How to Smooth PLA Prints: A Step-by-Step Guide

PLA prints can be smooth, glossy and beautiful! The challenge for many 3D printing enthusiasts is finding the best way to get there. Smoothing PLA prints doesn’t have to require a great deal of effort or experience – it’s simply a matter of dedicating a few minutes to each print with some simple tools. From scrapping and polishing to sanding and smoothing, even amateur engineers can achieve professional-looking results. With a little practice and patience, you can create smooth PLA prints that look like they were made by an experienced pro! How to Smooth PLA Prints?

While ABS acetone smoothing might not be an option for PLA prints, there are still plenty of ways to get a smooth and professional looking finish. For example, nail polish remover can be used to remove layer lines and give your 3D printed parts a shiny surface. Alternatively you can use filler primer as a basecoat, giving you a nice, even texture to start with before adding gloss paint for the perfect finish.

With all these options, smooth PLA prints are entirely achievable – if you don’t like the 3D printed look, need one for certain applications or would like to show off your creations by selling them then PLA smoothing is definitely worth considering.

If you’ve ever tried to dissolve PLA to smooth finished prints, you likely have noticed visible layer lines remain in the parts. This is why it’s important to understand the various products and techniques used to smoothing PLA parts, their benefits and disadvantages in order to get a truly finished look for your printed project.

While dissolve PLA may be the easiest way to achieve this effect, there are other methods such as chemical exposure or mechanical abrasion that should also be considered depending on the level of quality desired from your finished prints. Every smoothing method used will bring its own specific set of benefits and caveats when it comes down to smoothing PLA parts, so understanding each one thoroughly is key in deciding which technique works best for the job.

What is PLA Smoothing?

Bring your 3D prints to life with PLA smoothing! This process gives them a gorgeous, injection-molded look that’s smooth enough for even the choosiest of consumers. Make sure every piece you print is perfect by using this simple technique and show off your printing prowess in style!

PLA is a popular choice among 3D printing enthusiasts; from budget-minded novices to experienced pros. It’s easy and affordable with its low temperature requirement meaning it won’t distort during the printing process like some other materials, making for reliable prints every time.

Discovering the best way to give PLA prints a professional finish can be tricky, but with some creativity and experimentation you’ll eventually find your favorite. From scraping away excess plastic for an ultra-smooth touch, to filling in any tiny gaps between layers using brush-on coatings – each approach offers its own unique set of benefits and pitfalls depending on the project at hand!

How to Smooth PLA Prints?

Many 3D printing enthusiasts strive for smoothness in their PLA prints, not only to make them look more professional but also to increase customer satisfaction. With a smoother finish, even budget-friendly creations appear polished and attractive – leading the way for entrepreneurs selling 3D printed wares!

If you want a glossy finish for casting materials like resin, outer surface of your 3D print may need to be smoothed and shaped – layer lines filled or removed. This is especially important when using the result as a master for silicone molds; otherwise, textures can transfer in casts resulting in an undesired matte effect.

With the right techniques, you can give your PLA prints enhanced protection against dirt, dust particles and moisture – perfect for outdoor use. Try epoxy coatings to seal in layers and make them more resilient, or add an extra layer of durability with sanding and spray painting that create water-resistant finishes.

Methods to Smooth PLA Filament Prints

XTC-3D

Create your 3D models with confidence! XTC-3D is an epoxy resin coating designed to provide high quality, consistent results while protecting delicate prints from the heat of curing. Perfect for PLA and other materials that can warp when treated with traditional resins, this two-part product works together in harmony for smoother surfaces every time.

XTC resin transforms from a liquid to solid state in mere minutes when it is mixed with the right amount of hardener. During this window, you can give your print an extra layer of protection and shine by coating it lightly with the still-liquid material before letting it cure.

For a sleek and professional finish, XTC resin coats are the perfect choice for 3D prints. Not only is the application process easy to handle, but you can also easily customize your look – from sanding down rough patches to adding glossy sheens with paint!

Working with epoxy resin requires attention and safety precautions. Before beginning, make sure you are in an area that is well-ventilated, if possible while wearing a respirator – as well as gloves and goggles to protect yourself from any potential hazards associated with the product’s MSDS. XTC-3D is your go-to for ensuring safe handling and proper protection of this powerful material!

Pros:

• Applying paint has never been simpler – it glides onto surfaces with ease.
• A beautiful, high-shine finish that will brighten up any project!
• Preserve your creations for years to come with our protective coating, ensuring that cherished memories remain vivid and vibrant.

Cons:

• A costly proposition, an extravagant expenditure – no matter how you phrase it, there’s simply no getting around the fact that certain items come with a hefty price tag.
• The room was filled with an acrid smell of toxins running rampant, slowly poisoning the atmosphere as they lingered in their uncured state.

3D Gloop

3D Gloop revolutionizes the world of 3D printing, taking your projects to higher levels. It’s a versatile adhesive meant for coating print beds and gluing parts together; it also doubles as a brush-on finish that will give any PLA, ABS or PETG prints remarkably smooth results!

With 3D Gloop, there’s no need to fuss around with mixing formulas. Just grab a bottle and start brushing on the resin in thin layers – it’s as easy as that! Plus, you can find specialized variations specifically designed for PLA filaments so your parts get an extra-smooth finish like never before.

Crafting with 3D Gloop may be a fun, creative experience- but it’s important to remember the safety precautions! Make sure you’re equipped with gloves, goggles and a respirator while working in well-ventilated space. In case of skin contact wash off quickly – if you do resin printing too then all your protective gear will already be on hand for both these activities!

Pros:

• Utilizing this tool is a breeze – you won’t believe how quickly and simply it can be employed!
• Adaptable, capable of shifting and changing to any situation – that’s the name of the game. Versatility is an invaluable trait in today’s world because it allows you to remain flexible within a given environment. Whether working on your own or with others, versatility provides valuable skills for navigating unpredictability successfully.
• Create out-of-this-world designs with 3D printing! Let your imagination soar and explore never before seen possibilities.

Cons:

• Harmful pollutants fill the air, threatening our health and environment. We must take action to reduce these fumes for a better future.

Sanding and Painting

For the best results, give PLA a good sanding – it’s an easy and effective way to make your prints shine!

Give your 3D prints a perfect finish with sanding and painting! This may take some time, but the effort is certainly worth it – you’ll see smooth results that can’t be achieved in any other way. Sanding lets you make quick work of layer lines by scraping them away while filling methods simply mask them instead.

Want to take your 3D printing projects up a notch? Sanding and painting is the perfect way to customize any helmet or cosplay armor, giving you full control of how it looks in the end!

To get that perfect smooth surface to your PLA prints, make sure you don’t just go straight for the fine grit sandpaper. Start with a coarser grade like 100 grit and thoroughly remove all layer lines and bumps before progressing up through each step in turn – 200, 400… Right up until you achieve an impeccably polished finish!

If you want a smooth and professional finish to your 3D print, consider sanding it up to 2000 grit paper. Achieving this super-smooth surface is perfect for priming and painting – but may not be necessary depending on the look of your piece after each level of finishing. Take time assessing before deciding which sandpaper grade gives you just the right texture!

Before you take on the task of sanding, consider filling in some layers with a wood filler or other primer! This is an easy step to incorporate that will save time and leave your print with a smooth surface ready for painting.

With a few simple steps, you can take your print and turn it into an eye-catching artwork! Give sleek details with spray paint or add some shine for extra dazzle using gloss. It’s time to get creative – what kind of masterpiece will you create?

For a flawless finish, wet sanding is the best choice for PLA prints: submerging your work in water and using specialized paper prevents any warping or melting of plastic. It takes a bit longer to complete than other methods, but you’ll be rewarded with beautiful results that will hold paint perfectly!

Pros:

• With it, you can take the reins of your destiny.
• Get the best bang for your buck with this frugal choice!

Cons:

• Time may be precious, but it is worth investing when the reward comes in a greater form.
• Reaping success requires the expenditure of considerable amounts of effort and dedication.

Heat Gun

Heat guns are an often overlooked tool for refining 3D prints. While they can be incredibly effective at smoothing out imperfections, it requires a bit of finesse and caution – one wrong move could easily lead to disaster! Before diving in on your new masterpiece, try testing the technique on some old, broken projects first – that way you’ll have plenty of time to perfect your heat gun skills without risking any irreparable damage.

Transform your 3D print from amateur to professional with a heat gun! Watch as the glossy surface of melted plastic slowly materializes before your eyes. Take care to spread the gentle waves of warmth across each inch evenly – any longer in one spot and you risk overheating it, making for an uneven finish that defeats the purpose entirely. The finishing touch is achieved when every bit of layer lines has disappeared resulting in liquid-like shine; perfect example that practice makes progress!

If you’re in a pinch and need to get the perfect sheen with minimal effort, this simple trick can be your saving grace! Although it might be time consuming and not produce ideal results every time, using available tools at your disposal could make all the difference when it really matters.

Pros:

• With lightning speed, a split-second decision was made.
• Crafting a project with an everyday tool, this person is turning the ordinary into something extraordinary.
• Polishing a surface can give it an eye-catching, gleaming finish that stands out from the rest.

Cons:

• Striving for excellence is no easy task – it takes dedication and hard work to achieve the best results.
• No matter how hard we try, our attempts fall short of producing the desired outcomes. Our efforts have revealed erratic results that defy explanation.

PolyMaker PolySmooth PVB Filament

PolySmooth is a revolutionary filament that offers the same level of smoothness as ABS acetone, but without needing to switch your settings or compromise on material. Printing with PLA? Not a problem – simply treat it with some good old-fashioned isopropyl alcohol for an incredibly sleek finish!

PolySmooth is an amazing innovation that makes 3D printing quick, safe and easy. With its low-temperature PLA filament print capability and no need to use a heated print bed or enclosure, you can get wonderfully smooth prints in minutes with just the spray of some alcohol! This clever method breaks down only the outer plastic layer resulting in finished models that look as good – if not better than vapor-smoothed ABS plastic ones!

Create professional-grade 3D prints with ease using the PolyMaker Polysher! This revolutionary machine evenly coats your prints in vaporized alcohol, giving you a polished finish. With adjustable start and end times, this efficient device guarantees perfect results—every time.

The Polysher is the perfect way to go for makers who need consistent, smooth prints on a large scale. Not only will it save you time with its automatic smoothing process but also provide reliable results every single time!

Pros:

• PLA prints have taken off as the go-to choice for 3D printing, known for their vibrant colors and strong structure. Whether you’re an artist or engineer, these incredible materials offer an exciting range of ways to bring your creative visions to life!
• Ultimately safer than traditional vapor smoothing methods, a new approach promises to revolutionize how we achieve the same goals.
• Isopropyl alcohol is the secret ingredient to making your day sparkle! Its powerful disinfecting qualities make it a great addition for cleaning and deodorizing numerous surfaces.

Cons:

• Expensive beyond measure, this item was definitely not a thrifty purchase.

Chemical Smoothing

PLA is a widely used 3D printing material, but can it be vapor smoothed like ABS? The answer is yes! Chemicals such as ethyl acetate exist that offer the same type of smooth finish for many applications – however, they may not always be ideal solutions.

Although ethyl acetate may seem appealing due to its low cost and relative ease of acquisition, caution should be taken when using this type of solvent. Not only is it extraordinarily toxic when vaporized, but it can also pose a significant health hazard if inhaled; in addition, the fumes from ethyl acetate have been known to cause serious fires with even just minimal contact or exposure. So overall – steer clear!

3D prints can now look as polished and professional as those from traditional additive manufacturing and methods, thanks to products like PolySmooth. This innovative material allows for smooth layer lines that don’t require any dangerous chemicals!

You may also be interested: How to paint PLA on one’s own

Abrasive Smoothing Methods

For the 3D-printing enthusiast looking to take their prints beyond basic smoothing, tumbling and sandblasting provide a versatile range of results. Whether you’re using specialized media or custom blasting mixtures, these abrasive techniques give your projects an extra level of polish.

While metal-filled PLA filaments offer the best results for 3D printing, using well-known and reputable brands can help maximize successful prints with regular PLAs. Knowing what type of filament to use is essential in creating great projects!

3D printing has come a long way, but getting those prints to an optimal finish can be tricky. Vibratory bowls have proven superior for smoothing out the job, and opting for something like tumbling media over cheaper options produces more consistent results in the end.

PLA prints are often softened by tumbling, but the layer lines still remain. For a truly polished and smoothed finish, try using metal or wood-filled PLA filaments in your 3D printer – they give great results after being put through a tumbler!

For a smoother 3D print, sandblasting may be just the solution you need! With fresh media and help from an expert blaster your PLA lines will practically disappear. Whether it’s purely aesthetic or for improved performance in tighter fitting pieces, this process offers appealing results with minimal effort – making life easier all around.

What is the best way to smooth PLA prints?

XTC-3D resin coating is a surefire way to spruce up your print with minimal effort, but it comes at the cost of losing any fine details you may want to add later. So before taking the plunge and applying that smooth finish, think carefully about what kind of result you’re hoping for!

Sanding is a great way to achieve an extra level of detail and control for your 3D prints. Doing it by hand ensures you can apply the sandpaper exactly where desired – perfect if there are plans to paint afterwards!

If you need a quick and effortless way to achieve smooth results that still hold the details of your 3D prints, then it’s time to switch from PLA filament to PolySmooth! Not only is this an easy solution for everyday printing jobs but also great when needing fast smoothing on multiple creations.

How do you smooth PLA without sanding?

3D printing doesn’t always have to involve sanding for a smooth finish. To take your print up another notch, try applying XTC-3D or 3D Gloop – premium liquid coatings and fillers that work wonders! Not sold? There are plenty of other options out there just waiting for you to explore.

With a little bit of practice, the heat gun method promises to deliver satisfying results – but beware; it takes some finesse to get consistent outcomes!

Can you acetone smooth PLA?

3D printing with PLA plastic is much different than using ABS – while acetone can be used to smooth out an ABS print, it will have little effect on a PLA one. In fact, few chemicals exist that are able to react similarly and make those same smoothing effects possible with this type of material.

For a truly unique 3D printing experience, try PolySmooth or another filament that promises easy post-processing and the smoothing effects of acetone. Explore new possibilities with PLA for an unparalleled creative journey!

Can you smooth PLA with heat?

With just the right amount of heat, you can achieve a polished look to your 3D prints. However, be aware that too much warmth could cause irreparable damage – melting or warping the internal layers and ultimately ruining your hard work! For best results, it’s important to keep an even temperate when smoothing out PLA parts.

Give your 3D prints a professional sheen with PLA smoothing in an oven, but beware of potentially uneven heating. Though the heat source is static and should theoretically be uniform, some areas may burn or overheat while other portions remain untouched – so success won’t always come easy!

Achieving the perfect print can be tricky, with evenly heated results so hard to come by. Heat guns provide more finesse than a static source but still struggle for consistency; any harsher heating runs the risk of damaging your prints – fire is definitely off limits!

Does isopropyl smooth PLA?

Looking to get a smooth finish on your PLA prints? Look no further than Polymaker’s specialized filament, Polysmooth! It has been specially treated so that when ipropyl alcohol is applied it yields fantastic results.

Can you vapor smooth PLA?

3D printing technology has advanced to the point that you can even achieve a smooth finish on PLA prints, but beware: using this special vapor deposition process requires chemicals which are hazardous and should be avoided.

How do you smooth a 3D printed figure?

Creating the perfect 3D printed figure requires a little extra TLC. A few techniques to try include using sandpaper for gentle smoothing or heating up edges with a heat gun to give them an even finish. Get creative and make your print shine!

Get your prints looking smooth and pristine with acetone or XTC-3D! Whatever technique you select, be sure to take it slow – rushing could result in unsightly damage.

Bring your figurine to life with the help of resin 3D printing! Transform any design into a miniature masterpiece – there are plenty of user-friendly printers specially designed for this purpose. With its smooth finish, it’s never been easier to make robust and detailed models that will astound you every time.

How do I get a smooth finish with PLA?

To achieve a flawless PLA finish, calibrating the 3D printer is key. Utilizing an easy temperature tower test can guarantee that each layer will be applied accurately and uniformly for maximum quality!

To give your 3D prints a silky-smooth finish, use high-grade PLA filament and experiment with varying nozzle sizes. Smaller nozzles create more intricate lines that can transform the texture from rough to luminous!

Final Thoughts

Get a great looking print with PLA! Choose between an eye-catching glossy finish or smoother texture for improved performance. These options will help you take your 3D prints to the next level.

PLA filament may not be as easy to smooth out compared to other 3D printing materials, but there are a plethora of ways that can help you make your results amazingly polished. To get rid of those layer lines without breaking a sweat, use one or more these tried and true methods – epoxy resin coatings for filling in bumps; special filaments tailored especially towards smoothing; or the classic sandpaper hack!

Are you still in need of help polishing your PLA prints? Don’t hesitate to drop us a comment and we’ll be happy to provide assistance!

Read more: How to choose a sublimation printer for beginners?