Depending on which brand of 3D printer you use, you may have noticed that some prints look a bit uneven. This is because the resin used in 3D printing has not cured completely. This can cause pooling of material, which can lead to damage if left to dry for long periods of time. If you want your prints to look good on display, you need to smoothen the surface of your print. There are a number of methods to get that job done, including sanding and painting.
Sanding is probably the first method that comes to mind. There are a number of tools available, including the rotary tool that comes with your printer. A Dremel is a good alternative. Sanding blocks are also available, which may be better suited for smoothing your 3D print. Some rotary tools come with sanding attachments. However, they can be a bit too aggressive for smoothing 3D print PLA.
Another method is to coat the material with some sort of epoxy or polyurethane. Depending on the brand of the material you’re using, you may be able to get away with just applying one coat. You should also use a paintbrush to make sure the material is applied evenly. You can also try trimming the print in question. This will eliminate the layer lines you may have encountered. The process will take a bit longer, however, as you’ll need to remove some of the material that has not cured.
For a 3D print to really shine, you’ll need to smooth out the surface. This can be done using a variety of methods, from sanding to applying epoxy. However, the best option is to use a chemically based smoothing agent. For instance, Bondo Glazing will provide you with a smooth, non-staining finish that will last a long time. It may take you a few minutes to do the job, but it’s well worth the effort. The finished product will be far more durable than your average 3D print.
The other big wig of the smoothing agent class is acetone. This is a powerful chemical solvent that can be purchased in bulk quantities. This is a great way to get your 3D print looking its best. However, it’s important to note that acetone is also flammable. It’s also possible for vapor to form and damage your model’s details. Using acetone to smooth out a 3D print is not recommended, though. The material you’re printing may be a bit softer than you would expect, and vaporizing it may cause it to shrink. This is not the most fun way to enjoy your prints. Fortunately, there are alternatives, like Polymaker Polysmooth, which is a chemically based smoothing agent. It will cost you a pretty penny, though. You can also try sanding your print to remove excess material, which is easier to do with primer. However, sanding your print is not something you’ll want to do often. If you do decide to try it, you may want to invest in a good pair of sanding gloves.
