How do I color clear resin after it has hardened?

tux_tina

I want to 3d print some Christmas decorations that are semi transparent, and different colors. I could color the resin before I print, but as I want the decorations to be different colors this would mean multiple print runs and would create a lot of mess and waste. Is there something that I could dip my finished and hardened decorations into, or paint on to them that would give an even and semi transparent effect? I already have the clear resin...

Originally asked by Aaargh Zombies on Stack Exchange (crafts) (CC BY-SA 4.0).

uphilltech

Great question — answering as the UphillTech team:

I would go for acrylic based paints like "Window Color" or similar transparent glass colors. They are relatively cheap and come in many different, vibrant colors. I strongly advice looking for viscous paints or gels. They are easier to apply, won't drip and create a more even coat than very liquid colors. Here's one example: I once tried painting a resin printed miniature, but the paint didn't stick well enough to be handled. However, if you put an even coat around the whole ornament, the dried paint itself should be stable enough (e.g. not rip or be pulled off too easily).

Full answer by Elmy: https://crafts.stackexchange.com/a/10426 (CC BY-SA 4.0).

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