How long does it take to sand a 3D print?

Sanding time depends on surface area and desired finish. A small part (100 cm²) takes about 5-10 minutes per grit pass. Start with 120-grit and work up to 400-grit or finer. Each pass takes roughly the same time.

Do I need to prime before painting?

Yes, primer is strongly recommended. It fills small layer lines, provides a uniform base colour, and helps paint adhere. Use a filler primer (like automotive grey primer) for the best results on 3D prints.

How many paint coats do I need?

Two to three thin coats give the best results. Thin coats dry faster, are less likely to drip, and produce a smoother finish than one thick coat. Allow proper drying time between coats.

What is the fastest way to finish a 3D print?

For quick results: remove supports, do a single pass with 220-grit sandpaper on visible surfaces, spray with filler primer, then one coat of spray paint. Total active time is about 15-20 minutes for a small part.

3DPrintCalcs

Post-Processing Time Calculator — Finishing Estimates

Estimate time needed for sanding, painting and finishing printed parts.

Support Removal Time

Estimated time to clean supports

Surface Area

Approximate surface to finish

Sanding Passes

Number of grit levels (e.g. 120, 220, 400)

Dry Time per Coat

Include priming

Filler primer before painting

Include painting

How We Calculate This

Time Estimates

Support removal = User-estimated time based on complexity
Sanding = (Surface area / 50 cm²) x Number of passes (minutes)
Priming = (Surface area / 100 cm²) + 1 minute setup
Painting = ((Surface area / 100 cm²) x 2 + 2 min setup) x Coats
Drying time = Dry time per coat x Number of coats

Active time is hands-on work. Total time includes drying periods where you can do other tasks. These are estimates for hand-finishing; airbrush painting may be faster for large surfaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify settings with test prints before committing to final prints.