Have you ever felt lost about how to post process your 3D prints? If your answer is yes, this article may be useful to you. Today, we will introduce a bit about fluid painting, a technique that is commonly used in the maker community, and how to combine it with 3D printing.

What is fluid painting？

Fluid painting is also called pour painting. It’s an innovative way to use acrylic paints to create an art piece. It’s getting more and more popular on the internet these 2 years. Unlike other ways of painting, fluid painting does not even require tools like brushes or knives. All you need to do is to pour fluid paints directly onto the surface and tilt the canvas to move the paint around. Pouring paints allows for the colors to blend naturally as they come in contact with each other, which can’t be 100% controlled by the painter. That’s is also why most of the time, you will be surprised by what you make with fluid painting.

The learning curve of fluid painting is also very low, so everyone can have a try and make a “not-bad” art piece and put it in their home. Here is a video from maker and YouTuber EvanAndKatelyn to show you their first try on fluid painting and how fun and easy it is.

Here are some examples we’ve made in our office. Not bad, right?  

What can you make with 3D printing and fluid painting then?

Because of its easiness to learn and room for free play, fluid painting can be used for post processing 3D prints. For example, with fluid painting, a 3D printed mask can be special. You can even call it unique!

We’ve made a tutorial to teach you make a mask with fluid painting step-by-step! Enjoy!

The model in the video was printed by Snapmaker 2.0 A250. Click here to learn more.

This is the first episode of our newly-made series – Maker 101. We will share more skills and tips for making with 3D printing, laser, CNC and more. Drop us an email at info@snapmaker.com if you have any suggestions for the next episode. We look forward to making something wonderful with you!

Much love,
The Snapmaker Team