Materials & finishes
You don’t need to know any of this to order. We’ll always recommend what fits your project. But if you’re curious, here’s what goes into your print.
Materials
We print with plastic filament, and each type has its own strengths. PLA and PETG cover most projects. The others are for pieces with a special job, like living in the sun or taking real stress.
The go-to for decor, gifts, and display pieces. It captures the finest detail and comes in lots of colors and finishes, like matte, silk, and wood-look.
Sturdier and a little flexible, so it’s less likely to crack. Handles heat and moisture better than PLA.
A rubbery, bendable material for pieces that need to flex, grip, or absorb bumps.
Made for the outdoors. It resists fading in the sun and stays solid in heat that would soften PLA.
Filament mixed with fine carbon fibers. Parts come out stiff and light, with a sleek matte look that hides layer lines.
Our toughest options, for parts that take real stress, wear, or heat.
| Material | Fine detail | Strength | Outdoor use | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | ||||
| PETG | ||||
| TPU | ||||
| ASA | ||||
| Carbon fiber blends | ||||
| Nylon & polycarbonate |
Not sure which to pick? You don’t need to choose. Tell us how your piece will be used on the order form, and we’ll suggest the best material and explain why in your quote.
Colors
Filament comes in a huge range of colors, from classic black and white to metallics and glow-in-the-dark, and multi-color pieces are possible too. Tell us what you have in mind on the order form, and we’ll go over color options with you while we design your piece.
Finishes
The finish changes how your piece looks and feels, and it’s part of your custom quote.
Straight off the printer, with light cleanup. You’ll see the fine layer lines, which many people love as part of the handmade look. The most budget-friendly option.
We sand and smooth the surface to soften layer lines for a cleaner, more refined feel. Great for gifts and decor.
3D printers build objects one ultra-thin layer at a time. Because of that, prints can show fine horizontal lines and small variations in texture or color. That’s a normal, expected part of 3D printing, not a defect. It’s also what gives each piece its handmade character.
Want them less noticeable? Choose a sanded finish.
Pieces with overhangs, like a figurine’s outstretched arm, need temporary supports while they print. For most materials, we print those supports in a separate material that peels away cleanly, so the surface underneath stays neat.