47 Satin Paints for 3D Printing – WPU Airbrush Range

The STARDUST 3D range includes acrylic colors for airbrush and spray gun applications. On this page, we present the series of 47 satin-matte finish WPU colors. You can find the HRC series with its glossy finish on another page.

Destination et usage

WPU paints are particularly suitable for 3D printing, both FDM and resin types. They allow for the decoration and customization of 3D-printed pieces of all sizes (micro-figurines or cosplay).

These are durable finishes, meaning they may not necessarily require a protective clearcoat. They can be varnished with a range of WPU clearcoats (see bottom of the page).

These are fluid paints primarily intended for spraying with an airbrush or paint gun :

► Airbrushes : all nozzles from 0.2mm

► Paint gun : all nozzles up to 1.5mm

Acrylic WPU Formula, Numerous Advantages

The WPU Stardust Pro range includes artist-type colors with an innovative acrylic polyurethane formula. Developed recently, these new formulations replace old acrylic paints for airbrushing, with many improvements.

♦ Excellent adhesion to various surfaces.

♦ Excellent resistance to water, chemicals, rubbing, sunlight.

♦ Very fast drying and hardening.

♦ Odorless, non-hazardous water-based paint.

♦ Fine dry film – does not cover print details.

Colors and Pigments

The WPU range paints have excellent coverage power due to their high pigment load, yet these paints remain fluid and liquid. The pigments used resist sunlight perfectly and are ground as finely as possible to create opaque and fluid colors.

Inspired by the artistic colors of Fine Arts, the WPU color series includes pure natural pigments, with as little mixing as possible: some pigments are very opaque, while others are naturally semi-opaque.

Application on Different 3D Prints

WPU paints can be applied directly to different materials of 3D printing, namely FDM for FDM printing, but also directly on resin prints.

While optional, it is recommended to prepare the support with degreasing, cleaning, and a light sanding with a gray abrasive sponge, and the application of an acrylic primer.

A primer creates an adhesion base, as well as a homogeneous color. It also levels micro-surface defects. A clear or white primer is ideal for applying vibrant colors.

Mixing and Usage

WPU paints for 3D printing are ready to use.

Simply shake them before use.

No dilution is necessary, but dilution is always possible with water or acrylic thinner S6, up to 10%.

We recommend applying thin and successive coats rather than thick ones to create a homogeneous film, without runs, and with the best adhesion.

Ideal Nozzle : 0.35mm

Pressure : 2.5 bars

WPU paints are compatible with all other paints, water-based, or solvent-based.

Water is used for cleaning airbrushes.

Thickness : 40-50µm in 2 layers

Gloss : matte satin – 10/20° specular gloss on a scale of 100°

Drying time at 20°C : 10 minutes per layer

Overcoating time : 2/3 days without sanding

Formats

The 47 colors of the WPU range are available in 1-liter format for painting large pieces, such as COSPLAY prints.

Varnishing

Varnishing provides both a more or less glossy finish and additional protection to the paint layer.

There are different varnishing options for 3D printing :

► Single-component acrylic clearcoats and odorless (matte, satin, glossy)

► Two-component polyurethane solvent-based clearcoats (matte, satin, glossy)

► Solvent-based clearcoats in aerosol

It is possible to apply a solvent-based clearcoat over WPU acrylic paints for 3D printing to achieve maximum resistance and gloss. In this case, some precautions should be taken to avoid solvent-related reaction defects :

♣ Allow optimal drying of acrylic paint coats (at least 24 hours)

♣ Avoid directly applying a thick coat of solvent-based clearcoat and proceed beforehand with two very thin coats (flash coat) with 5 minutes of drying before the classic varnishing process.