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3 Best 3D Printer Resin For Painting: Achieving Smooth Surfaces For Painting ⚠️ (July 2024)

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3D printing has become a popular hobby and a valuable tool for professionals alike. While many 3D printers utilize filament, resin printers offer unparalleled detail and smoothness, making them ideal for miniature painting. However, not all resin is created equal, and choosing the right one can be crucial for achieving a flawless painting surface.

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When selecting resin for painting, you want to prioritize smooth finishes and a durable base for your paint. The wrong resin can lead to a rough surface, making painting a nightmare. Additionally, some resins are brittle and prone to chipping, ruining your hard work. This article will highlight three top-rated 3D printer resins specifically designed for painting, offering a smooth, durable surface that’s perfect for even the most intricate details.

These carefully selected resins offer a balance of printability, detail, and durability. They are known for their smooth surfaces, making them easier to paint without encountering any rough spots or blemishes. Additionally, these resins are designed to be strong and resilient, preventing chipping and damage, ensuring your models stay intact throughout the painting process.

Whether you’re a seasoned miniature painter or just starting out, choosing the right resin is essential for achieving professional-looking results. These carefully curated choices will empower you to create stunning miniatures with smooth, seamless surfaces that will enhance your painting experience and showcase your artistic talent.

QUICKLIST TOP 3
Item Image Where to buy Rating Read More
Creality LD-002R Creality LD-002R 4.6 out of 5 stars Jump to Review
ELEGOO Mars 2 ELEGOO Mars 2 4.5 out of 5 stars Jump to Review
Anycubic Photon Mono X Anycubic Photon Mono X 4.3 out of 5 stars Jump to Review


Creality LD-002R

Creality LD-002R

This resin is specifically designed for painting, offering a smooth and detailed finish that's perfect for bringing your miniatures to life.

Specifications:

  • Material: Standard photopolymer resin
  • Color: Clear
  • Viscosity: Low
  • Cure Time: 2-3 seconds per layer
  • Resolution: 40 microns

Reasons to buy:

  • Smooth Surface: Delivers a very smooth surface that's ideal for painting.
  • Good Detail: Offers excellent detail for intricate models.
  • Affordable: A budget-friendly option.

Reasons to avoid:

  • Limited Color Options: Only available in clear.
  • Lower Durability: May not be as durable as other resins.

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

  • You're on a budget and looking for a good resin for painting.
  • You need a resin that provides smooth surfaces.
  • You're primarily working with smaller models.

Don't buy it if:

  • You need a resin with high durability for functional prints.
  • You need a wide range of color options.
  • You're working with large, intricate models.

Bottom Line:

The Creality LD-002R resin is a great option for budget-minded users who are looking for a resin specifically designed for painting. It delivers smooth surfaces and good detail, making it ideal for creating miniatures and other small models that you want to paint. However, if you need a more durable resin or a wider range of color options, you may want to consider other options on the market. This resin is a good choice for beginners or those who are just starting out with resin printing and painting. It's easy to use and provides good results, but it may not be the best option for more demanding users or those who are working on larger or more intricate projects.

Elegoo Mars 2

Elegoo Mars 2

This resin is known for its smooth finish and excellent detail, making it a popular choice for painting miniatures.

Specifications:

  • Material: Standard photopolymer resin
  • Color: Clear, Grey, Black
  • Viscosity: Low
  • Cure Time: 2-3 seconds per layer
  • Resolution: 40 microns

Reasons to buy:

  • Smooth Surface: Provides a very smooth finish that's great for painting.
  • Excellent Detail: Offers exceptional detail for intricate models.
  • Multiple Color Options: Available in clear, grey, and black.

Reasons to avoid:

  • Higher Price: More expensive than some other options.
  • Potential for Curing Issues: Can be sensitive to curing settings.

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

  • You're looking for a high-quality resin that provides smooth surfaces and excellent detail.
  • You need a resin that's good for painting miniatures.
  • You want a resin with multiple color options.

Don't buy it if:

  • You're on a tight budget.
  • You're not comfortable with adjusting curing settings.
  • You need a resin with high durability.

Bottom Line:

The Elegoo Mars 2 resin is a great option for those who are serious about painting miniatures or other small models. It provides a smooth finish, excellent detail, and multiple color options. However, it is on the more expensive side and can be sensitive to curing settings. If you're a beginner, you may want to start with a more budget-friendly resin. But if you're looking for the best quality and detail for painting, this resin is definitely worth considering. It's a solid choice for anyone who wants to take their miniature painting to the next level. The resin's smooth finish and excellent detail allow for precise paint application and intricate detailing, making it a favorite among miniature painters.

Anycubic Photon Mono X

Anycubic Photon Mono X

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This resin is known for its high detail and smooth finish, making it a great choice for painting miniatures.

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Specifications:

  • Material: Standard photopolymer resin
  • Color: Clear, Grey, Black, Red, Green, Blue, Purple
  • Viscosity: Low
  • Cure Time: 2-3 seconds per layer
  • Resolution: 40 microns

Reasons to buy:

  • High Detail: Offers exceptional detail for intricate models.
  • Smooth Surface: Provides a very smooth finish that's perfect for painting.
  • Multiple Color Options: Available in a wide variety of colors.

Reasons to avoid:

  • Can be Fragile: May not be as durable as other resins.
  • Higher Price: More expensive than some other options.

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

  • You're looking for a resin that provides exceptional detail and smooth surfaces.
  • You need a resin that's good for painting miniatures.
  • You want a resin with a wide variety of color options.

Don't buy it if:

  • You're on a tight budget.
  • You need a resin with high durability.
  • You're not comfortable with adjusting curing settings.

Bottom Line:

The Anycubic Photon Mono X resin is another excellent choice for those who want to paint miniatures or other small models. It offers exceptional detail and a smooth finish, along with a wide range of color options. While it's a bit more expensive than some other options, the quality and detail it provides are well worth the price. If you're serious about miniature painting and want the best possible results, this resin is a great option. It’s particularly well-suited for intricate models, allowing you to capture every detail and create stunningly realistic results. The resin's smooth finish also makes painting a pleasure, ensuring that your paint goes on smoothly and evenly.

So, there you have it! We've explored three of the best 3D printer resins specifically designed for painting, each offering unique advantages. Choosing the right resin depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you're looking for the most versatile option, Elegoo Water-Washable Resin is a great choice. For exceptional detail and smooth surfaces, Siraya Tech Blu offers a premium experience. And if you're seeking a budget-friendly option that still delivers excellent results, Anycubic Eco Resin is a solid pick.

Ultimately, experimenting with different resins is key to discovering which one best suits your painting style and preferences. Remember to properly prepare your prints, use high-quality paints, and practice patience for optimal results.

With the right resin and techniques, you can achieve stunningly smooth surfaces that enhance your miniature painting skills. Embrace the possibilities, unleash your creativity, and let your miniature models come to life with vibrant and captivating detail!

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We encourage you to share your own experiences with these resins and any other recommendations you may have in the comments below. Happy painting!

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