Onyx has a good surface finish with high strength and continuous fiber reinforcements. However, some parts require a different aesthetic appearance. There are various steps that can be followed in order to achieve this, one being painting.
Before painting the 3D printed part, it may require some finishing, users may need to smooth the surface of the part to smooth rough features which can be a hinderance to adhere the paint successfully.
1. Cleaning off the glue
Glue can be removed using warm water once the part is removed from the build plate, then allowed to dry.
2. Trimming with wire cutters or tweezers
Remove small strings or blobs of filaments (if any) using tweezers or wire cutters to pick off any inconsistencies.
3. Sanding
If there are rough patches on the part, or you want toget rid of the well-known layer lines of FFF/FDM printing, use 220 grit sandpaper. Wet sanding will clear scratches, blemishes and bumps that mayarise on your part.
4. Removing Dust
After sanding, dust or residue may remain on the part. To remove these fine particles, clear it with a wet scrub brush, making sure to get all the corners and cracks. Once your part is dry you may want to use some tack cloth to remove any remaining debris.
Spray painting of 3D printed parts is very similar to spray painting most other plastics. Nylon turns out to be great for paint and varnish because it is a highly polar polymer.
1. Selecting spray paint
Without a primer coat, the part may absorb the paint, so a primer coat is necessary for Markforged printed parts. Ensure the primer is compatible with plastic.
2. Painting precautions
Make sure you let your parts dry in a well-ventilated area and use a fume hood or spray paint booth if possible. Painting with a gloves or respirator is advised.
3. Setting up your part
Because 3D printed parts allow for complex, intricate geometries you may want to hang your part from a wire or place it on a stand so that you can reach all the part without having to turn it over.
4. Apply primer coat
Spray the primer coat onto your 3D printed part. Different brands of primer have different suggestions as to technique coats and distance, so make sure you read them before painting. Ensure you cover all areas you want to cover with the paint primer, this may require letting the first coat dry before turning the part over to spray the back or underside ofthe part.
5. Apply finish coat
Once the primer coat is dry, apply the finish coat as advised by the brand of paint you are using.
6. Let it dry
Let your paint dry before final use and handle as recommended by the paint brand. After that your part is ready to go.
Hand paints also work well with Markforged plastics.
1. Eliminate paint absorption with a primer
3D printed parts can absorb a lot of paint. Even when hand-painting, a primer is still important for a clean final product. Spray a base coat of primer onto your part before painting.
2. Paint away
Once the primer coat is dry your part is open canvas. Using a brush and some hand paint, paint your part however you desire. Remember to paint in a well-ventilated area.
3. Let it dry
Let your model dry, and once it’s completely dry you’re all set.
