Cosplay enthusiasts should pay attention to this unique method for smoothing FFF 3D prints.

Oh boy, have I got a treat for you today! I stumbled upon this mind-blowing video online that showcases a revolutionary technique for smoothing out those pesky layer lines on FFF 3D prints. You know, those unsightly lines that make your prints look like a stack of tires? Yeah, those.

Now, for most functional parts, those layer lines aren’t a big deal. After all, who cares about a few visible lines when your shelf is holding up just fine? But there’s a particular group of 3D printer enthusiasts who demand nothing less than perfection when it comes to surface finishes – cosplay enthusiasts. When it comes to costume components, these folks want every nook and cranny to be flawlessly smooth and visually stunning.

So, how do you achieve that level of smoothness on a FFF print? Well, there are several approaches out there – acetone dipping, sanding, epoxy coatings, machine tumbling, you name it. But guess what? I stumbled upon a technique that will blow your mind. Drumroll, please… 3D printer resin!

Yep, you heard that right. YouTuber DaveRig published a video recently where he details his innovative approach using 3D printer resin to smooth out those layer lines. Now, here’s the kicker – he didn’t just slather on the resin as is. Oh no, he added corn starch to the mix to thicken it up. Talk about thinking outside the box!

In the video, Dave recommends a 2:1 ratio of resin to corn starch, resulting in a creamy substance. He then applied this concoction to a sample 3D print using a foam brush. Next, he placed the FFF print with the resin coating in a UV curing station. Trust me, seeing a FFF print in that position was definitely a first for me!

Now, I know what you’re thinking – this sounds familiar. You’re right! Many of us have used clear resin to achieve a smooth surface on resin prints. But here’s the thing – FFF prints have much coarser layers, so I was really curious to see how this experiment would pan out.

Turns out, it took multiple applications of the resin-corn starch mix, followed by curing and sanding, to achieve a smooth result. Dave then applied several coats of primer, followed by sanding with increasingly fine grits, to really polish things up. This reminded me of the epoxy approach, where you apply a thin layer, let it cure, and then sand it – but here’s the key – you don’t blow off the dust when applying the second coat. That dust becomes part of the structure, just like Dave’s corn starch.

Finally, after what I can only imagine were several days of intense post-processing, Dave spray painted the test print with a metallic blue finish and a clear coat. And let me tell you, the end result was absolutely stunning. But let’s not forget the amount of work that went into achieving that polished look – it was nothing short of incredible.

Now, would this approach work for you? Absolutely! And it might even be more convenient than the traditional epoxy approach because most 3D printer operators already have some 3D printer resin lying around. But regardless of the “fill” material you choose, be prepared for a repetitive process of multiple steps to achieve that desired polished surface.

If you’re a FFF 3D printer enthusiast looking for a brand new approach to smoothing your prints, I highly recommend checking out Dave’s video. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. And who knows, maybe you’ll discover your own unique twist to take this technique to the next level.

So there you have it, my friends. A fantastic and out-of-the-box method for achieving smooth surfaces on FFF 3D prints. As always, happy printing!

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