The easiest way to color 3D prints is to use alcohol-based inks, which can be applied before or after printing, depending on the type of resin used. Alcohol-based inks are versatile, vibrant, and easy to blend, making them ideal for adding color to 3D prints without the need for sanding, priming, or painting. In this article, we will explain how to use alcohol-based inks to color 3D prints, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of this method.
Alcohol-based inks are a type of dye that can be used to color various surfaces, such as paper, metal, glass, plastic, and resin. They are composed of a pigment suspended in an alcohol solvent, which evaporates quickly and leaves behind a permanent color. Alcohol-based inks are popular among artists and crafters because they offer a wide range of colors, effects, and techniques, such as blending, layering, dripping, and splashing.
How to Use Alcohol-Based Inks to Color 3D Prints?
There are two ways to use alcohol-based inks to color 3D prints: before printing or after printing. The choice depends on the type of resin used for 3D printing, as well as the desired result.
Before Printing
If you are using a clear or translucent resin, you can dye the resin with alcohol-based inks before printing. This way, you can create a solid or gradient color for your 3D print, or even mix different colors to create a marbled effect. To do this, you need to:
Shake the ink bottle well and add a few drops of ink to the resin in the vat. Start with a small amount and gradually increase until you reach the desired color intensity. You can also use a pipette or a syringe to measure the ink more precisely.
Stir the resin and ink mixture gently and thoroughly with a spatula or a stick. Avoid creating bubbles or splashing the resin, as this can affect the print quality.
Perform a test print to check the color and adjust the ink amount if needed. You may also need to increase the exposure time slightly to compensate for the reduced light transmission of the colored resin.
Print your model as usual and follow the post-processing steps, such as washing, curing, and removing supports.
If you are using a white or opaque resin, you can dye the 3D print with alcohol-based inks after printing. This way, you can create more detailed and realistic color effects, such as shading, highlighting, and blending. To do this, you need to:
Print your model as usual and follow the post-processing steps, such as washing, curing, and removing supports.
Prepare a clean and well-ventilated workspace and gather the materials you need, such as alcohol-based inks, alcohol, cotton swabs, brushes, gloves, and paper towels.
Apply the ink to the 3D print using a cotton swab, a brush, or directly from the bottle. You can also dilute the ink with alcohol to create lighter shades or spray the ink with alcohol to create a splatter effect.
Blend the ink with a cotton swab or a brush moistened with alcohol. You can also use a heat gun or a hair dryer to speed up the drying process and create more interesting effects.
Repeat the steps until you are satisfied with the color and the appearance of your 3D print. You can also add more layers of ink to create more depth and contrast.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Alcohol-Based Inks to Color 3D Prints?
Using alcohol-based inks to color 3D prints has several advantages and disadvantages, depending on your preferences and expectations. Here are some of them:
Advantages
Alcohol-based inks are easy to use and do not require any special skills or equipment. You can achieve beautiful and colorful results with minimal effort and time.
Alcohol-based inks are versatile and offer a wide range of colors, effects, and techniques. You can create solid, gradient, or marbled colors, as well as shading, highlighting, and blending effects. You can also mix different colors to create custom shades or use metallic or pearlescent inks to add some sparkle and shine.
Alcohol-based inks are permanent and durable. They do not fade, peel, or crack over time, and they resist water, UV light, and scratches. They also do not affect the strength or flexibility of the resin.
Alcohol-based inks are flammable and toxic. You need to work in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves and eye protection. You also need to store the inks in a cool and dry place, away from heat and sunlight. You should also avoid contact with skin and eyes, and seek medical attention if swallowed or inhaled.
Alcohol-based inks are expensive and wasteful. You need to buy multiple bottles of ink to create different colors and effects, and you may end up using more ink than resin. You also need to dispose of the ink bottles and the used materials properly, as they are considered hazardous waste.
Alcohol-based inks are unpredictable and hard to control. You may not get the exact color or effect you want, as the ink may react differently with different resins, printers, or environmental conditions. You may also have difficulty achieving a smooth and even color, as the ink may pool, drip, or bleed on the surface of the 3D print.
Conclusion
Coloring 3D prints is a fun and creative way to enhance the appearance and functionality of your models. Among the various methods available, using alcohol-based inks is one of the easiest and most effective ways to add color to 3D prints, especially if you are using resin. Alcohol-based inks are versatile, vibrant, and easy to blend, making them ideal for creating various color effects without the need for sanding, priming, or painting. However, alcohol-based inks also have some drawbacks, such as being flammable, toxic, expensive, and wasteful. Therefore, you need to weigh the pros and cons of using alcohol-based inks to color 3D prints and decide whether this method suits your needs and expectations.
