best post processing method to get smooth prints
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Hi,
I got a request to print a cosplay helmet for someone, but I dont want to sand PLA, or bondo such complex structures.
Im familar with the polysmooth system and im thinking about building a bigger polysher --> [filament2print.com]
but i wonder if there isnt a generally accepted better way or maybe a new material that i havent heard of that sands better than PLA?
Cheers F
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I have used the XTC3D product from Smooth on in USA. Not sure if they sell it in Europe. It is basically a liquid epoxy that will not run if brushed on vertical surfaces but still smooths itself out.
To this you can add a metal powder of your choice such as brass, bronze, copper, aluminum, iron or 'nickelsilver'.
You have to experiment and add enough metal powder to get the metallic effect you are after but not so much that it makes the mixture unbrushable.
There is an instructional video here:
Do not sand it. Instead use black shoe polish on the entire surface and let it dry for a while. Then use fine steel wool to bring out the metallic finish. Touch up with black shoe polish for the desired effect.
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@tas good idea to put metal powder in the epoxy. that will give at least a realistic surface if one goes more for a cast iron look.
and yes just layering something over the print instead of sanding and bondo seems more realistic to me.
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@sungod3k I should also mention it can be very effective to add a few drops of brown or black tint to the resin.
Use a tint compatible with the resin you are using of course.
This allows you to adjust the metal colour to suit your needs. Like making Carbonite.
