I had to learn to fix a failed 3d Print. The 3D printed skull planter was my first print job. It was a mess. The nozzle went down during this print and the result was a shifted, under extruded print. This print took approximately 23 hours, killed our extruder and it cost approximately $15 in PLA, so I decided to salvage it by using a post processing technique. Below are 10 easy steps to salvage a 3D print.

Items you will need from local hardware shop or Amazon affiliate links: Bondo, wood filler, sand paper (150, 300), precision knife, Rustoleum Primer +Filler, Rustoleum 2X Paint for final coat. I do all my printing on one Ender 3 V2 and two Aquilas.

1- Sand the failed 3d Print with 120 grit sand paper

2- Fill with Bondo. You can use Bondo almost like a clay to fill the print lines and sculpt to cover large imperfections on the failed 3d Print.

3- Sand. 120 grit for the hard areas and then switch to 300 grit

4- Spray with Rustoleum Sandable Primer + Filler. Use paint brush to get into detailed areas.

5 – Go over additional imperfections with Bondo (I used wood filler on this layer)

6 – Sand with 300 grit. Use precision knife to get detailed areas.

7 – Spray again with Rustoleum Sandable Primer + Filler

8- Sand

9- Spray with a top coat. I used Rustoleum 2X in Satin white. Let dry

10- Apply 2nd coat of paint to the failed 3d print

I hope this helps you in your 3D printing world. The post processing on this print really makes the skull look finished with no print lines. When I go to nurseries and they sell 3D printed pots I can easily tell they are printed. With this post processing technique you will not be able to tell it’s a 3D print. I also have this print as one of my Instagram highlights. Check out my Instagram Stories . Good luck and happy printing.