{"id":165766,"date":"2022-09-23T17:12:57","date_gmt":"2022-09-23T09:12:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/?post_type=kb&p=165766"},"modified":"2022-10-13T11:02:40","modified_gmt":"2022-10-13T03:02:40","slug":"the-best-paint-for-pla-petg-abs-nylon","status":"publish","type":"kb","link":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/the-best-paint-for-pla-petg-abs-nylon","title":{"rendered":"The Best Paint for PLA, PETG, ABS, & Nylon"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Painting 3D prints can be challenging. Check out our guide to the best paints for plastics like PLA, PETG, ABS, Nylon, and more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Even with the possibilities of\u00a0multi-material extruders<\/a>\u00a0and the stunning array of filament colors out there, you may find yourself looking to paint some of your 3D prints. The most common reason to do this is to improve how the print looks, especially if you\u2019ve got an\u00a0FDM 3D printer<\/a>, where the model is built using layers of filament. The way a part is printed creates a surface textured by characteristic lines along the Z-axis.<\/p>\n

When finishing your model, the small cavities between the layers can be sanded down, filled in, or both, with the aim of a smoother surface. Painting is a way to smooth the surface texture, and will also help to protect the model from the environment.<\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019ll take you through the different methods of painting your 3D print, before (hopefully) answering all your nitty-gritty questions about painting and how to do it best. Read on to perfect your prints with paint!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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METHODS<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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There are several ways you can apply paint to your 3D parts, here are some of the main ones. But it\u2019s always a good idea to start with primer!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Primer: Paint’s Best Friend<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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Priming is the first step to getting paint to stick (Source: Formlabs)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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Before even getting to the paint, priming a model improves paint adhesion. Thus, whatever painting method you choose (except dyeing nylon), using primer is a good idea.<\/p>\n

PRIMER OPTIONS<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Spray primers are usually easiest to get good results: Two well-reviewed brands are\u00a0Tamiya<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Rust-Oleum<\/a>.<\/p>\n

METHOD<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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  1. Clean and sand your model.<\/li>\n
  2. Apply the primer in thin, even coats.<\/li>\n
  3. Sand after the first and last coats to get a smooth surface.<\/li>\n
  4. Let each coat dry according to the primer\u2019s specific instructions.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n
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    #1: Painting with Paintbrushes<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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    Using acrylic paint and a paintbrush (Source: Make Anything via YouTube)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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    If you paint your model with a paintbrush, it is easy to get a handmade look. This method is best for models printed in\u00a0PLA<\/a>,\u00a0ABS<\/a>, and\u00a0PETG<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    TIPS<\/strong><\/h4>\n