How to finish my printed horn

Raw state of surface

AudioHorn PLA part are printed with the most precisely and finest way as possible, in black matt, so most users use it raw without painting.

For big ones like X-Shape 33 and 40 cm that are in two pieces, it can be interesting to paint it.

Note: Protect yourself with real mask like the AirGearPro M-500 or other, glass…

1. Coating and first sanding

Due to the finest printing coating is not needed most of the time.

If you have asked the “prepared to paint” option (it’s free) the horn is already coating if needed and sanded at 240P. Especially for big horns that are in two parts.

For this finish we use car bodywork way to do.

2. Primer and sand

Use:

Then sand, I can need several layer/sand operations, at least 3 or 2 repetition of it is needed. At the end sanding to 240/250P minimum.

3. Filling Primer and sand

It will fill the last imperfection

Primer

Use an aerosol “filling primer”, also call “high build primer” that will hide lines. The primer will also allow a better paint adhesion.

Sand the primer when it’s dry, use 240P/255P grain without water and by hand, prefer to make tiny layers of filling primer then sand then put another layer then send again rather than put too much of filling primer in one shot.

The state of the surface must be perfect at the end here.

4. Paint

Use a paint by following brand instructions, use the same brand than the primer to avoid bad chemical reactions 6 or 12 months later, a chemical reaction between primer and paint too different can have a result as cracks then falling paint months or years after.

Paint it with a tiny layer, with a regular aerosol paint.

2 or 3 fine layers should be enough , normally you don’t need to sand after the first one but if you see a default don’t hesitate to sand again when it’s dry.

5. Protect

Still in the same brand use single-component aerosol varnish to protect your paint when it’s dry.