To make wood filament look like wood, you need to use a good wood PLA filament, add texture to the STL file, sand, and stain the printed model. These steps will help you achieve a realistic wood appearance and feel for your 3D prints. In this article, we will explain how to do each step and provide some tips and tricks to improve your results.
Wood filament is a type of 3D printing filament that combines the properties of PLA (Polylactic Acid) with the appearance and texture of wood. It is a composite filament that typically consists of 60-80% PLA and 20-40% wood fibers or particles. The presence of these particles gives the 3D printed parts the aesthetics of real wood.
Wood filament is popular among 3D printing enthusiasts because it offers a unique look and feel for their models. It can be used to create objects that resemble hand-carved wood, such as sculptures, ornaments, furniture, and toys. Wood filament is also eco-friendly, as it is biodegradable and made from renewable resources.
How to Choose a Good Wood Filament?
The first step to make wood filament look like wood is to choose a good wood PLA filament. There are many brands and varieties of wood filament available on the market, and each one has different colors and wood contents. Depending on your project, you may want to choose a wood filament that matches the type of wood you want to imitate, such as birch, cedar, bamboo, cork, ebony, pine, olive, or even coconut.
Some of the best wood filaments that you can find on Amazon are:
Hatchbox Wood Filament: One of the most popular wood filaments out there. Users think it may be a bit expensive but it also produces great looking results and looks great after sanding and staining.
SUNLU Wood PLA Filament: A great option for wood filament, as users state that it is pretty strong when printed, producing solid layers and with a very appealing transparency.
AMOLEN Real Wood Filament: AMOLEN’s wood filament comes in four different colors, making it highly versatile. Give this bundle pack a try to see which one is your favorite!
FormFutura EasyWood: This cedar filament is affordably designed and priced for beginners, although it always leaves a pro-quality finish.
When you purchase a wood filament, you must ensure that it is compatible with your 3D printer. Some filaments require a heated print bed, while others do not. You should also check the recommended printing temperature, speed, and nozzle size for your wood filament, as they may differ from standard PLA settings.
How to Add Texture to the STL File?
The next step to make wood filament look like wood is to add texture to the STL file. This is the digital model that you want to print, which you can either download from online platforms like Thingiverse or design yourself using software like Blender or Tinkercad. Adding texture to the STL file will help you create a more realistic wood grain effect on your 3D print.
There are several ways to add texture to the STL file, depending on the software you use and the level of detail you want. Here are some of the most common methods:
Use 3D texturing: This is the process of applying an image or a pattern to the surface of the 3D model, which will be mapped onto the 3D print. You can use wood textures that you can find online or create your own using software like Photoshop or GIMP. You can then import the texture into your 3D modeling software and apply it to your model.
Use displacement mapping: This is the process of modifying the geometry of the 3D model based on a texture map, which will create bumps and dents on the surface of the 3D print. You can use the same wood textures as above, but you need to convert them into grayscale images and use them as height maps. You can then import the height map into your 3D modeling software and apply it to your model.
Use 3D sculpting: This is the process of manually carving and shaping the surface of the 3D model using tools like brushes, knives, and stamps. You can use software like Blender, ZBrush, or Sculptris to sculpt your model and create a custom wood grain effect. This method requires more skill and time, but it also gives you more control and creativity.
The final step to make wood filament look like wood is to sand and stain the printed model. This is the post-processing stage, where you can improve the appearance and feel of your 3D print by removing any imperfections, smoothing the surface, and adding color and shine.
To sand and stain the printed model, you will need some tools and materials, such as:
Sandpaper: You will need different grits of sandpaper, from coarse to fine, to gradually smooth the surface of your 3D print. You can start with 80 or 100 grit and work your way up to 400 or 600 grit. You can also use a sanding block or a rotary tool to make the process easier and faster.
Stain: You will need a wood stain that matches the color and tone of the wood you want to imitate. You can choose from oil-based, water-based, or gel stains, depending on your preference and availability. You can also mix different stains to create your own custom color.
Brush or cloth: You will need a brush or a cloth to apply the stain to your 3D print. You should use a soft and clean brush or cloth that will not leave any marks or lint on the surface. You should also wear gloves to protect your hands from the stain.
Varnish or wax: You will need a varnish or a wax to seal and protect your 3D print from moisture and damage. You can choose from matte, satin, or glossy finishes, depending on the look you want to achieve. You can also use a spray or a brush to apply the varnish or the wax.
To sand and stain the printed model, you should follow these steps:
Clean the 3D print: Before you start sanding, you should clean the 3D print from any dust, dirt, or debris that may affect the quality of the finish. You can use a soft brush, a cloth, or compressed air to remove any particles from the surface.
Sand the 3D print: You should sand the 3D print in a circular motion, following the direction of the wood grain. You should start with the coarsest sandpaper and switch to finer ones as you progress. You should sand until the surface is smooth and even, and the layer lines are barely visible. You should also sand any edges or corners that may be sharp or rough.
Wipe the 3D print: After you finish sanding, you should wipe the 3D print with a damp cloth to remove any dust or residue that may have accumulated. You should let the 3D print dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Stain the 3D print: You should stain the 3D print in a well-ventilated area, following the instructions of the stain manufacturer. You should apply a thin and even coat of stain to the surface of the 3D print, using a brush or a cloth. You should let the stain soak into the wood filament for a few minutes, then wipe off any excess with a clean cloth. You should repeat this process until you achieve the desired color and intensity. You should let the 3D print dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Varnish or wax the 3D print: You should varnish or wax the 3D print in a well-ventilated area, following the instructions of the varnish or wax manufacturer. You should apply a thin and even coat of varnish or wax to the surface of the 3D print, using a spray or a brush. You should let the varnish or wax dry completely before applying another coat. You should repeat this process until you achieve the desired finish and protection. You should let the 3D print cure completely before handling or using it.
Making wood filament look like wood is not a difficult task, but it requires some preparation, patience, and creativity. By following the steps above, you can transform your 3D prints into realistic and beautiful wood-like objects. You can also experiment with different wood filaments, textures, stains, and finishes to create your own unique and personalized wood 3D prints. Have fun and happy printing!
