Finishing 3D Prints: How to Sand, Fill and Prime 3D Printed Parts

[@UncleJessy]

This is fantastic for someone looking how to get your prints nice and smooth before painting! Can’t wait to see the next one!

[@verkanoprints3746]

whoa

[@dasu-beida]

Shut up Jessy

[@verkanoprints3746]

@@dasu-beida yo chill

[@GReadyPrints]

Couldn't agree more with the legend himself "Uncle jessy" 😎👍 awesome video guys thank you

[@Pow_Entertainment]

@@verkanoprints3746 June j Jo

[@Alexlemay17200]

*Steps to sand, fill, and prime* *Sand* -120 grit sandpaper -220 grit sandpaper -320 grit sandpaper *Fill* (wash print before applying filler primer) -coat the entire 3D print (apply about 2 coats and wait for each coat to dry before applying second coat) (stay 8-10 inches away) *sand* -sand the primer with 400 grit *wash* -wash the print off *glaze spot putty* -fill big cracks and lines -wait to dry and then sand with 400 grit *give another coat of fill primer* *wet sand* -wet the helmet and then sand with 600 grit sandpaper -wet sand again with 1500 grit sandpaper *wash*

[@domthemom2270]

Does the hight grit (1500) sandpaper get rid of the sanding marks? I’m getting ride of the layer line but am seeing sanding marks

[@morganberry6791]

@@domthemom2270 Yes

[@gage.does.everything]

do you wash with soap and water or just water?

[@wr8thbeatz322]

@@gage.does.everything here ya go 2:52

[@misters1r900]

@@gage.does.everythingSoap and water

[@Peter-DOC-Docter]

...few tips from a painter, use a glove when you're handling the liquid bondo! that's chemicals getting in to your skin there! Second, as a pre paint layer it's better to use 800 grit wet, 1200 is actually pretty fine and a pre polishing grit, it will be bad for adhesion, maybe not directly when you paint it, but in the longer run, like a few years chances are (depending on the paint) that it's gonna crack or come loose...lastly, USE SCOTCH PADS! for this type of sanding, red scotch pads are excellent here, they are a savior to sand difficult places without damaging small details and are also great to use as a final wet sand before painting.

[@3DPrintedProps]

I know, I need to remember gloves when using bondo. I'll definitely try the scotch pads. Thanks.

[@Armor3dprinting]

Came to say the same about the high grit sanding. I would say 600-800 is a great stopping place for paint. If you are going to cut and polish then the finer grit will do well for that glass like finish.

[@Sal_Sal27]

Use scotch pads instead of the 120 - 800/1200 sand paper?

[@Peter-DOC-Docter]

@@Sal_Sal27 As a pre paint sanding stage, 1200 is way too high...800 max, the nice thing about scotch is that it can easy sand not flat surfaces.

[@Sal_Sal27]

@@Peter-DOC-Docter my bad. I meant, when do I use the scotch pads?

[@jimburrows2884]

My God...someone who actually takes the time to explain the process rather than just rush through it, and actually EXPLAINS what products THEY. ARE. USING. One of the most irritating things people do is, "Now I'm gonna do this but I'm not gonna bother telling you what I'm using to accomplish the desired effect." .................. Well then, what's the POINT of a how to video if you DON'T tell us what you're using?? Everything I wanted to know has been answered in this video. And because you did such an excellent job explaining it, I subscribed. I'm definitely gonna watch your other videos, thanks for making such great content!

[@3DPrintedProps]

Thanks man. I really appreciate it. Got some new stuff out soon. Have a family emergency going on right now but should be getting a vid out this week.

[@SanaiGaming]

This is the most detailed description on the process I've see so far. Big thanks for sharing it with us!

[@Goygle]

Man, this is by far the best video I have seen to prepare my 3d prints for painting. You would think there are thousands of videos like this one on the internet but, trust me, you only need this one!!!! Thank you so much

[@kevinvolo5208]

Thanks so much! Thanks for watching. :)

[@animexartist1]

wrapping the sandpaper around a sponge...now that is genius! I learned something new today :D

[@3DPrintedProps]

Glad it helped. Saves my fingers at the end of the day. :)

[@ANDCosplay]

I'm using this as my BIBLE right now. This is the most clear video I've seen, and I thank you SO much! It seems like everyone has their own process for this, but a lot of those processes seem unnecessarily repetitive and complicated.

[@HannaFamilyHomeVideos]

Time and time again, I always come back to this video as the gold standard tutorial for sanding, filling, and priming helmets. Nothing else provides such a perfect process to follow.

[@RootinrPootine]

But he’s wrong

[@TheBioniclelord]

​@@RootinrPootinehow so?

[@Mr.GoodBarr_Makes]

I used to watch these videos just out of boredom. Now I’m watching cause I’m prepping my own prints for painting. Thanks for showing that anyone can do this

[@Flix-f6q]

A bright adjustable spot lamp halps. Also, a vise with individual foam grips allow you to file with two hands. This gives you more control.

[@3DPrintedProps]

Great idea, and I get to buy more tools. :P

[@3Dprining.I]

I'm using 3000 grit wet sand paper as a last sanding process ! if you don't want to paint your product i think you can use 5000 grit after all these sanding process and also you can make very high qualify silicone mold from your 3dprinted part.

[@fullblast9928]

put a couple drops of Dawn in the water, helps to keep the wet paper from clogging.

[@kevinvolo5208]

Nice, I'll try that. Working on a couple new helmets this weekend. Thnx.

[@jessekazemek2033]

Thank you for the tips! I just purchased your Phantom of The Paradise Helmet and feel like i'm 10 years old again. Cheers from Los Angeles!

[@Pineabble]

You are super awesome! I've been wanting to make a replica helmet of a character my fiance loves and I was scared about making a mess and ruining the print. You've explained things so clearly and show what you're doing to the point where I'm not anywhere near as terrified of this. Thank you so much for sharing. The final product in the next video turned out so amazing that I'm going to for sure have a hard time deciding between the matte or the polished shiny look.

[@3DPrintedProps]

Glad I could help! Either one looks great, but yeah, its a tough choice. :)

[@mszoomy]

I've found that silicone "brushes" work excellent for smoothing on your putty. It really smooshes it into the cracks. Thanks for the video, very helpful

[@3DPrintedProps]

Thanks for sharing! I do love those things.

[@dannyanderson2747]

This is an incredibly detailed video, you can tell this guy has such knowledge and passion for this!

[@thewitchofsloth]

Thank you so much, not only for the detailed tutorial, but for all the links in the description!!!

[@spartanmc95]

the foam for applying is a great idea, never though about that also realized what you were talking about, using too much of the glazing putty has caused it to crack for me, gotta go back and use a heavier filler first and then use the glaze to fill the small remaining stuff

[@3DPrintedProps]

Yeah. The glazing is for finish work. It cracks like crazy when put on too thick. 😀

[@dipendrachettri2178]

This is a great video. I usually give a very thin coat of resin ( I use anycubic clear resin, used in 3d printers) before I start to sand. I keep it in the sun for about 20 mins (I know they tell you to cure it for 12 hours but since i am sanding it I found 20 mins in sun is more than enough) and then I start to sand. This way I don't need to use the wood filler later as all the cracks will be filled and also I can start from 220 grid paper (saves a lot of time). I will definitely be using sponge trick (awesome trick, had not thought about it). Thanks...

[@3DPrintedProps]

Yeah, I know others who do that, I need to try it out.

[@mehmeh533]

I use resin from a dropper bottle with a UV flashlight instead of bondo. Faster and cleaner and you can do build up and repair as well.

[@totyshy]

first video i saw from the beggining to the end, when i was starting at 3d printing i was like meeh! this is wortless better learn to print really well but it is almost imposible in normal 3d printers so this is really necesary if you want a valuable piece, thank you so much

[@3DPrintedProps]

Thanks!

[@ThatGuy-mp9og]

At the 120 grit part, ill use a torch before wiping the dust. This melts that plastic dust into the layers. Then i hit it with the 220 and up. It helps reduce the intitial sanding with 120 grit, but i also use a cheap printer that doesnt have the best quality so the layers are much more noticeable

[@ProphetNewYork]

great explanation video!!! seriously. most people should take notes on how you explain the steps like this 💯

[@3DPrintedProps]

Wow. Thanks man. I really appreciate that.

[@GoBayside]

If you find you sometimes miss areas you can do a guide coat - a thin dusting of any color - which is just to show you where you have sanded already.

[@3DPrintedProps]

That's a great idea. Thanks. :)

[@halliday302]

Very late to the game but sanding and painting my first 3d print now. Thanks for the tips here as I didn't know where to start :)

[@misters1r900]

Plan on buying my first 3d resin model and watching these for what to do when I get it. Very helpful

[@LateBloomer82]

Started and completed my first successful project with this wonderful tutorial! Thank you so much for sharing the process so that complete beginners like myself can get started.

[@3DPrintedProps]

You are so welcome! :)

[@noir2627]

Great in depth video, got a mando helmet for Christmas and have been struggling but this helped me a lot thank you!

[@3DPrintedProps]

Awesome! Glad it helped. :)

[@BulgogiBoi281]

This video couldn’t have come at a more perfect time THANK YOU SO MUCH I’ve been struggling to get my mandalorian helmet smooth

[@3DPrintedProps]

Glad I could help! It's a lot of work, but really worth it in the end. 😀

[@dancoon7653]

I've been following this guide. I've got one more layer of filler primer to do tomorrow so hopefully I can get my Mando helmet all done and painted by next weekend. I gotta so thought my arm is killing from all that sanding😅

[@zachm7595]

God, I am so tempted to trying this for the Black Noir suit from The Boys (I am a teacher, so I get summers off and want to go to a convention this summer!) but I have never even touched a 3d printer lol. Worried I will become overwhelmed! Great video :)

[@majorshigo]

A video I just needed!! Super straight forward and I love it! I’m a cosplayer, got some prints commissioned for me and about to start sanding away!

[@3DPrintedProps]

Awesome! Glad it helped. Make sure to watch the painting vid too. :)

[@1Random_Videos]

@3DPrintedProps The spray paint in the video Is different than the descriptions in the link which do you recommend?

[@acidsburn]

When it comes to sanding you really should clean the area after each grit. You do this because the fire particles fill in cracks and spaces that will be hidden until you clean it.

[@MrJimmySegers]

That pause from 9:59 to 10:05 caught me off guard xD

[@final3119]

When she asks what your hobbies are.

[@mikelochman16]

Coming here two years later! Amazing video and very well explained. My only question is, do you always want to wash the filler off before paint? Like always end with sanding amd then washing? Then let dry and paint?

[@3DPrintedProps]

Yeah. You need a clean surface before u paint every time

[@Thinginator]

Thanks for this, I’ve been wanting to get into model making for some time and want to try 3D printing car models, but didn’t know what to do about layer lines as automotive paint won’t look good on them.

[@tedanderson5528]

Great video thank you 🙏 I use scotch brite (pro auto scour pads) with great results & leaves more detail.

[@mattylase]

this was awesome to watch come together, even if never intend on making something like this myself

[@captainobvious8544]

I’m printing this helmet for Halloween to go out with my friends in our own dc costumes and this video is freaking awesome thank you so much. NOBODY went into this much depth, so this helped a lot.

[@3DPrintedProps]

Awesome man! So glad it helped!! :)

[@supergamertv8293]

How did it go!?

[@vexy1987]

@@supergamertv8293 He's stiill sanding it :)

[@Fab4Sunrises]

Thanks so much! This was super helpful and easy to understand as a beginner who doesn’t even know where to start.

[@wyattspop]

Glazing putty is great for the finest lines.imperfections and Auto-Bondo is best for mistakes like oversanding/print issues but I've found wood-filler essentially useless. If it's a fine issue, glazing putty is your go-to filler, if the hole/gap is larger and you use wood filler, it crumbles like a cookie under even semi-vigorous sanding, stick to Bondo, it's designed for auto-body and fiberglass, so of course it will be strong enough for PLA

[@AstrocyteCosplay]

Fantastic video. Thankyou! Relatively new to 3D printing so it's great to see someone going back to basics and being able to see someone else's approach.

[@3DPrintedProps]

Thanks. It's a really fun project and I think showing all the little steps really helps. 😀

[@BlackWindow144]

yeah this is what I was looking for! Definitly going to buy a 3D printer now I see how to finish the details. Thank you!

[@3DPrintedProps]

Glad I could help!

[@Acheiropoietos]

I want to prepare my prints for silicone 2-part moulds. Invaluable demo, thank you.

[@3DPrintedProps]

You are very welcome! Yeah, I would love to try molding something large. Have to some day. :)

[@RobinB-f4q]

amazing work you did ^^, i was wondering which sand layer you used after the primer filler :) I'm using red spray paint instead of manual so was wondering about the thicker grooves on top

[@Lee-Dixon1987]

I have a Mando helmet from villainous prop shop. Used the Bondo spot and glaze putty as well. That is some righteous stuff for smoothing print lines. I'm currently working on a replica of Loki's mask from the Jim Carrey mask movie, using the same process. Great video. Anyone who's starting out on working with 3D printed cosplay or props could benefit from this.

[@3DPrintedProps]

Thanks! I appreciate it. :)

[@JackDaniels-gd1xt]

I like to start with a 60 grit then move to a 120 and then a 400 I then add a filler sand down with 120 then 400 and do some filler primer and sand that down with 400 its usually ready for base there but some times I need some more filler.

[@3DPrintedProps]

Sure, whatever works. I find 60 grit a little to aggressive though.

[@adamdenman3173]

This is really helpful. I have all my supplies and am just about to start the sanding stage on my first helmet print. I appreciate your help.

[@3DPrintedProps]

Glad it helped! good luck! :)

[@techsavvyhero]

Thanks for explaining this well. I avoid the sanding/painting process, but this might change my mind :)

[@3DPrintedProps]

Cool, glad it helped. The painting video should be up this week. :)

[@wyattspop]

Love the video and your fine work, a few too many grits for the average Joe, at about $12 per grit pack at Home Depot, 120/220/320/400/600/1200 plus the 2X Primer =$100. I get by with 120, 320 400 and 1000 but your results are superior....I will also use a palm sander using 80 on bigger sections of flat areas...if money and time were no objects, I'd like to follow your grit choices

[@wyattspop]

I missed 1500 so we're over $100 eesshh

[@schanppsidee]

Awesome stuff! I just purchased a Mando helmet from Villainous Prop Shop for a costume I am making. I searched for tips on finishing a helmet and found your video which is an awesome coincidence.

[@abelinoaragon9276]

Have you ever expermented with a sand blaster with a fine grit sand to get the lines out?

[@3DPrintedProps]

No, but that sounds like a fun new toy!

[@dnstech8627]

Thank you for the guide, I am printing a helmet for a customer shortly and I will be referring to this a lot. Thank you for the the small tips and tricks as well, much appreciated!

[@3DPrintedProps]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ericcrossley6961]

This is such a detailed video. I’m making (more like putting together) a mandalorian cosplay and just bought a lot of 3D printed armour. Will definitely be using this video for reference

[@3DPrintedProps]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bastidoresdagrafica]

Muito bom o vídeo, quantas camadas deixo antes e depois do preenchimento na hora da impressão? Qual o ideal para não correr risco de chegar ao preenchimento interno quando estiver lixando?

[@bodyslamapparel]

That long pause at the end lmao. Seriously, this was very helpful. I've been doing my Halo helmet wrong all this time.

[@paulharker7184]

Thanks for producing such a slick, to-the-point video which just gives us good information in such a concise way. You have a new sub from me.

[@3DPrintedProps]

Glad it was helpful! :)

[@bradenbecker]

Yo man just wanted to come back and say thanks for this video. I followed this and your Red Hood painting tutorial for my helmet for Halloween and it turned out absolutely amazing. I’ve gotten a ton of compliments lol

[@3DPrintedProps]

Glad I could help! Thanks. :)

[@braddahr]

Have you already mentioned what kind of foam you’re using to apply the bondo? Thanks.

[@3DPrintedProps]

It's just some scrap EVA foam I have lying around.

[@braddahr]

@@3DPrintedProps okay thanks!

[@Sky_Pencil]

Thanks for a super easy tutorial to follow. Subscribed!!

[@3DPrintedProps]

Thanks🙂🙂

[@ThatsSoGiorgio]

This video is amazing. Thank you. I just got my printer yesterday and I’m running tests to calibrate it but these kind of videos let’s me know what to do once my prints are done.

[@3DPrintedProps]

Glad it was helpful!

[@prod3130]

What are your thoughts instead of using Bondo you use plastic wood and acetone mix and apply with a paint brush?

[@ElixirGraphics]

One of your best videos.

[@3DPrintedProps]

Thanks man. I really appreciate it. 😀

[@broderp]

Why not just carefully use the Bondo filing putty from the start? Can it be thinned so it spreads easy, allowed to dry a little longer then sanded?

[@jamesbrown3492]

This was super helpful. Thank you !

[@ivorypoet6972]

Im wondering, when you prime and sand again, what grit are you using? 120? And after you spot putty it, are you using 120 or a finer grit?

[@3DPrintedProps]

After I prime I use a 220 to 320 then after the putty I use the same and go to a 400.

[@charlieflower1945]

Great Video! Just started an apprenticeship and i do a lot of sanding of parts and found your video to be super helpful thank you!

[@3DPrintedProps]

Thanks man. Great to hear! :)

[@AKU_Destroyer]

you make it easier to think about finish prints

[@3DPrintedProps]

Thanks man! Glad the videos help. :)

[@onemansvideos2134]

I add a drop of dish soap to my water when I wet sand it helps keeping the sandpaper not gum up

[@3DPrintedProps]

huh, I'll try that.

[@jaredarneecher8724]

Thanks I’m new to printing so this is gonna help a wonder

[@3DPrintedProps]

Glad it was helpful!😀

[@Tal13]

After applying the spot putty and sanding that down, did you wash the print again before applying the primer? Or would washing the print in this step effect the putty? Appreciate the help

[@Cross1g]

Quick question, is the helmet made from PLA or ABS? does anybody know? Other than that, awesome step by step tutorial!

[@GoBayside]

Wet sanding, one approach is to do quick dust of another color - as a guide coat, just to see where you've already sanded.

[@smoll.miniatures]

Spray with 2k or have a body shop spray with 2k filler primer. Fills all the lines easily.

[@3DPrintedProps]

Been wanting to try 2k primers, I have some, just been to lazy to use it. :P Maybe next project. :)

[@UyHeangTe]

The most detailed video so far I've seen, step by step with voice and clear demonstration. 👍👏

[@3DPrintedProps]

Wow, thanks!

[@MathewsStudio]

Awesome video! Currently following along while working on a Darth Nihilus mask for upcoming Halloween

[@VuNguyen-sx4lt]

Hi, thanks for the tutorial. Can I wash the print if I use Bondo spot putty on the print ?

[@benjaminjack867]

Very thorough! Thank you

[@AkaiKnight]

How do you know when you should stop sanding with one grit and move on to the next? Amazing tutorial BTW

[@3DPrintedProps]

Well for example the first grit, the most aggressive I stopped when I could see that most of the larger peaks and valleys were worn down. Then I moved to the next. Usually you just need to do it by eye. go over it once and see if the imperfections your were sanding is gone and move to the next.

[@MortenHafn]

In woodworking, sanding with finer grits is all about removing scratches from the previous grit. In that sense you would remove ALL imperfections and layerlines from the start, before going to the next grit. So that you only have to remove scratches from the sandpaper when you proceed. That makes it way faster to finish. And going anywhere beyond 800 grit is a waste of time, because you are only polishing the surface, giving the paint less grip. I would probably not go beyond 400 grit before painting, but then wet sand the primer.

[@N4t4Iy3]

This will save my printed miniature ! Thanks a lot!!

[@3DPrintedProps]

Glad to hear that!

[@jasontsabunimt6680]

Have you tried using a palm sander?

[@recall1045]

What grit of sandpaper did you use to sand down the layer of putty? Great vid btw

[@kennethcalimpong7919]

Thank you for making this very helpful,knowledgeable,short video,liked & subscribed,take care & Aloha

[@3DPrintedProps]

Awesome, thank you!

[@michaellyrakisvamvoukakis4130]

Best tutorial! Thank you. I have a print of mark85 life size bust made with ASA material . There is any difference on sandpaper grit bust use for ASA ?

[@joshsand9284]

I have a question? At 5:55 when you start sanding again, what grit do you start using? Really new to this so I’m just tryna be cautious with my own print as I follow your guide

[@bldbnqut]

as said by another commenter, he's using a 400 grit!

[@ConspiredOne]

Another great process after glazing putty is to make Rhondo and coat the surface. It's self leveling and really smooth after sanding... rhondo is a mix of fiberglass resin and body filler. Mix both as you would use it then add the body filler to the resin and paint on with a chip brush and let dry but be careful of drips

[@3DPrintedProps]

I've never tried that, but great tip!

[@ConspiredOne]

@@3DPrintedProps I use it all the time. It's a definite time saver. Usually I do a light 80 grit sand and then use a rhondo coat and then go into 220 - 400 sand then primer filler and start wet sanding 1000 - 2500, spot and glaze putty the pin holes sand and your ready for final prime and paint

[@MotionFORM]

Thanks for sharing excellent ways to make finer 3d print models. Architecture models need maybe 50% of that finish, except in detail bits. So will put that to use 👌👌

[@3DPrintedProps]

Glad it helps! :)

[@davidbuchholz7256]

Super super helpful!!

[@3DPrintedProps]

Thanks man, glad it helped. :)

[@RikuHino]

Have you tried using a card scraper before sanding?

[@3DPrintedProps]

I have't, but I'll look into it. I've used them in woodworking.

[@InsomniumViventium]

ive been sanding these past days and i was wondering, is this filler primer bad for your skin? should i use gloves or not?

[@kevinvolo5208]

I'd check the can, but I don't. I do wear a respirator because of the fine dust.

[@mol8821]

Great video. Good to see just how much each sanding step eliminates layer lines. I’ve also didn’t know of the glazing compound so will be picking up some of that.

[@3DPrintedProps]

Cool, glad it helped. :)

[@andrewlongfellow8745]

great video. Any idea how long this entire process took?

[@mar_mar_33]

that was so helpful and informative. Thank you!

[@onearmfrog]

This is fantastic!! This will probably be my ultimate go to video whenever I need to paint my Pla. Question - can I use a rustoleum primer filler but not the sandable type? I can’t find this version in my country.

[@TristanandImogensDad]

Just what I was looking for. Please don’t stop doing these guides! Incredibly comprehensive. Kudos to you. Subscribing. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@3DPrintedProps]

Welcome aboard! And Thanks!! :)

[@SuperBoyd]

Hey I hope you see this and can give an answer. But when you did the spray primer, what grit of sand paper did you use and we as what grit did you use after you put the bondo on?

[@soldier11m]

Plasti dip also works great

[@3DPrintedProps]

Won't be as smooth as sanding though.

[@tomconstantine2341]

Love this video and been using it as my bible making my first helmet. Problem is, that brand of filler & primer isn't available in my country. Is there other brands you can recommend?