Printing armor and props can be more efficient and ensure quality results. But in order to get your finished look, you need to know how to paint 3D prints for cosplay. Some of the key details is knowing what paints to use and how to prep your print.
What Kind of Paint Do You Use on 3D Prints
These paints are the best for 3D prints:
- Acrylic paint
- Spray paint (automotive, standard and water-based)
- Paint markers (acrylics which are good for weathering)
- Airbrush paint
- Oil paints (better for weathering)
What Type of Paint is Best to Use on 3D Prints
The three best paints for your prints are spray paint, airbrush paint and acrylic paints. They work well for base coats, weathering, highlighting, shading and more.
Can You Spray Paint PLA Filament
PLA filaments, and many others, can be painted with spray paint. However, it’s important to implement proper surface prep first.
What Type of Filament is Paintable
All filaments are paintable. Both resin and filament prints can be painted after proper curing and/or surface prep. This includes filaments like PLA, PETG and ABS.
What is the Easiest 3D Filament to Paint
PLA is the easiest to paint and sometimes seen as the easiest to work with for surface prep. PETG is also easy but, ABS might be seen as more difficult due to how tough it is for surface prep.
How to Prep 3D Prints for Painting
Prepping a print starts with removing your supports. For resin prints, you need to cure it first. For filament, you need to sand, fill and prime before you can paint.
Do I Need to Sand my 3D Prints Before Painting
Sanding isn’t required for painting. However, its an important part of your surface prep since it helps to eliminate layer lines and other roughness that might be present. You can sand your prints by hand with sandpaper or using power tools.
Should I Prime 3D Prints Before Painting
Priming your prints isn’t required before painting but it does help for better results. Applying a primer to your prints helps for better adhesion, smoother surface and overall uniformity since it acts as a neutral base. Priming is typically done after sanding and it helps to get a sandable primer.
What Primer to Use on 3D Prints
Spray primers designed for plastic such as automotive primers are best. Often finding a primer filler to help with layer lines that is also sandable will make it easier to work with. Consider the following primers:
- Rust-Oleum filler primer
- U-POL Expert sandable primer
- Jenolite primer filler
- Seymour primer
- Krylon sandable primer
How to Seal a 3D Print for Painting
Once you paint and weather your print, you want to seal it to protect the paint job. There’s a few things you can use to finish your prints.
| Sealer | Cost | Toxicity | Finish Options |
| Epoxy Resin | Expensive | Very toxic | Glossy |
| Krylon Spray Sealer | Affordable | Toxic | Gloss or Matte |
| Liquitex Sealer | Affordable | Non-Toxic | Gloss or Matte |
| Modge Podge | Cheap | Non-Toxic | Gloss or Matte |
| General Spray Clear Coats | Affordable | Toxic | Gloss or Matte |
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