How To Clear Coat Polyjet 3D Prints

Naftali Eder

25 Nov, 2023 06:06 PM

Follow these steps and tips to quickly and easily Post Process your prints for a high quality finish

1. Step 1: Model Prep

   • Ensure that your model is fully clean and clear of and support material residue. Click here for our series of tutorials on support removal
   • It is highly reccomeneded to prepare the surface of the model by hand sanding or using a sandblast process. For more detaild information on sandblasting click here
   • Ensure that your model is dry and grease / oil free free (wipe down with an alcohol soaked rag if nesscesary)

   

   Waterjet support removal systems

2. Step 2: Required Materials

   • Clear varnish spray can
   • Work gloves
   • Respirator mask
   • Drop cloths or old newspapers
   • Cardboard box or spray booth
   • Sandpaper (optional)
   • Clean rags
   • Spray booth with extractor

3. Step 3: Spraying

   Preparation:

   
   

   
   

   • Wear protective gear. Put on gloves and a respirator mask to protect yourself from the fumes of the varnish.
   • Cover your work area. Lay down drop cloths or old newspapers to protect your work surface from overspray.
   • Place your object in a well-ventilated area. If indoors use a spray booth.

   
   

   Shaking the can:

   
   

   
   

   • Shake the can vigorously for at least one minute. This will ensure that the varnish is evenly mixed.
   • Continue shaking the can periodically while you are spraying.

   
   

   Testing the spray:

   
   

   
   

   • Hold the can about 20cm (8inches) away from a piece of scrap material.
   • Spray a light test coat. This will help you to get a feel for the spray pattern and how much varnish is being dispensed.

   
   

   Applying the varnish:

   
   

   
   

   • Hold the can about 20cm (8inches) away from the object you are varnishing.
   • Start spraying to the side of your object
   • move the spray can over the object is slow measured sweeps from side to side
   • Spray a light, even coat.
   • Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying a second coat (Wait at least 15min).

   
   

   
   

   Sanding (optional):

   
   

   
   

   • In some cases it may be required to sand between coats of varnish.
   • Use fine-grit sandpaper and sand lightly.
   • wash off the sanding residue before applying the next coat of varnish.

   
   

   Drying:

   
   

   
   

   • Typically 2 or 3 coars are required to acheave a uniform finish.
   • Allow the final coat of varnish to dry completely before handling the object, as per the instuctions on the can.
   • This may take several hours.

4. Step 4: Results:

   

   
   

   
   

   
   

5. Step 5: Additional Tips

   • Spray in a well-ventilated area. The fumes from varnish can be harmful.
   • Do not spray near open flames or sparks. Varnish is flammable.
   • Wear gloves and a respirator mask to protect yourself from the fumes.
   • Do not spray on your skin or clothes.
   • Clean up any spills immediately.
   • Dispose of used cans and rags properly.
   • Multiple thin colats will produce better resultes than fewer thick coats