Finishing 3D Prints // Bits | I Like To Make Stuff

Want to make your 3d prints look like detailed replicas? In this episode of Bits, we'll show you how to hide those pesky layer lines.

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About I Like To Make Stuff:

We have lots of projects including woodworking, metalworking, electronics, 3D printing, prop making and more!

These videos are our attempt inspire and empower others to make the stuff that they want to have. Hopefully you'll see something here that will inspire you to make something that you're passionate about!

Finishing 3D Prints // Bits | I Like To Make Stuff

I Like To Make Stuff

[stephenrinaldi]

Before sanding a PLA prints, put the printed object in the fridge for a few minutes, it help make the sanding process a bit easier

[snakeoo]

3yrs ago and still very useful. Simple and short but very informative. Thank you for being direct to the point.

[joshuamullins]

BITS actually stands for:
Boy,
I’m
Tremendously
Smart now that I’ve watched this very informative BITS video!

[dalejones]

There is a reason you have so many subscribers. These are informative and interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[Celltech]

The Bits videos are great!! Keep them coming.

[BrothersMake]

My Alevel students are starting a 3D printing design project next week and this has come in at the perfect time to be able to show them some options for finishing. This series is awesome. Thanks Bob

[BobMcCoy]

*I know a **_bit_** more now, thanks!*

[killervlogger]

My boss recently bought herself a 3D printer. This video helped us a bunch. Thanks Bob.

[TheIcemanModdeler]

Better than everything you mentioned is to use Woodfiller to fill the layer lines or even better drywall spackling paste and both can be thinned with water and there non toxic then just finish with filler primer and some paint.

[Thepracticalengineer]

Sweet tips here Bob! I often use universal filler to fill all the layer lines, it dries fast and sands of very easy

[poundkake]

What do you know! This series DOES come in handy. Ive known about bits since you started it. But haven't needed to learn a process you've covered. Well, a year later, now I do! Thanks Bob. I really appreciate this video.

[andy-in-indy]

When using a filler, you want to have something that is slightly softer than the material you are printing. That way, your will remove the filler before the original material. Because of that, I like to use 1 part glazing compound for ABS, but I use a wood filler paste for PLA.

[CrownMountainWoodworks]

Perfect timing for this video. I have a small project I hope to take to market and this will help with the prototype.

Thanks!

[andrewbrown]

Those are cool techniques, Bob~! I'm brand new to 3D printing and the Prusa MK3S+ that I ordered arrives Monday. I've been researching models for quite some time, along with determining (justifying) how much it would benefit me in the shop, the house, and anything else. I'm super stoked~! Very interested in future videos of yours that also include this tech~!

[masteranthony]

You can use oil paint markers as well! They work quite well after a little bit of sanding and take your print to the next level with the possibilities of so many colors

[TheRealCobra]

I save a small amount of support material from old prints and use a "hot air rework" station (a soldering station with the "hot air" functionality) to "weld" patches on when I get larger holes. Good for things that are supposed to have a rough-looking surface (like wood textures and rough-looking "metal" pieces).

[TheCreiveType]

REALLY appreciate this. I watched you use filler primer on your shore trooper helmet and I used the same approach on a mask I'm making my son for Halloween... as well as my infinity gauntlet. ✊🏼

[andrewkline]

Good stuff, I appreciate the short format information, I have waaaay too many subscriptions to keep up with anything more than 10(ish) minute videos, and the shorter and sweeter - the better. Thank you.

[Rimpact]

I usually just sand it down. 300 Grit up to 1000 (wet) depending on layer height and then add spray laqeur, which fills out tiny scratches (especially on surfaces hard to get a good sanding on). The object does get a tiny bit smaller, but it doesn't really matter if it's decoration, only if it's part of something where you need a perfect fit. I know it's far from perfect but it requires very little knowledge and tools to get your object looking smooth, which is what I usually go for.

[ShumanProjects]

Tons of great methods! I'm definitely going to try the acetone vapor technique on ABS after watching this.

For prints with fine layer lines, I've found skipping the primer and just using spray paint or the air brush and sanding between coats fills in nicely without too much build up that can cause the details to be lost.