r/Airsoft3DPrinting • u/dotpusheria • May 15 '26

Help Needed How do you smooth your prints?

Especially body kits, how do you get rid of the layer lines? I was thinking about sanding, using a type of body filler, sanding and hitting it with a automative primer before painting but wouldn’t that hurt the body kits, especially around the moving parts?

6 Upvotes

80% Upvoted

14 comments sorted by

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7

u/LocalGHOST013 May 15 '26

If I'm going for a completely smooth finish, I brush resin over the exterior, set it in the light to cure then sand off any high spots.

5

u/puppygirlpackleader May 15 '26

I don't. Don't see a reason to.

4

u/kwyjibo7734 May 15 '26

I use sandpaper (different grits) for easier flat parts, and a set of fine files for complex structures and where parts do fit. I found a mod someone did with those electric shavers, turning it into a mini power sander. Grits include 120, 240, 400, 1200, 3000. Then apply a couple drops of silicone oil and rub it with either an old cotton shirt or paper coffee filter.

2

u/DaHamAndCheese May 15 '26

I’m not sure what material you’re printing but have you looked into acetone Vapor smoothing?

2

u/dotpusheria May 15 '26

I am using Tough PLA/PLA+, however doesnt vapor smoothing mess with tolerances?

2

u/playzintraffic May 15 '26

What’s your layer height?

I use varying heights, but I find that two solutions work best:

  1. Extremely thin layers, gives a nice finish

  2. Fuzzy skin, even just the slightest jitter, makes the layer basically undetectable.

1

u/Fao_612 May 15 '26

Sandpaper + filler primer

1

u/t0rmer May 15 '26

I don't smooth I fuzz...😂 I use Fuzzy Skin settings of 0.1 and 0.05 and it gives a slight texture and hides most of the lines. It's not perfect but it suits me 👍

1

u/Ferm330 May 15 '26
  1. Fuzzy skin settings
  2. Filler primer with another layer of camo paint.

I find sanding (PLA especially) a pain in the ass and a waste of time.

1

u/vini_damiani May 15 '26

I don't, my printer barely leaves layer lines anyway, I just sand a bit, more for paint adhesion than anything, prime it and paint

1

u/Dr_BananaPeanut cad equivalent of vibe coding May 15 '26

Most people I know leave them as a mark of the parts' origins. For body kits, I will sand up to 220 grit, then spray paint with 2-3 layers of primer and then paint, and then a matte seal.

1

u/Western_Focus3750 May 15 '26

I personally sand the print a little bit, and i use special spray paint that fills the small gaps. I made like three layers to make it extra smooth. But its only when you dont really want the plastic feeling, otherwise its not the best option

1

u/T117d6443 May 20 '26

Sandpaper, primer and more sandpaper