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How do You Paint 3D Acrylic Prints?

Published in Painting 3D Prints 4 mins read

Painting 3D prints, often made from materials like PLA, with acrylic paints is a popular way to add color and detail to your creations. This process involves crucial preparation steps to ensure the paint adheres well and the final result is smooth and durable.

Acrylic and enamel paints are among the best options for painting PLA 3D prints. Before applying any paint, proper preparation is essential.

Preparing Your 3D Print for Acrylics

Getting your 3D print ready for paint involves several key steps to smooth the surface and ensure paint adhesion.

Removing Supports

The first step is to remove supports that were part of the printing process. These support structures are necessary during printing to hold up overhangs but must be carefully detached once the print is complete. You can use flush cutters or an hobby knife for this.

Smoothing with Sandpaper

After removing supports, it is essential to smooth the print's surface using sandpaper. 3D prints often have layer lines or minor imperfections that need to be smoothed out for a seamless painted finish.

  • Start with a coarse grit sandpaper (like 200-400 grit) to remove major imperfections and support nubs.
  • Progress to finer grits (800 grit and higher) to achieve a smoother finish and minimize layer lines. Wet sanding is also an option for a very smooth result.

Why Sanding is Key: Sanding not only removes imperfections but also creates a slightly textured surface that helps paint bond better to the plastic.

Cleaning

Once sanded, thoroughly clean the print to remove all dust and debris. Use soap and water, and let the print dry completely. Residual dust will prevent primer and paint from adhering properly.

Priming: The Essential Base Layer

Priming is a critical step before applying acrylic paint.

  • Why Prime? Priming ensures that the print surface is sealed and smooth. It also helps the final coats of paint to adhere to the plastic material. Primer creates a uniform base color and texture, making the subsequent paint layers look more vibrant and even.
  • Choosing a Primer: Look for primers specifically designed for plastics or multi-surface primers. Spray primers are often easier and faster for covering 3D prints evenly. Grey or white primers are common, with grey being versatile for both light and dark colors and white making colors pop.
  • Applying Primer: Apply primer in thin, even coats. Several thin coats are better than one thick coat, which can obscure details and run. Allow each coat to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions before applying the next.

Painting Your 3D Print with Acrylics

With the print primed, you can now apply acrylic paints.

  • Choosing Acrylic Paints: Acrylic paints are a great choice due to their water-based nature, quick drying time, and wide range of colors. Craft acrylics are suitable for simple projects, while artist-grade acrylics offer better pigmentation and coverage for more detailed work.
  • Techniques: You can apply acrylics using brushes of various sizes, airbrushes for smooth coverage, or even sponges for textures.
    • Base Coats: Start with base colors, applying thin layers to build up opacity.
    • Detailing: Use smaller brushes for fine details.
    • Washing: Diluted dark paint can be used in recesses to enhance details.
    • Dry Brushing: Using a brush with very little paint on raised areas can bring out textures.
  • Applying Paint: Like primer, apply acrylic paint in thin layers. Allow each layer to dry before adding the next. This prevents brush strokes and ensures an even finish.

Finishing (Optional)

Once the paint is completely dry, you may want to seal your print.

  • Sealing: Applying a clear coat sealant (matte, satin, or gloss) protects the paint from scratches, UV damage, and wear, extending the life of your painted finish. Ensure the sealant is compatible with acrylic paint.

Here's a summary of the process:

Step Action Purpose
Preparation Remove supports, smooth with sandpaper. Clean surface, remove imperfections.
Cleaning Wash and dry thoroughly. Remove dust/debris for proper adhesion.
Priming Apply thin coats of plastic primer. Seal surface, aid adhesion, create base.
Painting Apply acrylic paints in thin layers. Add color and detail.
Finishing Apply a clear sealant (optional). Protect paint and add desired sheen.

By following these steps, you can achieve a professional-looking paint finish on your 3D prints using acrylics.