature, layer thickness, extrusion nozzle diameter, printing speed, and flow rate.
- Apply a clear coat to the printed part, which can fill in layer lines and enhance transparency.
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Direct and indirect colour 3D printing
There are two main methods for colouring 3D-printed parts: direct colour 3D printing and indirect colour 3D printing.
Direct Colour 3D Printing
Direct colour 3D printing involves using a colourful filament to print models. This method does not allow you to mix colours, so you are limited to the available shades. One way to achieve multicolour printing is to use a 3D printer with multiple extruders, which can print with two or more colours of filaments. Alternatively, you can use one extruder to combine multiple filaments, but your model will need to contain information about which parts use certain colours.
Indirect Colour 3D Printing
Indirect colour 3D printing applies colour from an external source during the printing process. This method uses CMYK colour mode and is much more precise, allowing for a more realistic appearance. During the printing process, a fine, sandstone-like powder is spread in layers, and the printing heads apply colour that adheres to each layer. Another solution is to use an ink-absorbent filament, where CMYK ink is dropped onto the filament before the next layer is applied. This can result in a soft and translucent finish.
Post-Processing
If the desired filament or powder colour is not available, or the technology does not offer a colour print material, colouring at post-processing is an option. This involves using a standard colour material, such as grey or white, and dyeing it with the desired colour.
Choosing the Right Filament
The choice of filament depends on the project. Single-colour filaments are the most common and offer strength, while multicolour filaments are fun and gradient filaments provide smooth colour changes. Special filaments, such as wood, metal, or conductive ones, can also be used for unique effects.
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Frequently asked questions
There are two main methods: direct and indirect. Direct colour 3D printing uses a filament that already contains colour, whereas indirect colour 3D printing applies the colour from an external source.
FDM technology and PolyJet technology are examples of direct colour 3D printing.
Spray painting and hand painting are examples of indirect colour 3D printing.
Direct colour 3D printing allows you to achieve bright colours and nice details, depending on the 3D printer and filament quality.
Indirect colour 3D printing allows you to mix colours, creating a more photo-realistic effect. It is also better for models with intricate details or fine patterns.
