how to color the pla item

[sa3dawy 0]

i am using pla filament and i print i cant get my surface finish smooth enough or color it i would like to know how to do that any idea

[kmanstudios 1,120]

I am not sure what you mean by color it. Do you mean to paint it or something?

As for finishes, that would depend on what you are looking to do. From what I have read (and this is not any sort of final word as I am a bit of noob meself), is that the usual methods for smoothing ABS does not work that well with PLA and not all PLA's are the same.

If you are painting it, shoot it with some primer. I have tried Acrylic primers and Acetone based primers (Like Krylon) and that gives you a nice surface that you can sand on and spray paint. I have used acrylics, enamels and water soluble oils (Water mixable or Water Miscible, depending on brand) and they work well. I am using modeling painting techniques, so that is where that is coming from. I would avoid lacquers until you test them on ruined parts to see if it melts your material. Lacquers are very 'hot' and can eat through some materials. Thus, the old adage, You can paint enamels onto Lacquers, but not lacquers onto enamel as it can eat it and cause bubbling. If you are experienced, you can paint in very thin layers until it builds up a shield, but that is not advisable unless you have been at it a while.

All of the methods I have mentioned are not food safe, but are skin safe.  Wear protective masks in case  you are spraying any paints, or have a spray booth.

Edited April 19, 2017 by Guest

[ynagersheth 0]

You can try using XTC-3d. It will mask the layer lines and you'll be able to paint on it

[kmanstudios 1,120]

You can try using XTC-3d. It will mask the layer lines and you'll be able to paint on it

I would also suggest looking through the forum about that stuff. I, like others, have had mixed results with it. And I have three boxes as well as being disappointed with the results I got.

But, it is worth checking out, hence search for the threads. There are a variety of people who have had success.