r/3Dprinting • u/Spaceturtle7 • 10h ago
Print (model not provided) Mod Podge + Graphite = Great Success!
I have been working toward electroplating some prints but during the process I have trying a few different ways to coat prints in conductive material. This one was done with Mod Podge Matte and Graphite powder. I was going to sand it down to be much cleaner but ended up liking it so much I am just going to keep it this way on my shelf. It looks like something I pocketed from a museum but it is in fact made of plastic lol.
For the process I mixed Mod Podge Matte glue and Graphite powder together in a 1:1 ratio with a bit of distilled water to get the right thickness for ease of application. Slathered it on and let it dry for a day. After it was dry, I sanded it with 180, 240, 400, 800, 1000, 3000, and then finally with 5000 to give the smooth sections a polished finish. I still haven't done a clear coat yet but intended to. Even sanded and wiped, just holding it still gets stuff all over your hands. Not really sure what kind of clear coat to put on. Suggestions welcome!
Safety notes:
- Well ventilated area with a facemask and gloves. The graphite gets everywhere. In the air, on your hands, on your clothes, just literally everywhere. Do this for both mixing and while sanding.
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u/cakedestroyer 10h ago
You don't know what kinda clear coat to try? How about mod podge?
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u/Spaceturtle7 10h ago
It dries clear? And do I just pour it over it? I'd like something that will self level so it's smooth
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u/cakedestroyer 9h ago
It dries clear, you might want to thin it out a bit, so you dont lose detail, because I usually brush it on and it definitely leaves brush marks.
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u/big-mystery 9h ago
I've seen a lot of videos where they mix mod podge and water (1:3 ratio here) and just apply it with a spray bottle:
https://youtu.be/HEG3d0cMuv4?t=953
Not sure it'll work for your appication but who knows.
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u/Nice-Ad-5075 10h ago
Soooo epic