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Painting 3D printed components enhances their appearance and transforms them into professional-grade products.
Achieving this quality involves understanding materials, surface preparation, paint compatibility, and finishing techniques that extend beyond simply using paint and brushes.
Here’s a clear, beginner-friendly guide on how to paint and finish 3D Prints Beautifully, perfect for improving your prints—whether for décor, gifts, miniatures, or small business products.
Which paint works best for 3D Prints?
The choice of paint is influenced by the foundation material and the desired outcome. Acrylic paints are favored for their quick drying, ease of layering, and good adhesion to prepared surfaces.
Enamel paints, while they take longer to dry, offer a glossier finish and greater durability. Higher-end options like polyurethane coatings or automotive-grade paints are advisable for models exposed to harsh conditions.
Various application tools are recommended based on part size, including brushes for detailing, airbrushes for larger areas, and spray cans for practicality, ensuring proper masking and ventilation.
Types of paint and coatings for 3D prints
Various paint types and 3D print coatings offer distinct advantages. Lacquers provide strong finishes and vibrant colors, while acrylics are user-friendly and ideal for beginners.
For metallic effects, apply specific chrome or bronze pigments on a glossy black base. To enhance durability, consider matte, satin, or gloss clear topcoats or sealants.
Typical paint options for 3D prints include enamel and lacquer for higher gloss and durability, suitable for ABS, resin, or coated parts, whereas acrylic paint is water-based, fast-drying, and compatible with materials like PETG, ABS, and PLA.
Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is a water-based emulsion made from water, pigment particles, and an acrylic polymer binder that dries quickly and becomes permanent upon evaporation.
It has a matte finish, is versatile, and adheres well to various surfaces, including thermoplastics like PLA, making it safe and easy for painting PLA 3D prints.
Enamel Paint
The glossy sheen and thin, stain-resistant shell of enamel paint enhance its longevity and weather resistance.
Available in liquid for brush or aerosol for spray application, enamel paints emit a stronger odor and cure more slowly than acrylic paints.
The best paints for PLA
The majority of paint types adhere well to thermoplastics like PLA, but successful painting necessitates careful priming and preparation.
PLA can be painted using brushes or spray methods, with common choices being lacquers, enamels, and acrylic paint, particularly acrylics and enamels.
A beautiful finish requires a clean surface.
Stage 1: Getting Ready (The Most Crucial Step)
Materials needed:
3D printed object
Use a drop cloth or newspaper to shield your work surface.
If necessary, use tape for masking.
Paintbrushes (in the case of non-spray paint)
A safety mask and gloves (for protection)
Spray paint, acrylic paint, or model paint.
Sandpaper in different grades, usually 150–200 and 400+ grit
Clear coat (optional for a protective finish)
Primer, preferably a spray type
IPA, or isopropyl alcohol
If the print is made from SLS nylon or SLA resin, it may require bead blasting or a light isopropyl alcohol wash instead.
Stage 2: Begin with tidying up
Make sure the model is clean before painting.
Gently remove the supports
Utilize:
Cutter flushing
Make a knife
Tiny pliers
Lighter pressure is preferable, so try not to gouge the surface.
Sand the uneven portions
Apply sandpaper gradually:
120 grit → to get rid of thick lines
Smoothing with 220 grit
400–600 grit → priming preparation
Final polish: 800–1000 grit (optional)
Tip: Wet sanding produces a smoother finish and less dust.
Additionally, clean the print with warm, soapy water to eliminate oils and residue, and allow it to dry completely.
Stage 3: Add Layer Lines and Fill Gaps (Optional but Effective)
Use one of these to get rid of apparent layer lines:
Filler Choices:
Filler primer spray (extremely well-liked)
Filler made of plastic wood
Bondo, or spot putty
Coats of epoxy resin (for incredibly smooth surfaces)
Sand once more when the filler has dried.
Safety gear, consisting of a mask, goggles, and gloves, is crucial when engaging in spray painting.
Stage 4: Use a Primer
Primer provides a uniform base and improves paint adhesion.
The best primer types are:
Filler primer for automobiles
Spray primer for acrylic:
Grey primer (quickly reveals defects)
White primer (suitable for vivid hues)
The greatest coats are light ones.
Use sweeping motions to spray 8 to 10 inches away.
Stage 5: Sand Once More (If Required)
Following priming:
If the surface appears rough, lightly sand it with 400–600 grit.
If layer lines are still visible, apply a second layer of filler primer before sanding.
Smooth, polished prints are the outcome of this optional procedure.
Stage 6: Painting
Select appropriate paint types for ease of application and cleanup; acrylic paints are recommended.
Use multiple thin layers for uniform coverage instead of a single heavy coat.
Allow each layer to dry before applying the next. For detailed work, utilize an airbrush or fine brush.
Stage 7: Apply the Base Paint Layer
Select the style of paint you want:
Acrylic paints are the most widely used:
Simple to use
Non-toxic
Quick drying
Combinable
Spray Paint:
Excellent for larger things (helmets, décor pieces, pots).
Airbrush Paints
Ideal for creating props, gradients, and miniatures.
Apply one or two thin foundation coatings first.
Sealing enhances the finish and safeguards your effort.
Sealer types:
For smooth, non-shiny finishes, use Matte Clear Coat.
Satin clear coat with a hint of gloss
Super shine for jewelry, décor, and helmets with a glossy, clear coat.
Lightly mist, then allow it to cure for a full day.
Stage 8: Include Effects and Details
You may include:
Dry brushing gives a worn-out or metallic appearance.
Washes (thinned paint): highlights minute details
Highlights and shading: increase realism
Stencils: logos or patterns
Before applying the next layer, let the previous one dry.
This concludes the process with the application of varnish to achieve the desired appearance and protect the work.
Gloss varnish provides a shiny finish essential for decals, while matte/satin varnish offers a realistic, non-reflective look, often used on models and figures.
It is recommended to apply two to three light coats using an airbrush or spray can and allow a curing time of 24 to 48 hours for maximum durability.
Additional Tips for Stunning Outcomes: Warm your spray cans a little
To make the paint spray smoother, submerge the can in warm water for one to two minutes.
Apply paint in a dust-free space.
Perfectly smooth finishes are ruined by dust.
Resin prints paint incredibly beautifully.
Sanding is simpler, and detail remains sharper when resin is used.
For sharp lines, use masking tape.
Painter’s tape is an excellent tool for separating colors.
Take your time drying.
The majority of paint issues are caused by layering too quickly.
Easy-to-Use Tools for Novices:
Expensive supplies are not necessary. To begin with:
120, 220, 400, and 800 sandpaper
Make a knife
Filler primer mist
Acrylic paints (basic kit)
Spray for a clear coat
Tiny brushes
Airbrush kit is optional.
Material-Specific Tip:
Using a filler-primer is recommended while avoiding overheated paints. PLA can be sanded smoothly, but it may melt with excessive sanding. ABS/ASA provides better finishes and can be polished with acetone vapor.
Resin (SLA/DLP) achieves a glass-like finish but requires a specific primer and extensive curing. PETG needs a primer for difficult plastics and mild sanding due to poor paint adhesion.
Quick-Start Workflow Synopsis:
To achieve a perfect surface on a model, apply a filler-primer spray after sanding with 120–400 grit sandpaper, then smooth with 600 grit.
Follow with a thin layer of primer and multiple thin coats of your chosen color, adding features like weathering, panel lining, and decals.
Finally, use a matte or gloss clear lacquer for protection. Patience is crucial throughout the process to avoid damaging the final result.
Final Assembly
If your print consists of multiple parts, assemble them after painting. Use plastic-safe adhesive as needed.
Tips: Using a scrap piece of print material is recommended to test colors or processes when uncertain.
Good lighting provides the advantages of even application and the ability to detect flaws.
For best results, allow adequate drying time for each step.
Materials and Tools:
BOSOBO Paint Brushes Set
Check on Amazon Check on Amazon CanadaABEIER Iridescent Acrylic Paint
Check on Amazon Check on Amazon CanadaGREEN LIFESTYLE All Purpose Canvas Drop Cloths
Check on Amazon Check on Amazon CanadaTamiya Masking Tape with Dispensers
Check on Amazon Check on Amazon CanadaN95 Mask for FDM Printing, Painting/Sanding
Check on Amazon Check on Amazon CanadaReferences:
Enamel vs Acrylic – The Difference Between Acrylic and Enamel Paint
Surface Finishes for 3D Printing
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
How to Prime and Paint 3D Printed Parts (With Video)
Berg, A. Comparing the Efficacy of Four Methods of Preparing 3D-Printed Polymer Surfaces to Take Paint and Their Effect on an Acrylic Paint Layer. Meddelelser om Konservering 2021, 1, 81-94. (open-access PDF)
