Using Spray Paint to Add Depth to 3D Printing

 

This print was designed by a student as a gift for a parent.   It was printed with a basic white PLA using an Ultimaker 2+.

The student wanted to add depth to the print so additional decoration was created using commercial (18+) aerosol spray cans.   The first stage was the entire design was sprayed red.   Then once this had dried a layer of masking tape was applied to the right hand side of the design.   The second was then applied to the other side.   The last stage of this design was to use yellow spray and to spray at a distance and flick the can which created the affect of having the spots of yellow over the design.    This has considerably altered the design, which is virtually unrecognisable from its original presentation.   This design was created by a novice nine year old designer and the decoration was applied by a ten year old who has had some experience in design (and is responsible for the 'three minute pact man earrings' featured on this blog.   

The students then had a brainstorming session where the final design was discussed.   There were various suggestions that came from the student.   The lettering was identified as something that needed to be highlighted - and hence the addition of the lettering.  This aspect of the design was very simple - the students used permanent marker/vivid marker to add additional depth to the lettering.

We have carried out an experiment by putting a 3D print outside and exposed to the elements to look for evidence of damage over time.   You can view the process here, but we know from our experience that the design, shape and colour will hold for years.   

The same technique has been applied to the stamp base that is shown on the left.   Two primary spray paint colours have been used and combined, the second by using the spray at a distance to create a splatter or droplet affect.

Again the base colour for the print has been a basic white PLA which has been considerably altered by the technique shown.

The PLA in our experience responds extremely well to being spray painted and the colour can really enhance the prints and designs.