"1/200 Finnish I-153 & Fokker D.XXI - Shapeways" Topic

4 Posts

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miscmini	16 Apr 2014 4:53 p.m. PST
These are the first 3D printed models that I've painted. They're printed by Shapeways in white strong & flexible (WSF) plastic. I like the overall look of the models but didn't care for the grainy texture of the WSF. I applied a few coats of primer, sanding between coats, and was still not able to get the finish as smooth as I would've liked. I have more WSF models on the table. I think I'll try a different printing material the next time. Decals are from I-94 Enterprises i-94enterprises.com Fokker D.XXI I-153 Kevin
Doms Decals	17 Apr 2014 2:41 a.m. PST
Lovely work as usual. :-) Trying to sand the WSF material is wasted effort to be honest – it's sintered nylon, and simply doesn't respond to it. I have best luck sealing it with a spray primer, and then painting on several coats of gloss varnish before painting – being thicker than paint it deals with the surface roughness more effectively.
miscmini	17 Apr 2014 3:02 a.m. PST
Thanks for the tip Dom.
Doms Decals	18 Apr 2014 7:57 a.m. PST
No problem – as a belated aside, besides being cheaper than the detail and ultra detail materials, the WSF is far stronger – the detail types will generally shatter if dropped onto a hard surface, while the WSF will happily bounce, so if you can get a finish that you're happy with from it, it's far more gamer proof, as well as easier on the wallet.