Clearcoat for 3D Printing in Spray and Pot

On this page, we have gathered a selection of the most common clearcoats that are best suited for finishing 3D prints. Find below on this page a detailed description of each offer.

This page presents only solvent-based clearcoats (flammable products) for 3D printed parts.

These clearcoats for 3D printing can be single-component polyurethane or two-component. They can be applied either by gun or airbrush or in their aerosol (spray) version.

The appearance of the clearcoat

When talking about the visual aspect, paint's function is to create color, while clearcoat's function is to create the level of gloss.

So, for example, it is possible to obtain a metallic red paint with both a glossy or matte finish.

A glossy clearcoat enhances the reflective effect of certain pigments and particles, giving the impression of a wet surface, while matte clearcoat eliminates light reflections, creating a more natural-looking surface.

The gloss level of glossy clearcoats is always higher with solvent-based 3D printing clearcoats. Even if today there are some excellent clearcoats for 3D printing in acrylic formula.

Moreover, among solvent-based clearcoats, the gloss of 2-component clearcoats is superior to that of single-component clearcoats, which are of lower quality.

Protection and Resistance

Clearcoat has other functions, with the main one being to protect both the substrate and the paint, as well as its pigments, from abrasion, liquids, chemicals, detergents, and also sunlight.

Here, too, a distinction must be made between one-component clearcoats, which dry by evaporation with the ambient air, and two-component clearcoats (PU), which harden through chemical polymerization. The latter are nicknamed 2K polyurethane clearcoats and are highly resistant and durable, much more so than 1K clearcoats.

Application Instructions

The substrate, whether painted or in raw resin or FDA plastic, must be sound, dust-free, dry, and non-greasy. The substrate should be sanded, if possible, with a P500 grit abrasive sheet, or on relief areas with a gray abrasive sponge.

Regardless of the type of clearcoat, application is done in 2 coats. It is possible to apply 1 coat, but never more than 2 coats in a single session.

► Apply 2 coats, with 7 to 10 minutes of interval time.

► Aerosol and paint gun : apply at a 90° angle to the surface, with a distance of 15 cm. Spray the products from left to right and from right to left.

♣ The application should take place in a temperate (15-25°C), dry, and dust-free environment. It is advisable to wear a protective mask to avoid inhaling solvents and to work with adequate ventilation or air circulation. Safety data sheets are available upon request by email. Adhere to safety instructions.

*Two-component clearcoats for 3D printing must be mixed with their hardener, and the mixture has a limited lifespan. Two-component aerosols are for single use and also have a limited lifespan.

Thickness and Coverage

Depending on the type of parts produced by 3D printing, one may want to preserve certain very fine details. Conversely, when applying clearcoat to a Cosplay-type 3D print, a thick, glossy, covering, and resistant coat is preferred.

Single-component clearcoats are less thick than two-component clearcoats. One can estimate a dry thickness of approximately 15 to 20 microns for single-component clearcoats and about 25 microns for two-component clearcoats (per coat).

Offers of Clearcoats for 3D Printing

► 2K Gloss Aerosol Clearcoat

Very high resistance clearcoat, wet effect. Very high gloss 90-95°. Good overall adhesion. Very high resistance to abrasion and chemicals.

Drying : 16 h / coat at 20°C

This clearcoat spray must be activated by engaging the hardener located below the aerosol. After activation, the product can be used for one hour. Single use.

► 2K Matte-Satin Aerosol Clearcoat

Creates a beautiful extreme matte finish on all parts from 3D printing. Resistant clearcoat, with low gloss of 20°. Excellent adhesion, especially for materials like resin or PLA.

Drying : 2h / layer

Two-component aerosol for use. Usage time : one hour.

► One-Component Gloss Aerosol Clearcoat - Celiron Type

Suitable for wired or resin 3D prints. Glossy, flexible clearcoat, easy to apply. Very good overall adhesion. 400ml

Gloss 80° / Drying : 1-2 h / coat at 20°C

Product available in various transparent colors on our website. Reusable clearcoat spray can.

► One-Component Matte Aerosol Clearcoat - AutoK

Economical and effective clearcoat. Very fine matte satin finish with a natural appearance.

Reusable 400ml clearcoat aerosol can.

► 2K UHS830 Gloss Kit Clearcoat 90° - 825ml

Professional clearcoat with very high gloss and resistance. This clearcoat provides durability and gloss to your 3D print that will last up to 20 years. Pot format, kit of 3 products: UHS830 clearcoat 500ml, hardener 150ml, thinner 125ml

Mix : 100:30 / Dilution 10 to 15%

Usable with a gun or airbrush (nozzle from 0.3 to 1.5 mm)

► 2K ST822 Mat Extrem 4° Kit Clearcoat - 750ml

Professional clearcoat with ultra-matte effect. Brilliance 4°. Non-whitening. Supplied in a kit with 500ml of clearcoat + 100ml hardener + 150ml thinner.

Mix : 100:20 / Dilution 10 to 15%

Usable with a gun or airbrush (nozzle from 0.3 to 1.5 mm)

Specific Clearcoats and Ceramic Clearcoats

Stardust specializes in creating special effects as well as finishes with special effects. You can discover specific clearcoats with a velvet effect, rubber effect, or ultra-matte effect.

Questions and Answers

♣ Do clearcoats yellow ?

All our clearcoats are non-yellowing; they are naturally resistant to sunlight and contain UV absorbers.

♣ Can clearcoats peel off ?

Our clearcoats have excellent adhesion capabilities on certain supports. However, the preparation of the substrate ensures good long-term adhesion. Clearcoats should be applied on substrates sanded with P500.

♣ Can more layers of clearcoat be applied ?

The number of applicable coats for a varnishing session is a maximum of 2 coats. Beyond that, the gloss does not increase, and on the contrary, it decreases. It is always possible to apply more coats of clearcoat after complete heart drying and sanding. Generally, the application of new coats of clearcoat can be done after 24 hours.

♣ Is this solvent-based clearcoat compatible with my paint ?

It is difficult to know the compatibility of clearcoat with any type of paint. In general, all high-quality paints are compatible with solvent-based clearcoats without creating a risk of reaction. When applying a solvent-based clearcoat to water-based paint, ensure that it is completely dry. Also, it is always prudent to take precautions by spraying 2 or 3 very thin layers before varnishing conventionally to avoid reactions due to solvents.