Sofia Martinez
Painting 3D-printed plastic parts can be a great way to add a creative touch to your models. The process is similar to spray painting other plastics, and you can use standard model-making paints or acrylic and water-based paints. To achieve a smooth and glossy finish, it's important to start with a primer coat, as plastic tends to absorb a lot of paint. After priming, you can spray or hand-paint your part, ensuring you work in a well-ventilated area and take the necessary safety precautions, such as wearing gloves, eye protection, and a respiratory mask. With the right tools and techniques, you can transform your 3D-printed plastic part from a simple print to a beautiful, display-worthy final product.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint type | Standard model-making paints, acrylic, water-based |
| Paint brand | Revell, Rust-Oleum, Krylon, Tamiya, Montana |
| Primer | Necessary to prevent paint absorption |
| Primer type | Spray-on, brush-on |
| Primer brand | Tamiya, Krylon, Montana |
| Painting technique | Spray, airbrush, hand |
| Ventilation | Well-ventilated area, fume hood, spray booth |
| Safety gear | Respirator, nitrile gloves, eye protection, mask |
| Surface preparation | Sanding, filling, cleaning |
| Surface finish | Gloss, matte, clear coat |
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What You'll Learn
Sanding
After sanding, there will be dust residue remaining on the object. To remove this, clean the object with a wet scrub brush, making sure to get into all the corners and cracks. For serious cleanup, a sonicator can be used to remove fine particles. Once the object is dry, use some tack cloth to get any remaining specks out. Tack cloth is a soft, slightly sticky cotton cloth designed to remove dust and hair from a surface before painting. Use long, gentle strokes on the surface, moving in a single direction.
If you are working in an area with hard water, use deionized or distilled water to prevent spotting between painting. It is also important to remember to sand and paint in a well-ventilated area and to wear nitrile gloves and a mask for protection.
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Priming
Before priming, it is important to prepare the 3D-printed model by sanding it with sandpaper to smoothen its surface and remove any defects. The sanding process should start with lower-grade grit and gradually move towards finer sheets of sandpaper. It is also crucial to ensure that the surface is clean and free of dust before applying the primer.
When priming, it is recommended to use a spray-on primer as it provides an even coating and is easier to work with than brush-on primers. It is important to avoid applying too much primer to one area while ensuring that the entire surface is coated. Typically, it takes at least three thin coats of primer to fully cover the surface. A black primer is ideal for darker colours, while white primer is suggested for lighter tones. It is also suggested to use a high-fill primer to make the process easier.
After applying each coat of primer, it is important to let it dry completely before moving on to the next coat. Once the final coat of primer is dry, the surface can be lightly sanded again with fine sandpaper to smoothen it further and eliminate any roughness. This step is crucial in achieving a professional-looking finish.
Additionally, it is important to work in a well-ventilated area when priming and painting. It is also recommended to wear gloves and a respirator to protect yourself from any airborne particulates and solvents.
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Spray painting
Before spray painting, set up your workspace in a well-ventilated area. Cover any surfaces you don't want to get paint on and work on an absorbent material, like cardboard or a drop cloth. It is also a good idea to wear a painting mask and check the instructions on the spray can. Next, wipe the item down with a damp rag to remove any dirt or grime. If necessary, remove any loose paint or previously applied coatings with sandpaper, then rinse and wipe the surface with a tack cloth. Make sure the surface is free of debris and allow it to dry completely.
Once the surface is prepared, use painter's tape to mask off your design if you are adding a pattern or colour-blocking to the item. Then, spray the surface with a bonding primer to aid in bonding the paint to the plastic surface. After the primer coat is dry, spray on the finish coat of your chosen spray paint. Remember to follow the brand's instructions for the number of coats and drying time. Finally, consider adding an extra layer of protection with a clear coat, especially if the item will be used outdoors.
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Hand painting
Hand-painting 3D-printed sculptures is a great way to add a personal or professional aesthetic to your artwork. There are several ways to approach this, depending on the material used for printing.
If you are working with Polyamide, a type of white plastic with a slight grain to its surface, you can follow the traditional method of covering the sculpture with plaster first and then applying oil or tempera paint. However, for 3D-printed sculptures, a modern approach is required. First, clean the sculpture with water to remove any powder residue from the printing process, and then let it dry for several days. It is important to use high-grade paints and materials that are tested for durability and fade resistance. You will also need various brush sizes to reach the small corners and details of the sculpture.
If you are working with PLA, it is recommended to start by removing any support structures that were used during the printing process. Next, you can use a sanding medium such as a sanding block, sandpaper, or nail file to smooth out the surface and remove any inconsistencies. When using sandpaper, rub it in small circular motions against the grain of the print to gradually remove the top layers of plastic and smooth out any blemishes. Start with coarser sandpaper and gradually move to finer grit levels. After sanding, you can apply a primer to further smooth the surface and improve adhesion for the paint. A simple test to determine if a primer is necessary is the water drop test: place a drop of water on the surface and observe if it forms a bead or spreads out flat. If the water drop beads up, the paint will too, indicating that a primer is needed.
For both PLA and PETG, acrylic paint has excellent adhesion without prior priming. However, if you are using other materials, it is recommended to test adhesion with acrylics using the water drop test or a cross-adhesion test. Once you have determined that the paint will adhere well, you can start painting with a brush. Remember to paint in a well-ventilated area and let the model dry completely before handling it.
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Safety precautions
Painting 3D-printed plastic can be a safe and enjoyable process if you follow these safety precautions:
Ventilation
It is essential to work in a well-ventilated space when painting 3D-printed plastic. Open doors and windows to allow fresh air to circulate, and consider using an exhaust fan to remove fumes from the workspace. Fumes from paint, stains, and solvents can be harmful to your health and highly flammable, so it is crucial to maintain proper ventilation throughout the painting process.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Always wear the appropriate protective gear, including gloves, a respirator or mask, and clothing that covers your skin. This will protect you from inhaling fumes and from any direct contact with the paint or solvents. When sanding the 3D-printed plastic before painting, wear a dust mask to prevent fine plastic particles from entering your lungs.
Fire Safety
Be extremely cautious to avoid any potential fire hazards. Never paint near an open flame or pilot light, and do not smoke while painting. Keep flammable materials, such as solvents, away from sources of heat or sparks. Have a fire extinguisher readily accessible, and in the event of a fire, prioritize your safety and that of others by evacuating the area and calling emergency services.
Lead Paint
If you are working with lead-based paint, take extra precautions. If a surface tests positive for lead, do not scrape or use heat to strip the paint. The recommended method is to spray the surface with water and gently scrape off the loosened paint. Dispose of the paint chips immediately and clean the area with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter. Consider hiring a professional to handle lead-based paint removal if possible.
Electrical Safety
When painting near electrical outlets, cover all exposed outlets with painter's tape. If you need to remove outlet covers to paint behind them, be sure to turn off the power to the room before you start. This will prevent any accidental electrical hazards during the painting process.
Clean-up and Storage
Use non-toxic, citrus-based cleaners or turpentine to clean your brushes and rollers. If you have leftover paint, store it in a dry location where the temperature stays above freezing. Allow the paint to dry completely before disposing of it, and keep it away from children, pets, and open flames.
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Frequently asked questions
Standard model-making paints such as Revell work well with plastics. Both acrylic and water-based paints are also suitable, but you may need to apply several coats.
First, clean the plastic with water and let it dry for several days. Then, apply a primer coat to smoothen the surface and prevent paint absorption. You can use a spray-on or brush-on primer, but the former is easier to work with.
After applying 2-3 layers of primer, let the model dry for 30-40 minutes. Then, lightly sand the model with 1000-grit sandpaper to smoothen the surface.
Wear gloves, eye protection, and a respiratory mask. Use wide strokes and hold the can 10-12 inches from the model. Paint in thin layers using a misting technique.
