Introduction: How to Paint a 3D Print
I love to make random things for my wife she is my world and I like to make her feel like that is the truth.
If you are like me and have even the slightest artistic skill and access to a 3D printer or know someone who does you can do this too!
This is my first instructable and I am happy to say my first 3D print also.
If you are like me and have even the slightest artistic skill and access to a 3D printer or know someone who does you can do this too!
This is my first instructable and I am happy to say my first 3D print also.
Step 1: Materials
The main things you will need are:
Your print (obviously)
A pick of some type, I used toothpicks because I left my pick set at my parents house. To remove the support material.
Some Isopropyl alcohol (I only had the stuff in the freezer NOT ISOPROPYL) To loosen the support material.
Epoxy. Just in Case you break things off or in my case if the printer breaks your print.
Clear coat, paint, and primer to give the model a little "tooth". (My wife likes things that aren't the same old, so I chose Pink Chrome for the bud and Black Nickel for the stem and leaves.)
Paintbrushes of choice. I personally the best of the best available I notice a difference in the application of paint in such small tight spaces.
Paper towel or some type of cleaning rag. Just in case you mess up or make a mess.
Your print (obviously)
A pick of some type, I used toothpicks because I left my pick set at my parents house. To remove the support material.
Some Isopropyl alcohol (I only had the stuff in the freezer NOT ISOPROPYL) To loosen the support material.
Epoxy. Just in Case you break things off or in my case if the printer breaks your print.
Clear coat, paint, and primer to give the model a little "tooth". (My wife likes things that aren't the same old, so I chose Pink Chrome for the bud and Black Nickel for the stem and leaves.)
Paintbrushes of choice. I personally the best of the best available I notice a difference in the application of paint in such small tight spaces.
Paper towel or some type of cleaning rag. Just in case you mess up or make a mess.
Step 2: Planning
First you have to take your design that you want to print out and turn it into a whatever file extension that your printer takes, usually .OBJ or .STL, the one I used takes .STL. Most programs have a save as otherwise you can use a converter.
*WARNING* THERE IS A LOT MORE TO MAKING A PRINT THAT WILL NOT BREAK WITH THE SLIGHTEST TOUCH. THAT IS NOT GOING TO BE COVERED IN THIS INSTRUCTABLE!
Converter program:
quick3D Viewer 4.0:
http://3d2f.com/programs/7-890-quick3d-geometry-download.shtml
This skill behind this beautiful work of art goes to Nathan Brunner not myself it can be found here:
http://www.3dcontentcentral.com/Download-Model.aspx?catalogid=171&id=398422
*WARNING* THERE IS A LOT MORE TO MAKING A PRINT THAT WILL NOT BREAK WITH THE SLIGHTEST TOUCH. THAT IS NOT GOING TO BE COVERED IN THIS INSTRUCTABLE!
Converter program:
quick3D Viewer 4.0:
http://3d2f.com/programs/7-890-quick3d-geometry-download.shtml
This skill behind this beautiful work of art goes to Nathan Brunner not myself it can be found here:
http://www.3dcontentcentral.com/Download-Model.aspx?catalogid=171&id=398422
Step 3: Printing and Cleaning
This step is the MOST GRUELING!
Once your print has finished if you have to clean it up.
With the printer I used I had to remove a ton of support material.
*WARNING BE VERY CAREFUL PLASTIC CAN AND WILL BREAK IF YOU ARE NOT CAREFUL!*
If you need to loosen up the material feel free to soak or brush some on the model.
Once your print has finished if you have to clean it up.
With the printer I used I had to remove a ton of support material.
*WARNING BE VERY CAREFUL PLASTIC CAN AND WILL BREAK IF YOU ARE NOT CAREFUL!*
If you need to loosen up the material feel free to soak or brush some on the model.
Step 4: Fixing the Broken Print
If your printer breaks your print like mine or you break your print from handling it too rough don't worry just glue or epoxy it back on.
Step 5: Primer and Paint
When priming and painting feel free to do as many layers as you want. I did about 3 layers of primer, 5 of both paints, and 5 clear coats.
I like to make sure the work I do lasts for her like my love does.
I like to make sure the work I do lasts for her like my love does.
Step 6: Give Someone a Gift of Happiness!
The best part of what I do is not only seeing the final product that my work has given me but seeing the face of the person that gets it.