Advice on 3D finishing

jake88 · Apr 3, 2018

Just picked up a Star Trek Discovery phaser printed in 3D material (not sure what kind). What should I use to smooth it out? It has a ton of small detailed areas making it almost imposible to effectivly sand. Ive heard filler primer, an epoxy type paint on liquid and some harsh vapors that subtly melt the piece smooth. I need some advice on this one.
Thanks

mash3d · Apr 3, 2018

Depends on the layer height it was printed at.
Can you post a picture of it?
I can give you some better ideas from there.

FlowerPower · Apr 3, 2018

There really aren't good shortcuts. If there are fine details then vapor smoothing or thick epoxy coatings will soften or obliterate them. Without seeing pictures, I'd say it's sanding where you can, needle files, small wood carving chisels where you can't. Then filler primer if you can get away with it, then wet sanding.

jake88 · Apr 4, 2018

mash3d said:
Depends on the layer height it was printed at.
Can you post a picture of it? I can give you some better ideas from there.[/QUOTE

Here is an idea

mash3d · Apr 4, 2018

Yeah that looks like .3 layer height. The only way I can think of to get it smooth is to use a two part liquid epoxy.
Like a 20 minute epoxy by Bob smith industries. You can thin it some with Isopropyl Alcohol.
The trick is to not let it pool up in the corners and tight spots. Maybe do one side, let it dry, then the other side.
The epoxy will be self leveling to some degree. You may need to use two coats, let the first one dry then add the second one.
You can then sand it some or spray it with Rustoleum 2n1 primer and filler to finish filling in the gaps and then start sanding.
I would experiment on a spare 3d print first.

https://www.amazon.com/Finish-cure-20min-epoxy-Bob-Smith/dp/B001NI8MP8

https://www.amazon.com/Rust-Oleum-Automotive-260510-12-Ounce-Sandable/dp/B006ZLQ4HQ

jake88 · Apr 4, 2018

mash3d said:
Yeah that looks like .3 layer height. The only way I can think of to get it smooth is to use a two part liquid epoxy.
Like a 20 minute epoxy by Bob smith industries. You can thin it some with Isopropyl Alcohol.
The trick is to not let it pool up in the corners and tight spots. Maybe do one side, let it dry, then the other side.
The epoxy will be self leveling to some degree. You may need to use two coats, let the first one dry then add the second one.
You can then sand it some or spray it with Rustoleum 2n1 primer and filler to finish filling in the gaps and then start sanding.
I would experiment on a spare 3d print first.

https://www.amazon.com/Finish-cure-20min-epoxy-Bob-Smith/dp/B001NI8MP8

https://www.amazon.com/Rust-Oleum-Automotive-260510-12-Ounce-Sandable/dp/B006ZLQ4HQ

When you said self leveling It made me think of Future. Any chance that would work in a similar way?

mash3d · Apr 4, 2018

Yeah it kinda works like Future. You will probably have to build it up in layers.
Keep in mind it will also pool up in corners if your not careful.

jake88 · Apr 5, 2018

mash3d said:
Yeah it kinda works like Future. You will probably have to build it up in layers.

Keep in mind it will also pool up in corners if your not careful.

Im wondering if Future would be a good, less caustic medium to smooth out my model. Ive used it with great success in so many other applications.

mash3d · Apr 5, 2018

Future isn't thick enough to fill in the gaps and any sanding will remove it on the first pass.
I will spray a layer of future on my models before I apply any decals.
Let it dry over night and then apply the decals and an oil pin wash to bring out edges and small details.

Advice on 3D finishing

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