Waterproofing PLA print

pjnolan28 · 2017-09-07T01:27:51.000Z

I am printing items that will be used outside and I wondering what is a good way to waterproof items that are made from PLA.

TypeR · 2017-09-07T05:57:19.000Z

What exactly do you mean by ‘waterproofing’’? As in watertight? Or just resistant to the elements outside.

I am actually using sink stoppers printed from PLA that I have used for almost two years now. These get wet in warm and cold water basically every day, rinsed with soap and all the grime that gets washed when washing the dishes etcetera. Even after two years, these still work okay. They do get dirty because the surface is not that smooth, but this I clean off regulary with a good brush.

PLA might be said to be ‘bio-degradable’, but a reasonable solid print might have its color fade a bit due to sunlight and it might a bit more brittle over time, but it will still last a long time.

wirlybird · 2017-09-07T11:38:30.000Z

I have used a spray coating from Minwax I think it is. It seems to not affect the PLA so far. I’ll have to look when home to see exactly what it is. It might work for you to just give a gloss coat that seals pretty good.

pjnolan28 · 2017-09-08T21:50:19.000Z

I want the prints not to have any water in them at all. I want them to last for a long time

3Dscaleworks · 2017-09-10T21:26:42.000Z

the only filament i would recommend is ASA its UV and temp resitant! PLA forget it, bees will eat there hart out !

TypeR · 2017-09-11T10:51:18.000Z

PLA can be easily painted.

Acryllic paints seem to be best for PLA, but oil-based paints can be used as well. Make sure you use a good primer, just as you would for any other object that you want to be outside.

TypeR · 2017-09-11T10:52:49.000Z

Would you like to explain a bit more about the part of the bees??

3Dscaleworks · 2017-09-11T11:27:06.000Z

I made a testpaart for outside trainmodelling and the part with PLA was very much of intest of he bees, they where picking on it!

TypeR · 2017-09-11T11:40:31.000Z

That’s funny to hear
Could it be the color of the part your printing attracted the bees? Or perhaps the specific brand?

I have printed parts in PLA that have been used in gardens for several years now and are still doing fine.

Most often parts outside fail because they are printed with not enough shells and/or infill. For outside use, I prefer at least 4 shells and 40% infill. Let it be noted that in my country (Netherlands), temperatures will generally be lower than in other countries.