Maya Ellison
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is a popular plastic for 3D printing due to its high tensile strength and impact resistance. It can be challenging to paint due to its nonporous and slick surface, but it is possible to achieve a durable finish with the right preparation and materials. This involves sanding, priming, and painting, with the option to finish with a clear coat for added protection and a glossy look. Alternatively, ABS can be dyed using a solution of acetone and permanent markers, but this method may not be as durable and requires careful handling due to the use of hazardous chemicals.
Characteristics and Values Table for Recoloring 3D-Printed ABS Plastic
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Surface Preparation | Sanding and cleaning the surface of the ABS plastic part before painting. Use low-grit to high-grit sandpaper and a cloth towel to remove dust. |
| Primer | Use a primer paint designed for plastic surfaces or a two-in-one primer and paint. Plastic-specific primer sprays from Rustoleum and Montana Cans are recommended. |
| Paint | Use acrylic-based or spray paints that are weather-resistant and durable. Alternatively, use a paint with a built-in primer, such as Krylon Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint. |
| Clear Coat | Apply a clear coat to the ABS part to enhance UV-resistance and protect against fading. Multiple coats can be applied for better protection, but may result in a glossy finish. |
| Dipping Method | Cut and place the ABS part in a glass jar with acetone and distilled water. Secure with wire and dip carefully, repeating for a deeper color. Different ratios of water and acetone will affect the speed and final color. |
| Safety | Wear protective gear, including gloves, eye protection, and clothing to cover your body during the process. Ensure proper ventilation in the work area. |
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What You'll Learn
Sanding and cleaning the surface
Before you begin the sanding process, it is advisable to use a hobby knife to slice off as much excess material as possible. This will make the sanding process easier and quicker.
To sand the surface of 3D-printed ABS plastic, start with low-grit (rough) sandpaper and work your way up to high-grit (smooth) sandpaper. This three-stage process works well for ABS 3D prints. You can use a bowl of water to dip the sandpaper in for extra lubrication, which will speed up the process.
It is recommended to start with 100-grit sandpaper to wet sand the residue, and then gradually move to 300-grit sandpaper. The residue will fall off in small, soft, white chunks. After removing the residual layer, the surface will begin to feel smooth, so continue sanding until it is fully smooth.
You can also use a Dremel rotary power tool, which operates at speeds of 5,000–35,000 RPM, for precise material removal and polishing, even in intricate areas of the print. However, caution should be exercised with power tools as they can generate heat that deforms the plastic part.
After sanding, ensure you clean the surface thoroughly to remove any leftover bits of plastic or residue. You can do this by rinsing the part with water and drying it with a cloth towel. You can also use compressed air to remove any remaining dust particles.
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Using a primer
Before applying primer, the surface of the ABS plastic should be prepared by sanding and cleaning. This process helps to remove any inconsistencies, blemishes, defects, or cracks. Sanding can be done using a low-grit to high-grit sandpaper sequence, and a cloth towel or vacuum can be used to remove dust. It is important to ensure that the surface is smooth before priming.
When choosing a primer, it is recommended to select a primer paint that is specifically designed for plastic surfaces. Plastic-specific primer sprays from brands like Rustoleum and Montana Cans are effective options. A standalone primer paint can also be used, followed by a separate coat of paint. Alternatively, a two-in-one primer and paint option can be chosen, such as Rustoleum Painter's Touch 2X Ultra spray paint or Krylon Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint.
To apply the primer, shake the can thoroughly to ensure that the fillers are mixed and do not clog the nozzle. Start with light, even strokes about 10-12 inches away from the part, and apply several thin coats to prevent dripping and achieve even paint thickness. It is important to rotate the model and allow each coat to dry before adding another to prevent inconsistencies.
After priming, the surface should be inspected for any blemishes or imperfections. Once the primer is completely dry, the part is ready for painting. It is recommended to choose a paint type that suits the desired effect and is compatible with the primer and ABS material. Acrylic, enamel, or epoxy paint can be used, and thin, even coats should be applied following the direction of the print.
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Painting techniques
The next step is to apply a primer to the surface. Primers designed specifically for plastic surfaces are recommended, such as Rustoleum or Montana Cans. A general-purpose primer can also be used, although it may not perform as well. There are also paint options that include a primer, such as spray paints, which can save time and money.
Once the primer is dry, you can begin painting. It is recommended to use acrylic-based paints or spray paints that are weather-resistant and durable. Start by spraying light, even coats of paint about 10-12 inches above the part, and allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. After a couple of coats, inspect the piece for any inconsistencies or blemishes, and sand these areas if necessary before repainting.
Finally, a clear coat can be applied to the painted ABS plastic to seal the paint job and provide additional protection. This will also make the piece more UV-resistant and can be achieved by spraying 2-3 light, even coats of clear enamel.
An alternative painting technique is to paint the ABS plastic with ABS juice, which is made by dissolving ABS in acetone. This method is more difficult but results in a durable, all-plastic, and everlasting coloured 3D model.
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Dipping in dye
Dipping ABS plastic in dye is a viable method for recolouring 3D-printed objects. This process can be done with fabric dye, such as RIT dye, and a solvent like acetone or water.
First, prepare your work area by laying down paper to catch any spills and putting on protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection. Then, in a well-ventilated area, mix your chosen dye with either acetone or water in a glass jar. The ratio of solvent to dye will depend on the desired colour intensity and how quickly you want the dye to take effect.
Next, heat the dye mixture to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature range for nylon is between 60°C and 80°C. If using water as your solvent, be sure to heat it to boiling before adding the dye to ensure the dye dissolves properly.
Once your dye mixture is ready, carefully dip your 3D-printed ABS plastic object into the dye bath. Monitor the colour closely and remove the object from the dye when it reaches the desired shade. The longer the object is submerged, the darker it will become.
Finally, quickly dip the object into a container of cold water to "lock in" the colour. This will also help to cool the object and reduce the risk of warping or bubbling.
Note that this process may result in some loss of detail on your 3D-printed object, so it is important to test on a small area first if this is a concern. Additionally, be cautious when working with acetone, as it can produce dangerous fumes.
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Sealing with a clear coat
Sealing 3D-printed parts with a clear coat can be transformational. A clear coat is a transparent layer of paint that, when applied, sinks into the layer lines, filling them up and giving the part a smooth finish. If all of the settings are correct and the right material is used, a clear coat can be the difference between a translucent part and a transparent one.
The process of clear coating is also known as vapor smoothing. This involves using acetone to 'melt' the outer layer of a print, smoothing out the layer lines that prevent a print from being transparent. Vapor smoothing can be dangerous, especially when using acetone, so it should only be done in a controlled environment and with the appropriate safety precautions. Overexposing a part to acetone can cause it to melt completely.
Before applying a clear coat, it is important to prepare the surface of the ABS plastic part by sanding and cleaning it. This will ensure that the final paint job lasts longer. Start with low-grit (rough) sandpaper and work your way up to high-grit (smooth) sandpaper. After sanding, clean the part with water and dry it with a cloth towel.
After sanding and cleaning, a primer can be applied to the surface of the ABS part. Plastic-specific primer sprays from brands like Rustoleum and Montana Cans are recommended. Alternatively, a general-purpose primer can be used, although it may not perform as well. It is also possible to skip the priming process by using a paint that includes a primer, such as Rustoleum Painter's Touch 2X Ultra spray paint or Krylon Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint.
Finally, the clear coat can be applied. A clear coat will make the ABS part more UV-resistant and protect the paint from fading. It is important to use a paint that is specifically designed for plastic surfaces or a two-in-one primer paint. Acrylic-based paints or spray paints that are weather-resistant and durable are recommended.
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Frequently asked questions
The best method for recolouring 3D-printed ABS plastic is to paint it. First, prepare the surface by sanding and cleaning it. Next, apply a primer designed for plastic surfaces or use a two-in-one primer and paint. Finally, spray paint the ABS plastic with a paint that is weather-resistant and durable, such as an acrylic-based paint.
It is recommended to use a paint that is designed for plastic surfaces. Acrylic-based paints or spray paints that are weather-resistant and durable are ideal. You can also use enamel spray paints that are safe for plastics.
Using a primer is not necessary, but it will result in a better and longer-lasting paint job. You can use a plastic-specific primer spray or a general-purpose primer. Alternatively, you can use a paint that includes a primer, such as a spray paint designed for both plastic surfaces and painting.
