Hello all. Old modeler, new to large scale subs. With the 3D printed materials: 1 optimum method for sanding large pieces?, and 2 sand to what finish? Amazingly smooth? Fine? Please advise, thanks
-
-
In general, and assuming you're talking about filament printers and not resin printers:- Body filler for large voids or seams. I recommend Evercoat products.
- Sand with coarse paper first. 100 grit is good. Knock the raised striations down to the lowest point of the raised ridges. Watch your materials. PLA plastic can soften if you sand one spot too long, for example.
- Sand again with 200 grit.
- Prime with automotive filler primer. Fill any obvious voids with more filler
- Sand with 200 grit again.
- Prime again. Rinse and repeat until you get a good surface finish.
- Ideally you want a perfectly smooth finish to mimic the real thing, but the level you go to is dependent on your experience, patience, and desire for perfection.
- I have good luck with rattle can paints. Ace Hardware has an in house brand I really like for paints (not their primer!). Light coat for first two, then thicker for last.
- Don't use gloss paints for nuclear boats with anechoic tiles. Go matte.
- Seal with matte clearcoat if you're applying rub on transfers or decals. Otherwise I rarely clear coat my subs.
Comment