This is the image from the last post showing the starting place for today's result. The previously painted surfboard (printed on an M3D Micro in ABS-R) had been cleaned using an alcohol pad, sanded a bit using a Dremel Flap Wheel sanding tool and coated with Tamiya Fine Surface Primer.
Primed Surfboard
It was left overnight to dry and then painted with Spectrum Noir and Sharpie alcohol markers using the Craftwell eBrush. Here is the result.
There is no overcoat. Yet, there is a sheen to the finish that gives it quite a nice look! I'm VERY pleased.
Three different pens were used for the red. They were DR2, DR4 and DR5. In the Spectrum Noir color system the "DR" indicates the basic color "Dark Red" and the numbers from 1 to 7 indicate lightest to darkest shades of the basic color. This makes shading and blending incredibly easy!
Spectrum Noir Color System
The entire surfboard was coated with DR2, the lightest I have, and then rimmed first with the slightly darker DR4 and finally with the DR5. Blending with the eBrush is just a matter of practice.
Due to the poor lighting it's difficult to see the transitions; but, they are there and being able to closely blend colors is a distinct value. Again, I am VERY pleased. I have been shooting for this exact result! Even the masking is better!
So, we are on the right track. Colorizing 3D prints is not only possible; but, highly successful when using the eBrush airbrush system with alcohol markers. While it definitely works directly on the print, using a primer has a very positive affect on the outcome.
Even so, I will continue to try to find an overcoat that will not smear the alcohol inks. It may be that canned sprays cannot be used due to the propellants used. But, there is a siphon adapter kit for the Craftwell airbrush which expands the overcoat possibilities.
eBrush Observations
I have been extremely pleased with how quickly I was able to gain experience with using the eBrush. The secret seems to be to move at the elbow rather than the wrist. And, to move from off of the object onto the object. Over spray has not been a problem. For the surfboard, it was confined to about 1-1/2" inches around the object. So, I have felt very comfortable just painting against an 8.5" x 11" piece of paper.
The best part is that you just pick it up, install a marker and start painting. There is the option to use the siphon adapter kit, which is the next step in the learning curve, it is not necessary for basic colorizing. I can't imagine an easier system to use for this application. I love it!
As I said, for better or worse, you will be along for the ride as I explore the concept of colorizing 3D prints with Craftwell's eBrush airbrush system.
Before I post an image, I need to remind you that (1) I have never done this before, (2) I do not have have all the Spectrum Noir pens that I need to do this right (And, yes, I now know they work the best!), (3) I'm old and my eyesight is probably not as good as yours and lastly (4) the local art supply store was closed by the time I got by so I am using the wrong masking tape.
What do I think?
Well, aside from all the caveats above, I'm absolutely sure I'm on to something good. While it clearly makes a difference which markers you use, the overall experience is a LOT of fun and the eBrush perferms just as I'd hoped. The major problems I ran into involved using a set of markers that were locally available that (1) did not flow as well as the Spectrum Noir and (2) tended to dry too slowly and run. You can see this on the light switch plate. The dark blue and red were the Spectrum Noir. The black and gold were Sharpie Fine Point, which worked well and the lighter blues were Chartpak AD, which I will be glad to leave behind. The First Attempt
I decided to try something that would take a minimal of color feathering for this first try. The goal was to create a custom light switch plate for a person that liked to surf. So, a white plastic light switch plate was painted to roughly simulate the surf. (Roughly being the operative word!) And, a surf board 90mm x 20mm was created in Moment of Inspiration, printed on an M3D Micro in white ABS-R, colorized using the eBrush system and glued to the light switch plate.
For better or worse here is my first try,
Airbrushed 3D Print / Light Switch Plate
First, let's talk about the switch plate coloring. The dark blue Spectrum Noir worked exactly as I had hoped. I used a piece of torn paper as a mask to simulate the waves. But, since the dark blue was the only blue that I had from Spectrum Noir, I picked up some lighter blues in the Chartpak AD line. Things fell apart fast. It was tough getting the correct spray and then I ran into the problem of running and splotching. Even so, the affect was modestly successful for a first attempt.
As for the 3D printed surfboard, it's obvious that I need to do a better job of applying the masking tape. Some of that has to do with the only tape I could find this evening, which was actually intended for fabrics. The tape didn't exactly handle the contours all that well and there was some color bleed under the tape. I know I can find better tape at the art supply store.
The Red Spectrum Noir was a dream to use. But, some of that was probably because I cheated and sprayed the whole thing solid rather than attempting some color feathering. It dried very quickly.
The black and gold Sharpie also worked extremely well. The issues I have with the stripes are not an eBrush or marker problem, they are a user taping problem.
I intend to coat the entire surf board with a clear gloss of some type. After all, most surf boards have a nice deep gloss finish. But, first I need to find out from Spectrum Noir what kind of gloss spray paint is safest for their colors. I don't want to cause the colors to run just because I want to apply gloss.
Next Step
For the next step, I think I will try some color feathering. It dawns on me that we can print our own stencils with our 3D printers. So, I have widened the surf board and created an overlay that will mask the center of the board as I apply color.
I will also go by the local art store and pick up some more appropriate masking tape! Conclusion
It's very clear to me that we can add value to our 3D prints by using the eBrush airbrush system to colorize them. While it IS going to take some effort to become an expert with it, I now know that it is well worth the effort. I also know that it HAS to be a lot easier to use an airbrush system that replies on markers than to try to get the right paint consistency using a traditional airbrush system. It's also a lot easier to clean up after we're done using it. All I had to do was throw away the tape and the scap paper used while painting!
Moreover, this is going to be a BIG hit with our cadets (and my grandchildren). We won't colorize every 3D print; but. just having this capability to use when appropriate is going to be VERY popular with them. So, the eBrush not only adds value to the print, itself; but, to the class.
This is an introduction to a new series that I am planning to write about colorizing our 3D prints. There are several ways we can accomplish this, like using paints or fingernail polish. But, I want to go beyond these methods to something I have always wanted to try... air brushing.
Due to my daughter's work with ceramics, we have several traditional air brushes around here. But, I have always been too intimidated by the need to properly mix the paints or fingernail polishes and the tedious clean-up they require to try them. Besides, I do NOT consider myself an artist.
I needed something that wasn't so intimidating with which to start. And, I have found it.
Craftwell eBrush
The eBrush by Craftwell is a unique air brushing system that is able to use MARKERS instead of traditional paint. Before posting a link, let me warn you to turn down the sound if at work! The link fires up some lively music. eBrush Page
The eBrush uses a unique siphoning action to draw ink out of any number of brands of markers. The best way to introduce it is to show you a video by one of Craftwell's design team.
As you can see, this is a remarkable tool. I have briefly tested the eBrush using the 3 included Spectrum Noir markers on M3D's ABS-R and Tough 3D Ink. It works beautifully and dries both quickly and permanently.
Obviously, it's going to take practice to get good at it. But, how hard will it be? I don't know yet.
But, I suspect that using Spectrum Noir's color matching system is going to help make it easier. In any case, easy or tough, you will be along for the ride. If a non-artist, like me, can use the eBrush to bring some color to my 3D prints then rest assured that you can too.
Spectrum Noir Marker System
I had never heard of Spectrum Noir markers before receiving 3 of hem with the eBrush system. The eBrush comes with 6 different adapters that allow it to use other markers, like Copic, Chartpak AD, Prismacolor, Sharpie Fine & Tombow. But, a little research into the Spectrum Noir series led me to believe that is the brand with which I want to start in earnest.
The reason why I came to that conclusion is that they offer a variety of six pen color packs that range from pale to intense for each matched color set. For instance, if I am trying to colorize a face from a 3D print make from a 3D scan, I have the benefit of 6 different skin tones to use, which should make it easier to blend colors for facial features. Moreover, each marker has two tips... one fine point and the other wide. We should be able to modify and enhance our airbrushed colorization with direct use of the pen's points if needed. They also have a specific colorless "blending" pen for the task of blending ANY colors together. Very cool.
While this video shows how to use the Spectrum Noir color system for blending with 2D drawings, I think it is worth watching because it makes it plain to see that we should be able to augment the air brushed results with the two different pen tips in each marker.
Again, I'm waiting for some color packs to arrive so I can't be definitive as yet. But, I am confident that having matching color sets with which to work is going to go a long way in helping me get a handle on using the eBrush to successfully colorize my 3D prints.
Things I know Now
The only things I know for sure at this point are:
Alcohol based markers work very well with M3D's Tough 3D Ink (flexible) and ABS-R. I'm assuming the same is true for regular PLA and Chameleon, which should make for some very fun and interesting colorizing possibilities.
The eBrush system is a whole lot easier for a novice than a traditional airbrush system would be. It is not nearly as intimidating.
I want to test it with our Z450 powder prints as well as our FDM prints. I have a feeling that the eBrush can be used to touch up the colors on our prints from 3D scans using the Sense and RealSense scanners, which produce relatively low resolution color maps.
In any case, I think it's going to be a great adventure and one I am looking forward too with great expectations. Plus, it brings 3D printing closer to the world of crafting... and that, in and of itself, is reason enough to travel down this path and expands the practical applications for 3D printed objects into entirely new areas... like sewing and holiday decorating!
I'm going to ask you to be a bit patient with me. It may take a little while before the next article in this series appears since I'm going to have to put in some serious practice time and I'm waiting for the Spectrum Noir markers to arrive. However, while waiting for the Spectrum Noir pens, I might just try my hand at using metallic Sharpies since I can buy them locally. If so, I'll let you know.
