Smoothing PLA prints SOLVED!

[jsprenkle]

I've been searching for the best way to smooth the print lines on my prints. I believe I have found THE answer.
I experimented with several things before I found a good solution.

First attempt: standard clear nail polish.
Pros: This works well. It brushes on easily. Does not deform the part. Does not require sanding. Comes with it's own applicator brush
Cons: Requires multiple coats. Smells horrible. Expensive even at the dollar store. I'm told it does not last well. Does not fill gaps

Second attempt: Two part 15 minute epoxy (ZPoxy).
Pros: Fills the gaps easily. Adds strength to the finished part.
Cons: Deforms the part unless applied very carefully (drips). Long-ish drying time. Requires sanding. Requires measuring and mixing. Destroys applicator.

Third attempt: Bondo spot putty
Pros: Fills small gaps well. Dries quickly. Requires little or no sanding. Does not stink
Cons: Can still require a sanding on a very poor print.

The winner is Bondo 907 Spot/Glazing putty!
This was designed for the auto repair industry to repair small imperfections and it does that very well on 3d Prints as well.
It's the consistency of tooth paste. You apply it by wiping it on the part with a paper towel.
The paste fills the gaps and dries within approximately ten minutes.
The paste is red in color so you will need to paint as usual.
It may require some light sanding with finishing sand paper.
A 4.5 ounce tube is about $6.50 mail order ( http://www.amazon.com/Bondo-907-Glaz.../dp/B0002JM8PY )
or about $9.50 at a local auto parts shop.


Here's a print I experimented with. The part is white PLA. The red is where the bondo was wiped on. If you look closely you can see the texture is completely filled in:

BondoApplied.jpg

The product looks like this:
Bondo907.jpg

I have no financial interest in any of these products.
If you find something better please let me know. I'm always happy to find a better way.

Jay185

[Davo]

Thanks Jay. Good data like this really helps the community.

[curious aardvark]

yeah very interesting :-)
There are also a couple specific products that also do the fill in job.

The xtc-3d seems to get decent reviews: http://www.smooth-on.com/Epoxy-Coati...429/index.html

And it's clear so you don't have to paint models.

[jsprenkle]

Thanks Jay. Good data like this really helps the community.

Glad to help out. I'm glad I finally found something that works well


135

[jsprenkle]

yeah very interesting :-)
The xtc-3d seems to get decent reviews: http://www.smooth-on.com/Epoxy-Coati...429/index.html

The video I saw of that looked identical to the clear 15 minute two part epoxy I already tried.
It might be different but it didn't appear to be. I can't say for sure.
I tried the epoxy and found it much harder to apply smoothly.
What I tried was the consistency of honey. I couldn't spread honey and get a perfectly smooth finish.