Question about removing gradient lines

[commodorerob 11068xp 0]

Ok I will admit I don’t have a 3d printer, but have recently purchased some 3d models from shapeways… They have clearly visible lines and gradients. My question is how does one remove these easily without spending a decade sanding?

[enginseer 6977xp 1]

Friends have used acetone to soften the plastic and soften/diminish the gradient lines in print jobs that they have done.

* It only works on certain plastics.

* Putting it in an enclosure (fish tank, sealed acrylic box) and letting the fumes work overnight gives a more subtle effect. Warming the acetone makes the fumes stronger and more aggressive.

* Rubbing the acetone directly on the piece acts similar to sanding it.

**** I have no actual experience with this, it’s just what I’ve been told by friends explaining how they do it.*****

[janus1004Member 4165xp 0]

Hi,

The acetone smoothing is often used for ABS, so if you printed PLA it will not help. Then sanding and/or priming with a filler-containing primer might help you.

[commodorerob 11068xp 0]

ABS PLA how can I tell?

[janus1004Member 4165xp 1]

Not so easy to know visually what it is… perhaps you can cut of a small piece (from the base, perhaps the underside of it) and put it in some acetone. If it melts you know you can use acetone for smoothing.

Also, I have never smoothened anything myself, but I have read that you have to be very careful not to overdo it, as you loose details in the process.

[commodorerob 11068xp 0]

well the models are Aircraft fortunately there is not a huge amount of detail to loose and I will add that in afterwards 🙂

[itsuncertainwhoParticipant 161xp 0]

If it’s from Shapeways it is either Acrylic (Fine Detail) or Nylon (Strong & Flexible). I’m not sure if either of those is affected by acetone. Your best bet is simply take some 300+ grit sandpaper and gently hit the areas that are most noticeable.

Another option, I would experiment before using a printed piece, would be to get some Auto Filler Primer spray paint. Shoot the filler primer then lightly sand. The filler primer should fill, at least partially, the layer lines on the print.

[davehawes 7767xp 0]

Not that it will help you on this occasion, but I found printing with the “frosted extreme detail” material was very good for minimising the visibility of these kinds of lines on Shapeways prints.

[maledrakhParticipant 11996xp 0]

I find that printlines are not really noticable when painted unless viewed up close. For tabetop purposes printlines can usually simply be ignored.

I also find that I have to avoid painting techniques like wash or drybrushing, as those techiques serve to highlight the lines.

 

[commodorerob 11068xp 0]

Yes I was having this discussion the other day with a friend, going to have to avoid the use of washes and dips unless I get the entire model sanded down well.

[jmartinsonParticipant 1546xp 0]

I have yet to try these but they are on my to do list for PLA.

Clear Nail polish or a polyurethane clear coat. *Should* remove a good number of the layer lines. However may show brush strokes if its applied to thick or allowed to dry to quickly while brushing on. Oh yes, count on runs if you use polyurethane.

 

 

[turbocoolerParticipant 4053xp 0]

Another option is to use Primer that is a filler.  Something like this.  Then wet/dry sand with a sanding sponge and then paint.  It is work but I have seen the results on the 3D subreddit forums and you can get some nice results.

[jonemartinParticipant 0xp 0]

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[sundancer 42178xp 0]

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