A part straight from the printer is rarely fully finished. FDM prints have visible layer lines, can have small marks from support material, and often lack the finish you want. Post-processing is the step that turns a raw part into a finished product. Here we go through the most common methods and what they're good for.
Sanding
Sanding is the foundation of nearly all post-processing. By sanding down the layer lines you get a smoother surface — first with coarse paper, then finer for a smooth finish. Sanding is also the preparation before painting, since paint adheres better to an even surface. Keep in mind that sanding removes material, so detailed areas are best treated with a gentle hand.
Gluing and assembly
Large parts are sometimes split up to fit the build volume or to print more efficiently. The sections are then glued together afterwards. For PLA and PETG, cyanoacrylate (super glue) works well, and for some materials there are solvent-based options that "weld" the plastic. Done right, the joint is almost invisible and at least as strong as the surrounding material.
Priming and painting
If you want a part in a specific color or with an even, professional surface, priming and painting is the way to get there. Primer fills in small imperfections and provides a uniform base, after which the part can be painted in any color — matte, glossy or metallic. This is popular for prototypes that need to look finished, prop builds, and parts that should match an existing product.
Surface smoothing
Beyond sanding, there are methods for smoothing the surface chemically, depending on the material. The result is a glossier, more uniform surface without visible layers. Which method fits depends entirely on what material the part is made of — just ask us and we'll recommend the right approach.
Threaded inserts and fastenings
If the part needs to be screwed together many times, threads cut directly into the plastic are rarely a good long-term solution. Instead, we can fit metal threaded inserts — small sleeves pressed or heat-set into the material to give a durable thread. To read more about the options, see our guide on threads in 3D prints.
What we offer
We can handle the whole chain — from a clean part with supports removed to sanded, glued, painted parts with inserts in place. Tell us what the part will be used for, and we'll suggest a level of post-processing that suits both the purpose and the budget. Not everything needs to be done; often a lighter treatment goes a long way.
Want a part that's ready to use right away? Upload your model and get a quote, and we'll go through the post-processing together. You'll find more answers in our FAQ.