Finishing Things - MakerBot Replicator 2X User Manual

FINISHING THINGS

FINISHING AN OBJECT WITH PRIMER
AND SANDPAPER
This method of finishing requires a matte
gray spray primer, lightweight painters'
spackle, and fine grit sandpaper.
1. Prime the object.
For a smooth, even coat of primer, keep
your hand moving as you spray the object
and spray only in short bursts.
2. Sand the object.
Use a fine grit sandpaper on the entire
surface of the print. The primer will come
off in places, revealing the layer lines. You
can also use a variable speed rotary tool
instead of sandpaper, but be careful to use
it only at low speeds: using a rotary tool
at high speeds will generate heat, which
could melt the surface of your object.
3. Apply spackle.
Use your finger or a paintbrush to apply
spackle perpendicular to the layer lines.
You can help the spackle to dry more
quickly by setting it in the sun or applying
hot air using a hair dryer.
4. Repeat steps 1 – 3.
Continue priming, sanding, and
spackling until you are satisfied with the
appearance of the object. Apply only light
layers of primer to avoid buildup. Apply
paint to the final layer of primer.
OTHER METHODS
Retouching.
You can fix minor imperfections in an object by:
• Spraying with automotive spray filler
• Manually applying wood putty
• Manually applying modeling epoxy
• Making slurry from acetone and ABS
of the same color you want to retouch.
You can then paint the slurry on to
the imperfection.
Smoothing.
To smooth an object, you can:
• For prints made out of ABS, rub the
surface with a small amount of acetone
on a cloth.
• Rub the surface with fine-grit
sandpaper (dry or wet) and then wash
with detergent and water.
Painting.
• You can paint objects made with ABS
with acrylic paints and spray paints.
• You can prep for painting with a
urethane-based primer.
FINISHING THINGS 101