Painting 3D Prints

#1

Does anyone know anything about painting 3D prints? I know that primers are required, and I personally use Vallejo paints to do the job. I’ve never used primers before, in anything, so does anyone have any knowledge of them?

There’s several different types of Vallejo primers. Some more durable than others. And it looks like, some, or perhaps all, of them require a thinner before use as well.

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Also it looks like the only way to apply them is with an airbrush. We have one of those at the workshop, I presume, yes? And if so, does it require an induction?

Any advice or info would be appreciated.

#2

I apply vallejo pu primer on my prints either on brush or airbrush ( if i remember correctly it doesn’t require a thinner) before painting.

The airbrush in the makerspace requires induction, you can speak with @Destom for it.

#3

Rattle can primers are another option e.g. Plasti-kote primer works well on PLA.

#4

@Wosha24
Airbrush requires an induction. I’m on the space today (hopefully in about an hour) and should be there most of monday if you want the induction.

Before passing the Vallejo through the airbrush we will need to know some things about it.

At the moment officially we are only allowed to pass non-toxix and water based items through the airbrush although if I hear there is a need for something else we can make a plan

#5

Hi, I’ve experimented quite a lot with painting 3D prints, I really recommend using a primer, they stick more or less well to the pla depending on the brand/colour. I find the games workshop ones work well (spray cans) but you can go cheaper with primer for plastic from Halfords (except the white, which doesn’t work well). If you want to cover the lines I recommend a filler primer used to repair cars.

Hope this helps!

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#6

Thanks for all the feedback, guys! Sorry I’ve been unresponsive, been busy visiting family.

Um, @Federico a vallejo primer sounds great seeing as I already use vallejo paints lol. Is this the one you use?

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And also, I don’t mind applying it with a brush instead of the airbrush. It’ll give me something to do at the workshop whilst I wait for my other stuff to print out. I just need to get this done quite quickly, and if it doesn’t require a thinner, then that’s fantastic too.

#7

Yes that one ready to go with the brush

#8

Splendid! But it does say that it’s a spray type of paint. At least that’s what Amazon says-

Anyway, assuming that Amazon is incorrect, or it can still be applied with a regular brush without issue, how many layers would you recommend I use on my prints? I’m guessing 2 or 3.

#9

It’s designed for airbrush but you can apply it with brush if you don’t have access to an airbrush. I did both

#10

Ite, very good. I might look into the airbrush induction anyway. It might be better than using a brush.

Still tho, how many layers?

#11

Just 1

#12

okey dokey. Thanks for all your help, pal!

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#13

Hey man! Looks like I’ll be taking you up on the offer of the airbrush induction tomorrow. And yeah, we can learn about Vallejo compatibility with the airbrush together. They are acrylic paints, btw.

I’ll be there hopefully about 12-1pm tomorrow. Got more printing to do.

#14

Bit late to the game but I use filler/putty primers and sand down to eliminate layer lines. Then usually I hit it with regular rattle can primer, paint, and finish:

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#15

ite, maybe that’ll come in handy in the future. I’ve sorted it now tho. Got a primer, used it and did the paint job. Thanks anyway