How to smooth a 3D print?

Objects created with a 3D printer do not always look as good as they should. While the rendering of 3D printed parts is generally acceptable, this may not be sufficient if the object is intended for sale or display. Some people simply want a perfectly smooth, shiny surface for their 3D print. Fortunately, it is possible to achieve this level of perfection with the right tools. This tutorial explains how to smooth your ABS and PLA 3D prints for optimal results.

Smoothing PLA 3D prints

An FDM 3D printer offers endless possibilities for creating PLA 3D prints. However, parts can be printed with unfortunate layers that need to be removed. If you want to give a shinier look to your parts printed via a 3D printer, know that there are more or less simple methods to smooth a PLA 3D print.

Use spray paint and polyurethane

The sanding method using sandpaper was previously the most common technique used to smooth a PLA 3D print. Today, new alternatives have emerged. You can use spray paint mixed with polyurethane to smooth your 3D printed PLA parts. To do this, you will need the right tools:

• spray paint,
• polyurethane,
• a fan to dry the part.

The smoothing process is one of the simplest. The first thing to do is to clean your piece to prevent dust or other dirt from getting trapped on the surface of the object. With your spray can, cover the 3D print with a layer of paint. You can then apply a layer of polyurethane to the part. Being very careful, place your freshly coated 3D print under a fan to accelerate drying.

After a few minutes, you'll find that the polyurethane/paint mixture begins to fill in unwanted holes and imperfections on your PLA 3D print. Once the part has dried completely, you can coat it with the mixture again to remove any lingering defects on the surface. This method is less tedious than sanding with sandpaper.

Go for XTC-3D clear epoxy

Although very effective, using a paint/polyurethane mixture to smooth a room can be a little too messy for some people's taste. There are other alternative methods for smoothing a PLA 3D print. XTC-3D Clear Epoxy has been specifically designed to smooth PLA 3D parts to give them an optimal finish. The product consists of two bottles that need to be mixed for application to the 3D print.

to mix the product well by following the instructions correctly. Using a brush, spread your resin obtained on the printed parts. The dried product will harden to form a transparent and smooth layer. The PLA 3D print will become smoother and brighter. XTC-3D can also be mixed with dyes and colorants if you want to paint your parts. You will also be able to add effects like metallic highlights or palettes.

Use Gloop 3D Glue

This glue was designed specifically for smoothing PLA 3D prints. 3D Gloop can be used for a variety of purposes. To smooth a 3D print with this product, simply apply it to the printed part with a brush. It works like XTC-3D except that there is only one bottle here. This is a great advantage if you only want to use a small amount of your glue. However, 3D Gloop is not without its faults. The product contains a number of toxic components. For its use, you will need to move to a well-ventilated room.

Smoothing ABS 3D prints with acetone vapor

Acetone is a chemical stripper used by professionals for sanding and cleaning certain materials. Due to its high toxicity, this product should be handled with care in a well-ventilated room. Acetone can be used for smoothing an ABS 3D print. The process does not require a lot of equipment. All that is required is a metal or glass container.

Also provide a few millimeters of acetone. The product is available for less than 2 euros in supermarkets. You will also need a on which to place the part to be smoothed and a heating plate. To smooth your ABS 3D print, add 2 to 4 millimeters of acetone to the container. Place it on the hot plate and boil the acetone at a temperature between 90 and 120°C. At this temperature, the acetone releases the steam needed to start smoothing the ABS 3D print.

When the acetone boils sufficiently, you should place the substrate in the container. Make sure that the acetone does not touch the part that will be in with the 3D print. Once the holder is properly installed, place the printed part on it and cover the container. Wait a few minutes for the acetone to take effect. The smoothing time will depend on the shape and size of the part, the level of smoothness desired and the amount of steam released. The result obtained is simply amazing. At the end of the operation, your piece is completely smooth and looks like a hand-sculpted work.