Painting PLA

[Alan Wood 4Participant @alanwood4]

I have just bought a single filament machine (Sindoh 3DWOX) and I am delighted with it. I use Fusion 360 to create the designs.

Being a single filament machine I would like to paint sections of the finished parts. Has anyone any experience of the best painting technique to ensure the paint stays put ? I guess it needs something that etches into the plastic?

[Alan Wood 4Participant @alanwood4]

Any recommendations for the best primer / paint ?

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Hi Alan,

Bear in mind that the finish is fresh and therefore very clean so it's ideal for painting without any prep. No nasty mould release agents to get rid of.

I've found that acrylic and humbrol enamel type paints both adhere well to PLA.

I've also tried high build primer which does a reasonable job of helping disguise the lines on a fine print.

Neil

[jason udallParticipant @jasonudall57142]

Pva glue works as primer for me..

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

MakerBot recommend using acrylic paint as primer – mind acylic paint is basically waterproof PVA with colour in it…

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

I've not tried it but would have thought one of the spray cans of primer made for car bumpers & trim would do the job.

I use acrylic primer on the model figures which are various plastics and resins and that sticks well but depends on what use the parts are going to get. If just for display then so long as it sticks then thats OK but if the part will get handled or be subject to load, steam, heat you may want a better bond.

[Alan Wood 4Participant @alanwood4]

Thanks all. Will experiment.

I hadn't really thought of PVA, nice idea.

Alan

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