this post was submitted on 16 Jan 2026
22 points (95.8% liked)

3DPrinting

22379 readers
26 users here now

3DPrinting is a place where makers of all skill levels and walks of life can learn about and discuss 3D printing and development of 3D printed parts and devices.

The r/functionalprint community is now located at: or !functionalprint@fedia.io

There are CAD communities available at: !cad@lemmy.world or !freecad@lemmy.ml

Rules

If you need an easy way to host pictures, https://catbox.moe/ may be an option. Be ethical about what you post and donate if you are able or use this a lot. It is just an individual hosting content, not a company. The image embedding syntax for Lemmy is ![](URL)

Moderation policy: Light, mostly invisible

founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
 

I'm about to paint a PLA 3D print for the first time, and while there is some advice on what primer to use (an automotive etching plastic primer seems to be it), I've not see anything but hand wavy "add a layer of clear coat" for sealing.

Does anyone have any advice on a matte finish clear coat product that works well, as much so I know I have the right class/type of product?

Also, is there much difference between the products from hobby shops vs hardware stores? I can imagine the hobby ones are at a consistency for painting fine details, but it may also all be the same thing.

Thanks

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] IMALlama@lemmy.world 3 points 3 months ago (1 children)

This is less about 3D printing and more about "what material will adhear to the layer before it?" For example, using both water and oil based products is generally not a great idea. If want to use both then a layer of sealer will help.

How you want to apply the paint (eg air brush vs bristle brush) will greatly impact which paints and finishes you can choose. It will also greatly impact your final finish/look.

In most cases no need to "seal" paint. In fact, depending on the type of paint it might be a sealer itself. A sealer can protect the paint below it from say UV light or water. A sealer can help you achieve a higher gloss finish. However, the paint itself might already be durable, UV stable, and have the sheen you want.

The question isn't which store sells better paint, it's what kind of paint do you want to use? After that the choice of store is largely a question of who carries that type of paint with an added wrinkle or brand variation. For example, you're not going to find miniature airbrush paint at a big box store and you're probably not going to find automotive paint at either.

[–] FuglyDuck@lemmy.world 3 points 3 months ago

It’s also important to note that things like rub n buff and metallic paints lose their metallic finish if you use most clear coats on them.

Iirc there’s some kinds of clear coat that are fine, but it’s like one product/brand.