Alexei Volkov
Painting SLS plastic is a post-processing method that can be used to achieve vivid, full-colour results for both prototypes and production parts. The best choice for your part depends on its intended purpose, the type of finish you wish to achieve, and your chosen colour(s). Before painting, it is important to properly sand and prime your parts. This is because the quality of your final part depends on the quality of your sanding. Once you have sanded your part, you can apply a primer and then paint using a spray can or an airbrush.
Characteristics and Values Table for Painting SLS Plastic
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Surface | Rough, non-glossy, and clean |
| Primer | BIN primer, high-adhesion latex stain-blocking primer, super-adhesive primer |
| Paint | Latex paint, specialty plastic paints |
| Application | Spray paint, roller, brush |
| Process | Clean surface, sand surface, apply primer, apply paint |
| Benefits | Long-lasting results, extra protection against peeling and cracking, keeps plastic out of landfills |
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What You'll Learn
Sanding and priming SLS plastic before painting
To paint SLS plastic, you must begin by sanding and priming the plastic surface. This process is crucial in achieving a smooth and professional finish. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare SLS plastic for painting:
Sanding:
Sanding is the most labour-intensive step in the entire process. It is essential to start with a coarse grit sandpaper, ranging from 100 to 320 grit, to remove any major imperfections, support blemishes, and defects. This initial sanding stage is crucial in creating a smooth foundation for the subsequent priming and painting steps.
For SLS parts, hand sanding is often sufficient to achieve a smooth surface. However, if you are working with parts produced using FDM or FFF technologies, more rigorous sanding is required. In the case of holes or gaps that cannot be sanded down, it is recommended to use a filler such as Bondo.
Progressing to Finer Sandpaper:
After the initial sanding, it is important to progressively move towards finer sheets of sandpaper to smooth the part's surface further. Wet sanding with finer grits, such as 400, 600, and up to 1000 grit or higher, can help achieve an even smoother finish. This stage is crucial in refining the surface and ensuring that defects are minimized before priming and painting.
Priming:
Primer serves multiple purposes. It helps to fill in any remaining small gaps or imperfections, improves adhesion, and covers minor defects. It is recommended to use a filler primer specifically designed for plastic surfaces, as they are thicker and can provide a smoother surface for painting. Brands like Rust-Oleum and Tamiya offer suitable filler primers.
When applying the primer, it is essential to follow the instructions on the spray can. Apply the primer in a sweeping, consistent motion, ensuring that all parts of the model are coated evenly. Avoid applying too much primer to one location. Typically, it takes a minimum of three thin coats of primer to adequately prepare the surface for painting.
Allow each coat of primer to dry completely before applying subsequent coats. Depending on the colour of your final paint job, you may need to apply anywhere from one to five coats of primer. A neutral grey primer is ideal for highlighting imperfections and preparing the surface for further sanding if needed.
Final Sanding:
After the priming process, it is common to lightly sand the model with fine-grit sandpaper (around 800-1000 grit) to ensure an ultra-smooth finish. This step helps to refine the surface even further and ensure that the paint will adhere optimally.
Remember to remove any dust or debris with a microfiber cloth or compressed air after each sanding and priming step. This ensures that the surface is clean and ready for the subsequent step.
By properly sanding and priming your SLS plastic, you will create an optimal surface for painting and achieve a professional-looking finish.
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Using acrylic paint on SLS plastic
When it comes to painting SLS plastic, you are no longer limited to plain colours. You can achieve vivid, full-colour results for prototypes and production parts.
Acrylic paint is one of the best options for painting SLS plastic. It is simple to apply the paint to the part once it is printed. You can also mix new colours from available paints to achieve a virtually infinite range of colours.
Before you start painting, it is important to check the specifications for your chosen material. Certain SLS materials take paint better than others and may require additional preparation to ensure a professional result. For example, SLS nylon will need to be sanded and primed before paint is applied. All leftover powder will need to be removed, which can be quite time-consuming, especially for complex parts that need to be painted by hand.
When using acrylic paint on SLS plastic, it is recommended to use a primer first to smoothen the surface of your model. You can then apply the paint with a brush or a spray, depending on the desired finish. If you are using a spray, ensure that you hold the can at the recommended distance from the object and sweep it horizontally and vertically to ensure a consistent finish.
To increase the longevity and wear resistance of your finish, you can apply a UV-resistant final lacquer-based clear coat. This will also give your printed part additional protection against scratches, chips, and other marks. Ensure that you allow at least 24 hours after the last coat is applied to ensure the paint is sufficiently set.
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Spray painting SLS plastic
Step 1: Sanding and Priming
Before you begin spray painting, it is crucial to properly prepare the SLS plastic surface. Start by sanding the object to ensure a smooth base for the paint. Use sandpaper with varying grit sizes, starting with a lower grit like 320 and gradually progressing to finer grits. This process will help remove any support blemishes and defects, creating a uniform surface. After sanding, ensure you remove any dust or residue with a microfiber cloth.
Next, apply a primer to the SLS plastic. It is recommended to use a high-fill primer, applying several thin coats rather than one thick coat. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. The primer will provide a base for the paint to adhere to and help achieve a consistent finish. Choose a primer colour that suits your final paint colour—a black primer for darker shades and a white primer for lighter shades.
Step 2: Spray Painting
Once the priming is complete and the surface is smooth and prepared, you can begin spray painting. Always refer to the instructions on your specific spray paint can. Pay attention to the recommended distance to hold the can from the object and the suggested wait time between coats.
To achieve a consistent finish, use a sweeping motion when spray painting. If painting from left to right, start spraying to the left of the object, sweep the can horizontally, and continue past the object on the right. This technique ensures an even coat. It is also a good idea to spray a test pattern on a piece of cardboard before starting, to clear any debris from the nozzle and get a feel for the spray pattern.
Apply several thin coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. This will result in a more durable finish. Remember that the quality of your final product is highly dependent on the quality of your sanding and priming processes.
Step 3: Finishing
After the final coat of paint has been applied and dried, you can finish the piece with a clear coat or lacquer. This step will increase the longevity of your paint job and provide additional protection against scratches and chips. Choose a UV-resistant lacquer with the desired finish, such as glossy, semi-gloss, or matte. Ensure that the piece is completely coated, providing an even finish and protecting the resin from UV damage. Again, allow sufficient drying time, ideally 24 hours, before handling the object rigorously.
Tips and Considerations:
- Always ensure the work area is well-ventilated when spray painting.
- Wear protective gear, such as a mask and gloves, to avoid inhaling paint particles or coming into contact with chemicals.
- When painting, hold the can at the recommended distance and use sweeping motions to avoid paint pooling.
- If pooling occurs, let it dry and then sand it down before proceeding.
- You can use acrylic paint, but other options like cellulose and oil-based paints are also available.
- Some SLS materials take paint better than others, so check the specifications before starting.
- For a glossy finish, buff and polish the paint surface between coats.
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Using lacquer on SLS plastic
When it comes to painting SLS plastic, there are several options available, including spray painting, hand painting, dyeing, and applying lacquers. In this article, we will focus specifically on the use of lacquer on SLS plastic and provide a detailed guide on how to achieve the best results.
Selecting the Right Lacquer
Before starting the lacquering process, it is crucial to choose the appropriate lacquer for SLS plastic. Look for a UV-resistant lacquer designed for use with plastics, preferably one that is compatible with Stereolithography, SLS, and PolyJet materials. These lacquers are typically based on acrylics and can provide a durable and long-lasting finish.
Surface Preparation
To ensure the lacquer adheres properly and achieves a consistent finish, it is essential to prepare the surface of the SLS plastic thoroughly. Start by removing any leftover powder from the printing process. This can be done through media blasting, which utilizes air pressure and, if necessary, plastic bead blasting to eliminate any remaining powder.
Once the surface is clean, you may need to sand and prime the plastic, especially if you are working with SLS nylon. Sanding is a crucial step to ensure a smooth base for the lacquer to adhere to. Start with lower-grade sandpaper (around 320 grit) and gradually move to finer sheets to smooth the surface. Take your time with this step, as it is labor-intensive and will impact the final quality of your lacquered finish.
Applying the Lacquer
After the surface is prepared, you can begin applying the lacquer. Lacquer can be applied by dipping, brushing, or spraying, depending on the specific product you have chosen. Always follow the instructions on the product label, as different lacquers may have varying application methods and requirements.
If you are using a spray lacquer, ensure you hold the can at the recommended distance from the object and sweep it horizontally and vertically for a consistent finish. It is a good idea to spray a test pattern on a piece of cardboard to get a feel for the spray pattern and adjust the distance as needed. Allow sufficient drying time between coats, and remember that lacquers are typically applied in thick layers, so you may need to plan for multiple coats.
Drying and Curing
Once you have applied the desired number of lacquer coats, allow the object to dry completely. This typically takes at least 24 hours, and it is important to refrain from handling the object during this time to avoid any smudges or marks. After the initial drying period, your lacquered SLS plastic should be ready for use, displaying a beautiful finish and enhanced durability.
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Dyes and metal plating for SLS plastic
Dyes and metal plating can be applied to SLS plastic parts to enhance their appearance and improve their functionality. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations for achieving the desired results:
Dyes for SLS Plastic:
- Rit Dye or Rit Dyemore: These are popular choices for dyeing plastic printed parts, including SLS nylon. The process involves boiling water, adding vinegar to increase acidity, and then mixing in the dye. It is important to clean the part thoroughly before dyeing and to ensure consistent weights and measures during the process.
- Dyemansion: This company offers a range of products for dyeing and finishing SLS plastic parts, including the Vaporfuse system. Their products are known for their quality but may be more expensive.
- Other Options: Other dyes such as cellulose and oil can also be used to colour SLS parts. When choosing a dye, ensure it is compatible with the specific type of SLS plastic being used, as some materials take paint better than others.
- Preparation: Before dyeing, it is crucial to remove all leftover powder and any excess glue or support material from the SLS part. Sanding and priming may also be necessary, especially for complex geometries.
- Considerations: Dyeing can change the surface feel of the part, so consider the intended use. Additionally, the glossy finishes that paint offers are typically not achievable with dyes and would need to be applied separately.
Metal Plating for SLS Plastic:
- Electroplating: This process involves depositing metal onto the surface of the SLS plastic through electrochemical means. It can improve the appearance, strength, and heat deflection of the part. However, it is complex and delicate, especially for 3D-printed parts, and should be done by professionals.
- Selective Plating: This technique involves depositing metal onto only specific parts of the surface, as specified by the customer. It allows for thickness levels ranging from 40 to 400 micro-inches.
- Benefits: Metal plating can provide better chemical resistance by acting as a protective barrier. It also increases tensile and flexural strength, making the parts more functional and durable. Additionally, plating can improve heat deflection, making the components suitable for high-temperature applications.
- Companies: SPC and SAT are companies that offer metal plating services for SLS plastic parts. They provide customization options for the type of metal and the plating process.
- Considerations: The plastic substrate must be properly moulded and metallized before electroplating to ensure higher adhesive properties and prevent quality issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Standard model-making paints such as Revell work well with SLS plastic. Both acrylic and water-based paints also work, but you may need to apply several layers.
Yes, it is important to check the specifications for your chosen material before selecting a paint, as certain SLS materials take paint better than others. For example, SLS nylon will need to be sanded and primed before paint is applied.
Spray painting is a good way to achieve a smooth finish. However, it is important to sand and prime the plastic before painting to ensure a smooth finish.
Paint by sweeping the paint can horizontally and vertically past the object. If painting from left to right, begin spraying to the left of the object, sweep the can along the object, and continue spraying until you are past the object on the right.
A UV-resistant final lacquer-based clear coat with the desired finish glossy, semi-gloss, or matte will further increase the longevity and wear resistance of your finish.
