7 Steps to a shiny porcelain finish on ABS parts with acetone

Have you ever wondered how some ABS parts that are 3D printed are treated to look super shiny or made to have a ceramic finish? Here is our latest trick for treating parts.



Tools

1 Gallon Metal Can

Metal Lid

Paper Towels

Scissors

16 Magnets

4 Ounces Acetone

3 Metal Washers

Metal can size depends on size of ABS parts to be treated, for example a 6 gallon pail is applicable for 11” tall ABS parts. A standard gallon size paint can will work for most 3D printed ABS parts (7” in height and smaller). It is best to use the smallest metal container possible. A 1 Gallon paint can will be used for this demonstration.

Steps

Cut 3 paper towels into smaller pieces (or in half)



Line inside of can with paper towels

Use magnets to secure paper towels



Pour 4 ounces of Acetone into the can



Caution: Perform this in a well ventilated area! Cover with lid and shake. Paper towels should be completely saturated

Use lid and washers to elevate the ABS part



Cover part with can and take care not to touch part



Wait for 40 minutes without removing cover



Layer lines will still be visible but the lines will continue to dissolve as the ABS part dries.

Let part cure overnight which will result in a glossy ceramic-like finish

You can find more tips for finishing 3d printed objects on our page “Tips“

Part: “rocket bulbus” designed by Perry Engel, (AKA cerberus333)

A word of caution from Terry M: May not work well on parts with very thin parts or walls. I tried it on a printed rose and the outer petals went went from vertical to horizontal. Basically they laid down flat instead of sticking straight up like they did.