"Sandable automotive primer to smooth layer lines?" Topic

I typically use sandable automotive spray primer to prime my miniatures. Recently, I picked up an FDM printed model of the Hand and Eye of Vecna (D&D Lich, whose mummified hand, and eye, are powerful magical relics). The model is around six inches tall.

The FDM layer lines are noticeable, and if I apply The Dip Technique as a dark wash to it, I am afraid that the layer lines will be highlighted by The Dip.

Over the past 30 years, I have noticed that the sandable automotive primer can fill in subtle details, as it tends to go on thick, from the spray can, even when exceptionally well mixed. Anyone care to comment on their experiences using a sandable automotive spray primer on FDM printed figures? Did it seem to fill in the layer lines, or were they still an issue for applying washes? Cheers!

Great question. I have the same issue with a bunch of 15mm Team Yankee models I bought 3D printed…

link

I have used Smooth-On resins for decades. Excellent stuff.

Maybe this product would work well.

Either way, keep us updated.

Mike Bunkermeister Creek

Wow! I like the sales pitch on the Smooth-On XTC-3D product. Sounds really promising. Seeing that, I am tempted to look into FDM printed miniatures -- UV-resin miniatures are ridiculously fragile. I've given up on UV-resin printed miniatures due to nearly every single one of the figures I've purchased, having been dropped and each has broken off at the thin ankles. They're great poses/designs, but they're too freakin' fragile to use for gaming! Cheers, Mike Bunkermeister Creek!

I went ahead and finished the Hand/Eye of Vecna model. I wanted it done for a D&D game I am running on Sunday. I picked it up in the Vendor's Hall, at Con of the North, in February, for $20. USD I could not resist…

Here are some images of it, finished: View1, View2, View3, View4, View5, and View6.

If you zoom into the images, you can see the layer lines, highlighted by The Dip Technique applied. It is not terrible, especially at arm's length. When you pick it up, and look at it closer, the lines become more apparent.

If you are not familiar with FDM 3D printing, you might not know what they are, and ignore them.

I am really intrigued with the possibility of 'erasing' the level lines using the Smooth-On XTC-3D product. I know that by futzing with the FDM printer settings, it is possible to limit the level lines, which would help quite a bit. It is all very intriguing to me. Thanks! Cheers!