7 Steps to a shiny porcelain finish on ABS parts with acetone

acetcan-treatment-airwolf3d

7 Steps to a shiny porcelain finish on ABS parts with acetone

candy-finish-airwolf3d-abs-parts

acetcan-treatment-airwolf3d-CANDY

Have you ever wondered how some ABS parts that are 3D printed are treated to look super shiny or made to have a ceramic finish?  Here is our latest trick for treating parts.

Tools

1 Gallon Metal Can
Metal Lid
Paper Towels
Scissors
16 Magnets
4 Ounces Acetone
3 Metal Washers

Metal can size depends on size of ABS parts to be treated, for example a 6 gallon pail is applicable for 11” tall ABS parts.  A standard gallon size paint can will work for most 3D printed ABS parts (7” in height and smaller). It is best to use the smallest metal container possible.  A 1 Gallon paint can will be used for this demonstration.

Steps

Candy Airwolf 3D ABS acetone can treatment 1 (3)

Cut 3 paper towels into smaller pieces (or in half)
Candy Airwolf 3D ABS acetone can treatment 1 (5)

Line inside of can with paper towels
Use magnets to secure paper towels
Candy Airwolf 3D ABS acetone can treatment 1 (9)

Pour 4 ounces of Acetone into the can
Candy Airwolf 3D ABS acetone can treatment 1 (8)

Caution: Perform this in a well ventilated area! Cover with lid and shake.  Paper towels should be completely saturated

Candy Airwolf 3D ABS acetone can treatment 1 (12)

Use lid and washers to elevate the ABS part
Candy Airwolf 3D ABS acetone can treatment 1 (13)

Cover part with can and take care not to touch part
Candy Airwolf 3D ABS acetone can treatment 1 (14)

Wait for 40 minutes without removing cover
Candy Airwolf 3D ABS acetone can treatment 1 (15)

Layer lines will still be visible but the lines will continue to dissolve as the ABS part dries.
Let part cure overnight which will result in a glossy ceramic-like finish

You can find more tips for finishing 3d printed objects on our page “Tips

Part:  “rocket bulbus” designed by Perry Engel, (AKA cerberus333)

A word of caution from Terry M: May not work well on parts with very thin parts or walls. I tried it on a printed rose and the outer petals went went from vertical to horizontal. Basically they laid down flat instead of sticking straight up like they did.