Painting Essentials

by Erika Heidi

3D printing is only the first step in bringing your digital models to life. To achieve a truly professional and long-lasting result, a good finishing process is essential. This guide will walk you through the essential materials and steps needed to paint your 3D prints successfully, ensuring your creations look exactly as you envisioned.

Primer

A good primer will make painting much easier, requiring less layers and giving you a smoother finish. It is the most important preparation step before painting - it will make the print surface more porous so the paint will adhere more easily. Make sure the primer you get is appropriate for plastic surfaces. Use a spray primer for a more homogeneous result, applied in thin layers.

Choosing the color

The color of the primer can facilitate the painting process: if you’re painting with dark colors, it is better to use a darker tone so when painting you need less layers. It is also a good idea to use a filament of a different color than the primer, to be able to see more easily any missing parts on the model while applying the primer.

I use these two for everything: white for most models and a green-ish color for darker paint work.

Paints

Look for concentrated acrylic paints made for painting miniatures. There are a few different brands, but The Army Painter stands out as a good quality / price ratio and they have good Starter kits for beginners.

These paint bottles come with a small metal ball inside to facilitate shaking / mixing. Always do a good shake before using, and keep it closed so it doesn't dry out.

A more generic option would be acrylic paints or pens - they tend to be less concentrated and require more layers, though. A primer specific for plastic is still highly recommended for better results, no matter what kind of paints you choose!

Wet Palette

I got this wet palette that makes the paint last for longer without drying, I really like it! It's basically a little portable paintbrush case with a sort of foam that you soak in water, then add a thin sheet of the paper that comes with it, so you can add the paints to the paper and keep the foam clean. The paper absorbs a bit of the water, keeping the paints fresh for longer.

Paint Brushes

Although prints can be of any size, there are typically many details (especially for painting characters), so you'll want to make sure you have adequate brushes for details. These are the ones I use the most (all from The Army Painter):

Take good care of your paint brushes and they will last for a very long time! Never let them dry with paint on, and also don't let it soaking in a water cup as this will make it lose its form (especially important for fine-detail brushes). Clean after use and let it stay out of the water.

Varnish

Sealing your paint with a varnish is a crucial final step to protect your model and ensure it remains resistant to staining, scratching, or fading over time. For a natural-looking finish that complements most models, a matte or no-shine varnish is an excellent choice.

By following these steps—starting with the right primer and using quality paints—you can ensure your 3D prints look their absolute best. Taking good care of your brushes will make the process easier and more enjoyable. Most importantly, remember to protect your finished work with a coat of varnish. Now you have all the knowledge to transform your digital creations into durable, professional-looking physical models.