3D printed helmet

[ptrinidad]

I have finished sanding and glueing my 3D printed helmet but I think I might’ve sprayed the rustoleum primer too little in some areas. Would another coat be ok or could I just sand it off then paint over it?

 

[FalseShepherd]

Is it the sandable filler primer or just like paint primer?

 

[ptrinidad]

Is it the sandable filler primer or just like paint primers

Sandable filler primer

 

[FalseShepherd]

It probably doesn't really matter but I would go ahead and sand down to at least 400 grit then do another coat of the sandable. Sand that down as smooth as you want (some people go as far as like 2000 grit) and then do painting. That way you avoid having uneven coats as much as possible without working too hard at it.

 

[ptrinidad]

It probably doesn't really matter but I would go ahead and sand down to at least 400 grit then do another coat of the sandable. Sand that down as smooth as you want (some people go as far as like 2000 grit) and then do painting. That way you avoid having uneven coats as much as possible without working too hard at it.

Could I still paint it over after the 400 grit sand down?

 

[FalseShepherd]

Could I still paint it over after the 400 grit sand down?

I mean you could. But I doubt all the layer lines will be gone and those areas with less will be noticable through the paint. Usually you have to do a couple coats of filler primer before it's really super smooth unless you do Bondo or something first. Also, I tend to only go up to 400 grit but many others here would recommend going higher for an even smoother finish.

 

[PlanetAlexander]

As FalseShepard said, more times priming and sanding are good to help make it smooth. After you're happy with how smooth it is, don't forget to clean off all the dust it's left behind - at the very least by giving it a good dusting, but preferably with isopropyl alcohol and paper towels.

 

[DeltaAlphaZulu]

It probably doesn't really matter but I would go ahead and sand down to at least 400 grit then do another coat of the sandable. Sand that down as smooth as you want (some people go as far as like 2000 grit) and then do painting. That way you avoid having uneven coats as much as possible without working too hard at it.

As one of those people that go to 2000 grit, I would 100% recommend doing at least an 800 grit wet sand after a 400 sand to get a really smooth finish. With most of my props wherever I could see layer lines after my primer and sanding I could easily see them after painting. Although this isn't a deal breaker with proper weathering. Finishing processes should take a majority of your build time if you want to end up with a piece of armor or prop to look its absolute best!

 

[DeltaAlphaZulu]

I mean you could. But I doubt all the layer lines will be gone and those areas with less will be noticable through the paint. Usually you have to do a couple coats of filler primer before it's really super smooth unless you do Bondo or something first. Also, I tend to only go up to 400 grit but many others here would recommend going higher for an even smoother finish.

If you don't like sanding Bondo is not a friend.