Printing paintable outdoor architectural details
I would like to use 3D printing to create Acorn-shaped finials for trim detail on my house.
The "Acorns" are about 3.5 inches tall and 2.75 inches wide.
They will be painted deep red using standard exterior latex paint.
The temperatures in my area range from about 0-100 degree Fahrenheit in the shade. Presumably in the sun the finials could heat up further.
What is the best 3D printing material to use balancing outdoor exposure, paintability, and ease of printing?
RE:
If you do a good paint job it's the paint that takes all the weathering and protects the plastic from ultraviolet light. Even PLA would be OK in the temperature range you specify as long as the paint cover remains sound and no water can get in and freeze. PLA is takes paint well. PETG might be a better candidate if the temperatures do go higher but it is harder to paint and will need a primer intended for plastics.
I would use PLA and be prepared to replace them with polycarbonate if any failed in weather extremes.
Another option would be to print a mould and cast plaster acorns.
Cheerio,
RE:
How about ASA?. It is very suitable for outdoor applications (can handle sun heat and UV light) and much easier to print than PC. In terms of printability it is similar to PETG, possibly a bit trickier but not terribly so.
Mk3s MMU2s, Voron 0.1, Voron 2.4
I've not tried painting ASA, how well does it take paint?
Cheerio,
RE: Printing paintable outdoor architectural details
I have to admit I lack first hand experience on painting ASA as well. According to this source ( https://www.3dprintingsolutions.com.au/User-Guides/how-to-3d-print-asa-filament#Painting ) it can be painted with acrylic and enamel based paint though. One has to look out for potential cracking due to unsuitable solvents though. I guess its the same for ABS.
Mk3s MMU2s, Voron 0.1, Voron 2.4
RE: Printing paintable outdoor architectural details
Personally I'd go with PETG. ASA is a good option, I just find PETG easier to work with. You shouldn't have a problem painting either one. I'd finish it with spraying on a couple of layers of polyurethane.
Formerly known on this forum as @fuchsr -- until all hell broke loose with the forum software...
RE: Printing paintable outdoor architectural details
ASA and ABS should take paint quite well, they have been used for all kinds of vacuum formed model building stuff for a long time. A bit of sanding to roughen up the surface and off you go...
RE: Printing paintable outdoor architectural details
if i would do this in 3D-Printing at all, i think the only suitable material would be Nylon.
Any other materials will not survive a hail storm.
Think about making a silicon mould and cast it using maybe a special concrete
RE: Printing paintable outdoor architectural details
I printed a flag pole bracket for the front of my house four years ago. I used n-gen filament to make it. Two coats of an exterior acrylic house paint to match the trim color. My house faces ESE so that bracket is exposed to constant sunlight all morning and most of the afternoon. 100 degree summers and zero or colder in the winter. The bracket has held up very well and has needed no maintenance at all. Today I would probably use PETG as it doesn't seem to be as brittle as n-Gen.
RE: Printing paintable outdoor architectural details
Thankyou so much for sharing this.
RE: Printing paintable outdoor architectural details
i repeat my warning about hail 😀
i would use only Polyamide or concrete for things you mount on your roof.
Only if these items can be reached easily for replacement, feel free to use something else.
a hail storm in my area some years ago damaged thousands of cars and also every "hail-safe" advertised expensive 3mm Polycarbonat and Polyacryl plastic roofs