Stick That 3D Print!

This was so easy, I wasn't sure I should mention it. We all know about the 3M Blue Painter's tape; but, did you know that a tissue, with alcohol wiped over the surface, rub it in a little if a little wipe is not enough for you, and the surface of the tape becomes tacky to the touch. It works so well that I've practically almost broken the print bed trying to pry the pieces off. In fact, most of the time I have to pull up the tape, to get under the tape, so I have a place to jam my scraper/pry bar to get it off, it sticks better than the tape sticks to the bed. I admit I don't have a heated bed and have only done this with PLA; but, wonder if it will work for ABS too. After all, sticky is sticky, and the tack left after an alcohol wipe, or rub, is very noticeable to the touch. It will dry out after a while, and I'm using 91% Isopropyl, the cheap stuff, so apply just before the print, the warm plastic helps dry to tack. In fact a higher water content might keep it tackier longer. The alcohol seems to break it down, and the water keeps it moist. Mine stays tacky just long enough to get down the first layer. With a heated bed, I worry this might dry out too fast... higher water percentage maybe... 61% alcohol, the cheaper stuff?

I do have to tell you, if you don't use the alcohol, it won't work. I forgot the alcohol wipe one time and came back to a 2 or 3 layers of project and a large glob of plastic on the end of my extruder. Had to rewarm the nozzle before I could remove it. So, be warned, forget the alcohol, and no guarantees. But, a little goes a long way. In fact I keep examining my printer controls for ways to "not" make it stick so much.

What's it going to hurt? A sheet of tissue from the tissue box; or bathroom; and some alcohol in your medicine cabinet. Let me know how it did for ABS. I already *know* what it does for PLA. Crowbar anyone?