I've used Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish Spray for Wood, Clear Satin
A few times with good result. Not too glossy.
I usually use it after staining wood pla but have used it over paint as well
Thanks, I'll give that a go.
I’ve not see anything but hand wavy “add a layer of clear coat” for sealing.
Hmm, maybe I'm mistaken but is this not pretty sound advice? Or is the implication that you want this paint job to be matte and coarse (in which case, clear coat to start and perhaps sanding after a few paint coats?)
Otherwise, I wish I could help, I don't have much experience printing PLA.
It is good advice I think. I guess my question was, do they mean any clear varnish, like Deluxe Spray Gloss Clear, or is there something else I should be using.
These are all valid concerns, and I'm happy to throw my 2¢ in, if it helps. I've been printing for a while now, (FDM, MSLA) and even went semi-pro for several years (9 printers, 40+ hrs/wk), but still take this with a grain of salt, of course. Every use case is unique, and there are a wide variety of products and methods out there, so don't be afraid to experiment to find what works best for your project. 🫡
That said, I've had better than average success with Rust-Oleum spray varnishes for all but the most demanding/complicated projects. Be patient (don't rush), keep the coats thin/light, always use PPE & proper ventilation (no joke), and test print whenever you feel the need to try a new tech/process out.
So, first off:
What's the PLA model going to be used for?
How durable does the varnish itself need to be for the intended use of said model?
Are there moving parts that need to be masked before spraying so the clear coat doesn't gum up from friction?
Indoor or outdoor use? (ie. Avg temps, weather, etc.)
🖖🏽🤓
Thank you for this. I'm actually trying a Rust-Oleum primer for this, so I'll check out their varnish too. And I'll get setup PPE wise.
Regarding the print, this one is a pirate chest to be used as a money box for my son. Other than the hinge there are no really moving parts, but I expect it'll get banged around a bit, hence thinking I need the clear coat at all.
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