Surface finishing techniques

[Ariel]

I have printed a pilot's head and I was wondering what techniques everyone uses to prepare the surface for painting. It's not bad at the moment though the printer will stand a bit more tuning, but I can see the lines showing up once the primer hits it. I would like to get the surface as smooth as possible. 

It's printed in grey Creality Hyper PLA. First serious attempt other than a few rabbits for the grandchildren. They seem happy!

[leccyflyer]

I tend to just use a coat of white primer and live with the print lines, as they are barely visible from a metre away. However, for some parts I have used a smoothing two part epoxy resin, which is floated onto the part and gives a very smooth surface, albeit at the loss of some detail.

 

 

[Chris Walby]

Could be wrong, but IIRC advice was to dip it in primer and the thick layer helps hid the print lines, does of course obscure some fine detail.

[Ariel]

There is a video on the Easy composites website where they use coating resin but I'm not sure how well acrylic paint would stick.I guess it's going to require some testing. I'll run a few more rabbits off and see how they come out with various finishes.

[Engine Doctor]

Apply many light coats of primer, allow to thoroughly then rub down. High build primer fills imperfections quicker. Make sure that any primer you use etches/adheres onto surface well before starting . You could dip it as suggested but it will take a lot longer to cure and may run and sag. 

[MikeQ]

Hi

 

I just kept hitting these PLA Mk117ish bombs I drew up with Halfords high build yellow primer and gently sanding back.  About 4 coats each.  Easy enough on simple shapes but would be a pain I imagine on a figure/head. 

 

Tamiya acrylic primer and Tamiya Acrylics after that.  When finished dust with a satin 2K clear coat (or matt or gloss as required).

 

Mike

 

PS the bomb racks were only given a single coat of primer.  Don’t sand too hard.  Maybe 280 grit wet and dry used wet

 

 

Edited January 7 by MikeQ

[Ariel]

Those look good! Festivities and travels over I should be back at the bench next week so I'll see what I can come up with. I think I can still get a better quality print once I get Klipper dialled in. There's a lot to learn before you start! All in all very pleased with the printer though.