Guide to Post Processing
If you want a properly completed and professional-grade product, post-processing is key. The steps I provide below are a collection of ways other users in the 3D printing community polish their 3D printed models.[1] As you are working with resin 3D printers you are working with chemicals. This can be a little messy so use nitrile gloves when handling freshly printed material. Follow the steps below to have a polished and finished project.
The Basics
1.) Clean
Clean and wash your prints. Wipe down with isopropyl alcohol wipes or other alternatives. Might be a good idea to use a spray bottle to spray IPA or Simple Green on the model and brush with a toothbrush. Then, using Tupperware with a sealed top, dunk the model into a pool of the IPA or Simple Green and mix for about 10 minutes. Even a jewelry cleaning solution may be used.
Time:
- 10 minutes
2.) Rinse
Using Tupperware with a sealed top with a diluted amount of solution or plain water to rinse for about another 10 minutes. Let air dry for another 5 minutes.
Time:
- 15 minutes (10 minutes + 5 minutes air dry)
Supplies:
- Water or diluted solution
- Toothbrush
- Nitrile Gloves
- Brawny Shop Wipes or 3M Tack Cloth or Paper Towel
3.) Pealing
You may break off the supports by hand, however if you want to be careful with the detail then use more caution. You can use flush cutters to cleanly snip off the supports.
Time:
- Varies
Supplies:
4.) Curing
Curing with UV lighting finalizes the setting of the material properties, much like a dentist applying fillings on your teeth. You can use a curing station, nail polish curing lamp, plain old daylight, or a makeshift curing station with a UV light, a box and some aluminum foil.
Time:
- 60 minutes
Supplies:
- Curing Station or Nail Polish Curing Lamp or UV Curing Lamp or Outoor Light or DIY Curing Station
Go the Extra Mile
5.) Sanding
Using a high number finer grit about 200 for dry sanding is recommended. For finer details go with wet sanding working your way up to 1,200 or above. Then dry and polish your 3D printed object.
Time:
- Varies
6.) Repair
You may notice some areas that were not printed properly. You can use… thin sandable epoxy called XTC-3D to fill the holes and crevices or touchups. To avoid these issues always check your design in your Slicer application and make modification as necessary.
Time:
- Varies
7.) Painting
Now you can paint the 3D model with fine detail. Acrylic or water-based paint works well. However, the plastic polyamide has a porous structure therefore applying paint directly will not look good. So, before painting first apply a polyurethane acrylic primer.
Time:
- Varies
Supplies:
8.) Coating
An alternative step to protect your 3D printed model is to add a coat such as a clear spray coat. Add thin layers so there are no messy runoffs.
Time:
- Varies
Complete Supplies Checklist
- Water or Diluted Solution
- Paper Towel
- Air Purifier
- Nitrile Gloves
- Mask
- Goggles
- Needle Nose Pliers
- IPA or Simple Green or Jewelry Cleaner
- Isopropyl Alcohol Wipes
- Lock & Lock Pickle Container or Sealed Tupperware container or Sealed washing container
- Brawny Shop Wipes or 3M Tack Cloth
- Spray Bottle
- Toothbrush
- Flush Cutters
- Curing Station or Nail Polish Curing Lamp or UV Curing Lamp
- 100 to 200 Grit Sand Paper
- 120 to 1,200+ grit for wet sanding
- XTC-3D High Performance
- Paint Brushes
- Airbrush
- Air Compressor
- Primer
- Airbush Paint or Acrylic Paint (SM Pack) or Acrylic Paint (LG Pack)
- Liquid epoxy spray or bottle
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Finally
Lastly, please be conscious of the safety measures necessary to protect your health and living space. Just like your kitchen ovens and laundry machines, we do not recommend leaving 3D printers unattended while running as they can pose a fire-safety hazard. Would you leave the house with an iron on or hot glue gun?
- Never leave unattended
- Use in well ventilated space as a result of emissions of toxic fumes
- Use gloves to protect and avoid skin irritation
- Steer clear of all moving parts
Resin 3D printers has its perks with creating quality high resolution miniatures and terrain but, as you can see, it can be very messy clean up. Check out our Best Budget Friendly 3D Printers for Mini Resin machines.
