Painting Guide for 3D Printed Creations

Learn how to prep, paint, and finish your 3D printed ornaments, creatures, book nooks, and décor using acrylics, Vallejo, Warpaints, Rub ’n Buff, and more.

Start Painting With Confidence

Painting 3D printed pieces is fun, relaxing, and accessible for all skill levels. This guide covers everything you need to know—how to prepare your prints, choose paints and brushes, use products like Vallejo, Warpaints, and Rub ’n Buff, and protect your finished work so it lasts.

1. Preparing Your 3D Print

Good prep makes a huge difference in your final result. It helps paint stick better and gives you smoother, cleaner finishes.

Clean the Surface

PLA prints can collect fine dust or residue. Gently wash your print with warm water and mild soap, using a soft brush or cloth if needed. Pat dry completely before moving on.

Light Sanding (Optional)

For extra-smooth surfaces—especially on lamps or large flat areas—use 400–600 grit sandpaper and sand gently in small circles. Focus on visible layer lines or rough spots only.

Priming the Model

Primer helps paint grip better and reveals details. Popular options include Rust-Oleum or Krylon primers for spray use, and Vallejo Surface Primer or Army Painter primers for brush-on or airbrush. Let primer dry fully (usually 20–30 minutes) before painting.

2. Best Types of Paint for 3D Prints

PLA works beautifully with acrylic-based paints. Here are some of the most common and effective options for 3D printed pieces:

Acrylic Craft Paints

Brands like Apple Barrel, FolkArt, and DecoArt are great for ornaments, seasonal décor, and larger pieces. Affordable, easy to use, and widely available—perfect for beginners.

Vallejo Paints

Vallejo Model Color and Game Color deliver smooth coverage and vibrant pigments. Excellent for creatures, ornaments, and detailed book nook interiors.

Army Painter Warpaints

Warpaints by The Army Painter excel at shading, washes, and deep pigmentation—perfect for dragons, spooky figures, and high-detail prints.

3. Using Rub ’n Buff for Metallic Effects

Rub ’n Buff is a wax-based metallic finish that produces stunning highlights in gold, silver, copper, bronze, and pewter. It’s perfect for edges, raised surfaces, ornaments, armor plates, and accent details.

  • Apply a tiny amount with your fingertip or soft cloth.
  • Rub lightly over raised edges for instant metall

Some of our painted works