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When discussing 3D printed
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vary—some individuals appreciate the unique feel,
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Regardless of personal preferences, there are
situations where a smooth finish might be necessary,
such as for display items or to minimize friction in
moving components.

As PLA is the most prevalent material used in FDM 3D

printing, understanding post-processing techniques
for this material is essential. Unfortunately, acetone
smoothing is not compatible with PLA, but there are
alternative methods to achieve a polished and glossy
surface.

In this article, we will explore various techniques for

refining and smoothing your PLA prints.

Step 1: Eliminating Unwanted Material

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From time to time, a 3D print may have extra material, 

such as edges from a brim or support structures. To

adequately finish your print, it is necessary to remove
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these elements. Below, we discuss a few different tools
that can help you achieve this.
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Find a Utility Knife

Start by removing excess material with a craft knife,

like an X-Acto knife. Choose a suitable blade, such as
the versatile size 11. Remember to follow basic knife
safety rules: cut away from yourself, keep fingers clear
of the blade, and avoid excessive force.

X-Acto No 1 Precision Knife | Buy on Amazon

Gently glide the blade along the print's edges to

remove supports or unwanted material. Repeat until
all edges are smooth. If a utility knife is unavailable, a
single-edged razor blade can work, but exercise
caution to prevent injuries.

Use the Rotary Multitools

Rotary multitools, like Dremels, are excellent for

finishing 3D prints. With various bits available, they 
enable easy access to inside edges and hard-to-reach
29
areas.
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SALE | Dremel 4000-2/30 High Performance Rotary
Tool Kit | Buy on Amazon
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When using a rotary multitool, remember two things:
they are speed tools, not torque tools. Increase rotary
speed instead of applying more pressure for better
results and tool longevity. Secondly, avoid lingering
on one spot or applying excessive pressure as the
tool's movement generates heat, risking melting the
plastic and causing divots or holes.

While some rotary tools have sanding attachments,

they can be too aggressive for PLA. In the next
section, we'll discuss effective sanding techniques.

Step 2: Sanding

Sanding is a readily available method for smoothing

prints, with various techniques to suit different prints.

For prints with large surface areas, use a sanding block

to reduce strain on your hands and ensure even wear.
For detailed prints, nail files are a great option, with

cheap cardboard files often being sufficient.
29
Loose sheets of sandpaper can be effective too. Apply 
circular motions against the grain of layer lines for
optimal results. Gradually increase sandpaper grits,

starting from 400 grit and working up to 4,000 grit,
depending on the desired outcome.

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42PCS Sandpaper with Sanding Block | Buy on

Amazon

Wet sanding can be used as a final stage for a

polished finish. The technique is similar to using
regular sandpaper, but periodically wet the sandpaper
during the process.

Step 3: Surface Smoothing by Heat

As you may be aware, PLA's low heat resistance makes

it unsuitable for outdoor use. However, you can still
utilize heat to refine your prints.

A heat gun, set to the lowest setting, is the most

common tool for this purpose. For consistent results,
place the print on a turntable and rotate it slowly to
evenly apply heat, avoiding over-melting specific
areas. 

While a hairdryer might seem like a viable alternative 29

to a heat gun, it typically lacks the necessary heat to


melt plastic. Most hairdryers do not reach PLA's glass
transition temperature of 60°C, so achieving the 
desired effect would take an impractically long time.

Step 4: Surface Finishing Techniques

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An alternative approach to attaining a smooth surface

on a print involves applying an extra layer of material,
such as through spraying, painting, or dipping. This
method can fill surface imperfections, including layer
lines, resulting in a glossy, uniform finish. For PLA
prints, common examples include using a paint primer
or an epoxy coating.

Epoxy, a resin coating, functions similarly to a primer

but requires mixing before application, making it
slightly more challenging to work with. However,
epoxy excels at filling larger holes or printing artifacts
compared to primer.

To finish your print with epoxy, mix a batch of epoxy

resin and apply it evenly to all surfaces of your print
using a paintbrush. Ensure consistent coating
thickness for a uniform finish on the completed print.

Applying primer to a print is often combined with

sanding. The primer fills in layer lines, creating a
smooth surface. After allowing the primer to dry, sand
the top layer, which is typically easier than sanding
PLA directly, as the primer is softer.

Using primer generally results in a more aesthetically

pleasing print compared to only sanding. However,
this method takes more time due to waiting for primer 
layers to dry. It's also recommended to paint over the
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primed print, as primer alone may not be durable over

time if left exposed.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, achieving a smooth and refined finish

on your PLA 3D printed objects is possible through
various techniques, including trimming, sanding, heat
smoothing, and surface finishing methods such as
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primers and epoxy coatings. While some individuals 

appreciate the distinctive texture of 3D printed items,

others seek a more polished appearance. Whatever
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your preference, understanding these post-processing
techniques is invaluable for enhancing the quality,
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appearance, and functionality of your PLA prints. By
following these recommendations, you can elevate
your 3D printed projects to a new level of excellence.

*Many of the links are affiliate links — which means that

Creality Cloud earn a small commission for each purchase —
at no extra cost to you.

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All comments 29

Acid Pimps

Nice tips.

09:13 Yesterday 

GaryB

Thank you for the article. Will put these tips into
practice.

17:20 11-07 

chezzz76

16:28 11-01 

WW Ender 3 PRO

Why using SLA image (Notice page and Step1) in a

FFF/FDM article?

08:09 10-27  

29

Spectrum 

Good advice

16:41 10-26 

EzraBones

Nice!!
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03:28 10-26 
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ຊານ ພົມມະສອນ
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