How To Get Metallic Finishes On 3D Prints

Here is TWO techniques on how to make 3D prints look like metal. One is a Raw Iron finish with metallic sparkles and the other is a Silver High Shine (Chrome) finish.
The full article and links to STL Files - core-electronics.com.au/tutor...
Related Guides
Create Fantastic Finishes on 3D Printed Parts -core-electronics.com.au/tutor...
3D Print Scale Models Without Losing Details - core-electronics.com.au/tutor...
3D Print Onto Fabrics - core-electronics.com.au/tutor...
Improving 3D Printed Models - core-electronics.com.au/tutor...
In this we will go through the process I take to create metallic finishes on my plastic 3D printed components. Everything single tool and supply that you will need and demonstration of the processes taken all in this video. The magic of the Iron finish comes from the Pearl Ex Pigment Silver and the Silver Leaf Rub 'n Buff. The Chrome High Reflective Finish was achieved by good ole spray paint technique and high quality spray paint. This video also dives into what I would do differently given another chance so you can learn from my mistakes and save yourself time! If you want any of these models I have links available on the main article, big thanks goes to Mitchell Harvey for the MFDOOM Mask model and Mieszko Lacinski from Scan the World for the model. And remember all caps when you spell the mans name.
If you have any questions about this content or want to share a project you're working on head over to our maker forum, we are full time makers and here to help - coreelec.io/forum
Core Electronics is located in the heart of Newcastle, Australia. We're powered by makers, for makers. Drop by if you are looking for:
Ultimaker Tough PLA Filament: core-electronics.com.au/catal...
Ultimaker PLA Filament: core-electronics.com.au/catal...
Ultimaker 3D Printers: core-electronics.com.au/searc...
0:00 Intro
0:13 The 3D Printing Revolution
0:59 Filament Used
1:09 Before and After
1:19 Creating and Preparing the Models
1:57 3D Printed Timelaspe!
2:07 Repairing and Smoothing 3D Prints
3:06 Raw Iron Finish
5:20 High Shine Silver Finish
7:17 Outro

[@jnotlog7040]

Don't forget to use baking powder and super glue for harder and stronger bonding.

[@Core-Electronics]

Excellent strategy! Baking soda is an under-utilised tool in my toolkit

[@fk-zh5kn]

​@@Core-Electronics ä

[@fk-zh5kn]

​ 😢

[@fk-zh5kn]

​ 😢

[@fk-zh5kn]

​@Core Electronics

[@BeefIngot]

I want one of these tutorials but for lazy people who want to do no sanding and at most 2 sprays.

[@troyjeremy]

Did you ever find a good lazy version of this? Love the idea!

[@BeefIngot]

@@troyjeremy Unfortunately not. I did find out that cnc machining isnt as expensive as I thought it was though.

[@knightedbaron]

"ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?" Love the helmet and such a good movie!

[@Core-Electronics]

Haha, Gladiator is a great movie. Cheers mate

[@secritsquirrel4994]

I'm very new to the 3D print and Cosplay world. I've been looking for a straightforward and simple guide on finishing props with an 'iron metallic' metal style finish. And this was it! TYSM! And your other guides look great as well, time to do some reading. Cheers!

[@Torontian]

ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL! Thank you so much!

[@Core-Electronics]

Thank you 😊

[@Semjasa616]

Thanks! Great stuff even tho I cant get half of the things you are using it still gives me all the info I need to improvise! I swear Rubnbuff is like liquid gold in Europe, using AK True Metal instead

[@maycopter4]

you are a very different level

[@schoolchannel7827]

This was a fantastic tutorial. Thank u

[@Core-Electronics]

😊 Glad you dig it!

[@sophiaalistan2949]

Great info!! Looks awesome can’t wait to try

[@monadamus42]

Thank you

[@DukeFavre]

Love he added "Airbrush" for better results. Totally true. I'm consider to fill then Airbrush. It's nice

[@Core-Electronics]

If you have the tools definitely use them 😊

[@sunwukong6268]

Wow...I am first? This is my first time, being fist. But instead of just saying "First"...I´d like to say, imressive work. I will have to watch this video with your instructions multiple times. I am fairly new to painting and spraying, that´s usually my wife´s expertise but damn...that´s great work here. It´ll take a couple of days, but the products look awesome. I would actually love to see more on how improve 3d objects after the printing. I am still new to this makerverse. ^^ Looking forward to seeing more. Stay safe.

[@Core-Electronics]

Aww cheers mate 😊 Very glad you dig it and more content soon!

[@Lungorthin666]

Gloss black base and graphite powder makes a very shiny chrome finish

[@15430Eve]

Is there a good way to finish this to keep the graphite from transferring?

[@Lungorthin666]

@15430Eve You could use a gloss clear coat but even that might still take a little bit of the metallic away from the finish. So far I haven't used anything to seal it. Little to no graphite comes off with regular handling and even if it does, you could reapply a pinch more to fix the spot.But in my experience, not much comes off for it to be of much concern. It is not waterproof, however

[@Resultsbasedfit]

Thank youuuu

[@Core-Electronics]

All 😊😊 Good

[@HL09]

How do I make it shiny green?

[@CooperDevereaux]

Just over a year since he passed. I think I might have to make a proper MF DOOM piece for my shelf with this technique.

[@nycscribe538]

Since who passed?

[@kmcdesignstudios5818]

@@nycscribe538 MF Doom

[@Sceledrus]

@@nycscribe538 MF DOOM

[@onihensen]

Mf doom. The person who donned that mask

[@Speltric]

@@nycscribe538 MF DOOM

[@edrumsense]

Hello, I had a pain trying to paint PETG, had you tried out that material before? is there any advice you could give for PETG?

[@Core-Electronics]

Always rough up the surface a little with high grit sandpaper and use primer. Primer is the solution to all problems when it comes to painting troublesome surfaces 🙂. Good Luck!

[@johntutin1906]

What about sword blades for the steel effect . What is best on that

[@Core-Electronics]

For the flat surfaces you can do very similar with Chrome Spray Paint or Air Brush. When it comes to making the edges look sharp come have a look at this video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6bKoWiOad2kl6c

[@oscarabbas1644]

hey where did you get the primer and filler, I can't find it at bunnings

[@Core-Electronics]

I found that at Bunnings not too long ago but other hardware/art/paint places would have very similar stuff.

[@davidboop3550]

Hello world! Dude, just subscribed...super late to the party you got to wet sand that epic mask. It looks so f'ing good, and your already outstanding talent, wet sand that bad boy. Just printed myself the Master Sword (Legend of Zelda), and was looking for a video just like this, also I love the way you presented your content, and I look forward to watching more videos, swear to heaven this video is better than 95% of what's on TV. My opinion.

[@davidboop3550]

Alright, after subscribing I come to find out you have Pi video's as well. Me=Mind Blown. Can you stop being so tight?

[@Core-Electronics]

Thank you for your very, very kind words! Make sure to tell all your friends 😋 I'll keep my head down over here and keep them coming.

[@davidboop3550]

@@Core-Electronics Will do sir, good health to you and your family!

[@pietud9697]

Hello! Did you use Rub N Buff on the other 3d print, (Not the dog) on 4:50?

[@Core-Electronics]

Hey hey and 100%, Yep I did

[@pietud9697]

@@Core-Electronics thanks so much 👍

[@michaelfarrand716]

so let's say it is a fantasy material. It is WHITE white. Would priming with white, using pearl ex white, sealing, then rub and buff provide something worth writing home about for Hollow Knight cosplay props or armor?

[@zoid5911]

Have you experimented with metallic alcohol inks?

[@Core-Electronics]

Golly I haven't, but I am definitely keen to do some now!

[@Core-Electronics]

I have now 😊 results can be seen at the bottom of this article page core-electronics.com.au/tutorials/alcohol-ink-resin-printers.html?amfpc_refresh#Metal

[@mahalordx]

How about using Vinyl wraps ?

[@VladmirVorkeshky]

Good luck on any irregular shapes

[@rietta4238]

so this is not electroplated, you used those products and that paint, right?

[@mahdibaccara3375]

how do you know the paint won't stick, yo

[@Core-Electronics]

The first layer of prime will make sure the paint can stick to the model, hope that answers you

[@Garfuneral_]

MF DOOM MASK WOOOOOOO

[@3rd_Tower_FN]

it's gladiator

[@acalavidyaraja]

MF DOOM

[@RPShredow]

DOOM

[@katdawg3767]

out of curiosity why is it so hard to just do the tutorial and not give a history of it.

[@Graeme758]

Sorry, the hands, great video but so distracting, to the point of annoyance.

[@Core-Electronics]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/f36Qd2epf5JoqMU

[@tinayoga8844]

Excessive arm waving done in a very distracting manor. It doesn't look natural at all. It keeps me from focusing on what you are saying. If you add music then it at least would look like you were dancing. The content is what is important. You don't need that excessive motion to keep us engaged.

[@loganmcdowell1128]

Some people just talk with their hands

[@unitato_bia]

I think thats a you problem, buddy... I didnt get distracted at all, even having ADHD. Some people need to use their hands to help ilustrate what they're saying