I’ve spent countless hours watching my 3D printers layer plastic, only to realize the real magic happens during the post-processing phase. If you’ve ever wondered what kind of paint for 3d prints delivers that smooth, professional finish without erasing all those intricate layer lines, you are not alone. After testing several model paint sets and all-in-one kits on PLA, PETG, and resin prints, I’ve narrowed down the absolute best options to help you transform your raw prints into striking display pieces.
Smallbudi 20 Colors Model Paint Set 20ml/0.68oz Miniature
If you are just dipping your toes into painting miniatures or small FDM prints, this 20-color kit is incredibly easy to work with. It features a pre-thinned acrylic formula that flows smoothly straight out of the dropper bottles, saving you the headache of guessing the right water-to-paint ratio. The inclusion of three detail brushes and a bottle of acrylic thinner means you can practice advanced blending and layering techniques without buying extra supplies right away.
Key features that stand out:
– All-in-one starter bundle: Includes 20 vibrant colors, 3 detail brushes, and 1 acrylic thinner for custom blending.
– Pre-thinned formula: Ready to use straight from the bottle for smooth, brush-stroke-free applications.
– Vibrant matte and metallic finishes: Features specialized metallic tones for armor alongside solid base colors that cover grey primer easily.
Pros:
– Highly pigmented colors that dry to a clean matte finish.
– Excellent value for beginners who need basic brushes and a dedicated thinner.
– Dropper bottles prevent paint from drying out and allow precise dispensing.
Cons:
– The 20ml bottles are relatively small and can run out quickly if you are painting large, multi-part prints.
Best for: Beginner hobbyists painting small resin miniatures or highly detailed 3D prints.
Expert Opinion: This set strikes the perfect balance between affordability and performance. For FDM prints, make sure to apply a sandable primer first, as these thin paints are designed to preserve fine details rather than fill in deep layer lines.
ELEGOO 3D Paint Kit, Multifunctional 3D Printing Models
ELEGOO is a household name in the 3D printing space, and this kit is specifically designed to tackle the entire painting workflow. It comes with a wet palette that keeps your paints fresh for up to a week, which is a massive time-saver when you are working on multi-day paint jobs. The water-based paints are practically odorless, making them safe for long painting sessions at your desk without needing heavy ventilation.
Key features that stand out:
– Integrated wet palette: Keeps mixed acrylic paints moist and usable for up to 7 days.
– Ergonomic paint handle: Securely holds small models so you do not get fingerprints on wet paint.
– Safe water-based formula: Environmentally friendly paint with minimal odor, ideal for indoor crafting.
Pros:
– The included paint handle makes holding tiny miniatures comfortable and smudge-free.
– High-quality nylon brushes apply paint evenly with minimal brush marks.
– Includes a helpful mixing guide to create custom shades from five base colors.
Cons:
– With only five base colors included, you will have to spend time mixing to get specific tones.
Best for: Resin printer owners who want a complete, professional setup for painting detailed characters.
Expert Opinion: The star of this kit is the wet palette and paint handle. Even if you eventually buy more paint colors, the utility of the holding tool and wet palette makes this set worth every penny for serious hobbyists.
Smallbudi 44 Colors Model Paint Set 20ml/0.68oz Miniature
For creators who want to paint sprawling dioramas, complex terrain, or detailed tabletop armies, this massive 44-color set is a step up. You get 38 realistic standard shades and 6 metallic colors, alongside four bottles of acrylic thinner to dial in your airbrush consistency. The paint has a high pigment density, meaning you get fantastic coverage in fewer coats, preserving the fine textured details of your resin and PLA models.
Key features that stand out:
– Massive 44-color selection: Covers standard tones, specialized greyscales, wood, rock, and rich metallics.
– Four bottles of acrylic thinner: Gives you plenty of material to thin paints down for fine glazing or airbrush use.
– High pigment concentration: Offers dense, solid coverage over dark primers in just one or two thin layers.
Pros:
– Incredible variety of colors, reducing the need for manual mixing.
– Metallics apply smoothly without looking chunky or glittery.
– Includes a helpful color wheel guide to teach you color theory and shading.
Cons:
– The sheer number of bottles can be overwhelming to organize without a dedicated storage rack.
Best for: Experienced painters and model makers looking for a comprehensive color range for complex tabletop scenes.
Expert Opinion: If you are looking to scale up your painting projects, this set saves you from constant mixing. The included thinners are incredibly useful for running these high-quality pigments through an airbrush.
Smallbudi 32 Colors Model Paint Set 20ml/0.68oz Miniature
This 32-color set sits comfortably in the sweet spot for hobbyists who want more variety than a basic starter kit but do not need dozens of niche shades. It features a refined matte finish when dry, ensuring that light does not glisten off plastic surfaces in a way that reveals FDM layer lines. The set includes three fine-tip detail brushes and three bottles of thinner, making it a very well-rounded package for daily printing projects.
Key features that stand out:
– Balanced 32-color palette: Includes 28 standard hues and 4 metallic colors for versatile paint schemes.
– Strong surface adhesion: Specially formulated to stick well to plastic, resin, metal, and sanded wood.
– Matte drying finish: Reduces light glare on your finished prints, highlighting printed details instead.
Pros:
– Offers great coverage with fewer coats on both PLA and resin surfaces.
– Brush-ready thickness makes it fast to pick up and start painting.
– The color wheel guide helps beginners understand shading and color relationships.
Cons:
– The detail brushes are decent but may fray after heavy use on rough FDM surfaces.
Best for: Intermediate makers who want a robust range of colors without cluttering their workspace.
Expert Opinion: This is the goldilocks set for most 3D printer users. It provides enough color variety to tackle almost any model while keeping the cost highly competitive.
ANYCUBIC 3D Printer Accessories, Multifunctional 3D Models
ANYCUBIC delivers a comprehensive workflow solution with this all-in-one kit, addressing everything from prep work to the final coat. It includes essential cutting and grinding tools along with a specialized primer that enhances paint adhesion on plastic surfaces. Rather than just selling you paint, this kit provides a paint humidor (wet palette) to keep your colors fresh and a blue butyl adhesive handle to easily hold complex shapes.
Key features that stand out:
– Complete prep-to-paint toolkit: Includes sanding/cutting tools, primers, colors, and protective gear.
– Adhesion-boosting primer: Creates a solid foundation for water-based paints to grip raw plastic and resin prints.
– Japanese imported nylon brushes: Soft, flexible bristles that distribute paint without leaving ugly streak marks.
Pros:
– A true all-in-one solution that takes care of model cleanup and sanding before painting.
– The paint humidor keeps paint usable for up to 7 days, preventing waste.
– Primer is highly effective at stopping acrylics from peeling off raw PLA.
Cons:
– Only includes 5 basic paint colors, requiring you to mix your own custom shades.
Best for: Complete beginners who need both prep tools (sandpaper, cutters) and painting gear in one purchase.
Expert Opinion: This kit solves the biggest issue beginners face—prep work. Without proper sanding and priming, even the best paint will peel. The inclusion of grinding tools and primer makes this a fantastic utility kit.
Helpful Comparison Insights
When deciding which set to choose, think about your workflow. If you are looking for a complete workspace setup, kits like the ELEGOO and ANYCUBIC sets stand out because they include physical tools like wet palettes, sanding tools, and model holders. On the other hand, if you already have your sanding gear sorted and just need a massive range of pre-mixed colors, the Smallbudi 32-color or 44-color sets offer way more pigment variety directly out of the box, saving you from tedious color-mixing sessions. Keep in mind that using a high-quality primer is essential regardless of the paint set you choose, as it helps water-based acrylics bond to slick plastic and resin surfaces.
Final Verdict
If your main goal is to unbox a kit and immediately start painting with a massive palette of ready-to-use colors, the Smallbudi 32 Colors Model Paint Set offers the best balance of variety, price, and quality. However, if you are starting from absolute scratch and don’t even own sandpaper, a hobby knife, or a model holder, the ANYCUBIC 3D Printer Accessories Kit is the smartest investment. It gives you the structural prep tools you need to make sure your paint actually sticks, which is half the battle when working with 3D printed plastics.
Common Questions About What Kind of Paint for 3D Prints
Do I need to prime my 3D prints before painting?
Yes. Priming is arguably the most important step. Raw plastic like PLA and cured resin are very slick, which makes it hard for water-based acrylic paint to stick. A good spray primer micro-etches the surface, giving the paint something to cling to while helping to fill in tiny layer lines.
What is the difference between acrylic, enamel, and lacquer paints for 3D models?
Acrylic paints are water-based, dry quickly, have almost no odor, and are very easy to clean up, making them the most popular choice for 3D prints. Enamel and lacquer paints are solvent-based; they offer highly durable finishes and incredible metallic sheen but require harsh chemicals (like paint thinner) for cleanup and have strong, toxic fumes that require proper ventilation.
Can I use regular craft acrylic paint on my 3D prints?
You can, but it is not ideal. Cheap craft paints have larger pigment particles and a thicker consistency, which can easily clog up the fine details on your prints and leave thick, visible brush strokes. Specially formulated model paints are finely ground and pre-thinned to flow smoothly into tight crevices without obscuring details.
How do I hide layer lines on FDM prints before painting?
To get a smooth finish, you will want to sand your print starting with a coarse grit (like 220) and working your way up to a fine grit (like 400 or 600). After sanding, apply a few coats of a sandable filler primer. Let it dry, sand it lightly again, and repeat until the layer lines are completely filled. Once smooth, you are ready for your color coats.
Can I use these model paints in an airbrush?
Absolutely. Water-based model paints work beautifully in an airbrush, but you will need to thin them down first. Using a dedicated acrylic thinner is much better than water, as it keeps the paint’s binding agents stable and prevents clogging in your airbrush nozzle.
Do I need to seal my painted 3D prints?
Yes, especially if you plan on handling them. Acrylic paint can scratch or chip off plastic easily over time. Applying a clear coat sealer (matte, satin, or glossy depending on the look you want) protects your paint job from oils on your hands, dust, and physical wear.
Is there a difference between painting PLA and painting resin prints?
Resin prints generally have a much smoother surface with almost no layer lines, meaning they require very little sanding compared to PLA. However, uncured resin can repel paint, so you must ensure your resin print is completely washed in isopropyl alcohol and fully cured under UV light before applying your primer.
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