Best way to seal/smooth a 3d print?

[hydin]

Got something printed in Sandstone off Shapeways, and it's kinda... textured.

I was thinking of something like Elmer's glue (clear) to seal it, but I also want to mold it later on and fear that's gonna get ripped off by the silicone.

So, what do you guys use or recommend?
Chris

 

[thatdecade]

Maybe putty? Holds tight to a rough surface and can be peeled off when your done.

Really, if you want it held together and then to take it apart later without cutting out the glue, don't glue it. Just rubber bands or similar.

 

[Spyhunter2k]

Duratec surfacing primer. Seals and forms a tough shell for molding.

 

[8 perf]

Not to belittle your attempt in any way, but I am curious to know if you desired a smooth surface, why did you chose "sandstone" as the printed material? The default "White Stong and Flexible" has a polished option to it that is very smooth. A few coats of primer and it would be almost glassy. As to your question though, if it has a decent surface area and is not very complex, I would suggest Bondo glazing compound. It sands very easily and can then be primed for casting.

 

[animefan]

paste wax

 

[hydin]

Went with sandstone mainly for cost. It was a test print, so I didn't want to chunk a lot of cash at it if I didn't have to.

It's got a few wrinkles in there (it's a sculpt of a small head), so I can't do the bondo stuff. Might do the surface primer stuff though. That sounds like it should work pretty well.

I thought maybe that clear resin topcoat stuff people use on pep files when they build em, but I was worried about brushmarks in there.

Hell, I might just get the damned thing printed in ultra detail plastic :lol

Appreciate the advice
Chris

 

[TylerHam]

Honestly, unless its highly costly, it's probably better to either reprint it in the Other material, or do a junk mold and cast it in wax, then remold once its smooth. Smoothing sandstone is like trying to smooth sandpaper