Tackling 3D print lines - How?

[JollyBob]

As the title says really.

Just got a couple  of pieces off eBay, and while they are really cool they have some awkward print lines that I'm struggling to shift.

From arms length they don't look bad, but I know if I leave them they will show up when painted. And I do just like making work for myself, see... 

I've tried getting an Emery board in but it's fiddly. Do you think a careful Dremel could work?

Not familiar with the material at all so thought I'd better ask before I ruin them...

[Burgundavia]

Depends what they are printed with. I assume it is PLA, which is fairly temperature sensitive. I would recommend wet sanding with fine grit sandpaper.

[FifteensAway]

I'd go with a chisel - or an X-acto chisel blade if too small for a real chisel.  I would NOT use a Dremel, generates a lot of heat and likely to distort your model - unless you are really brave.  I have used a dremel on resin but it was chancey at best. 

[Fitz]

I've found files and scrapers to be the best options, They're faster than sandpaper, and give me better results. I wrote a brief blog post about it here: http://mojobob.blogspot.com/2019/11/cleaning-up-fdm-prints.html

[FreakyFenton]

Oh nice, how fitting, might use these tips for some stuff I ordered. Will post my experiences with some files I have here!

[JollyBob]

Thanks for the ideas, I hadn't considered the heat produced by the Dremel.
Slow and steady wins the race, then. 

[fitterpete]

Somewhere on LAF I read a thread about a guy printing his own WW2 vehicles. There was a mention of some kind of filler primer??  I just got a couple tanks off ebay that I need to "deline" so if anyone knows about this primer I'd be grateful.

[Poiter50]

Not sure about my spelling but Gunze Sangyo filler.

[YPU]

Not sure about my spelling but Gunze Sangyo filler.

Gunze is also sold as Mr. Hobby. Most model building stores should be able to provide you with filler primer in a variety of grits.

[fitterpete]

Watching YouTube that stuff seems kinda nasty to work with but thanks. Anyone ever tried a thin coat of PVA spread with a flat piece of plastic, like a base edge?

[zemjw]

There was a thread on this back in November (didn't realise it had been that long ago) - http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=121032.msg1518425

I did get good results on one model with Mr Surfacer, but it took several coats and sanding between - and the stuff is very stinky. I have seen suggestions to use thick household varnish, but haven't tried it. Apart from anything else, that sounds like it would cover too much detail.

[JollyBob]

Once again, thanks for the input.

I've had a bit of a go with sanding and scraping, and also tried a quick brush over with liquid poly cement, which has helped a bit.

While I really like the models and the variety of things coming out now is quite stunning, I am starting to wonder if all this extra prep is really worth it...

[fitterpete]

I hear ya JBob. But where else can I get a A30 challenger or Hungarian tanks in my chosen scale if 1/48? 

[JollyBob]

I hear ya JBob. But where else can I get a A30 challenger or Hungarian tanks in my chosen scale if 1/48? 

Yes, but you see, fundamentally... I'm really fucking lazy! 

[fitterpete]