<p>I found <a href="https://www.instructables.com/id/Model-Making-From-ABS-to-Ceramic-and-Wood/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">step-by-step instructions on Instructables</a> specific to 3D-printed parts. In summary:</p>

<ol>
<li>Sand and brush with acetone for a smooth finish (I guess the acetone vapour treatment would work as well.)</li>
<li>Prime with plastic primer</li>
<li>Spray-paint with a satin, nutmeg-coloured base coat</li>
<li>Add grain with darker, acrylic paint using a fine brush</li>
</ol>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-11-29T18:18:37.890Z
2018-11-29T18:18:37.890Z
Dan Hulme
<p>I have a piece printed in white ABS, which is a half-scale replica of an unvarnished oak sculpture. After sanding off the worst of the layer lines, I'd like to paint it to get a nice wood finish. I believe that most hobby paints should stick fine, but how should I paint it to get a nice oaky appearance? Should I do layers of different colours? Will I get better results with spray or brush paints?</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-11-28T15:45:09.857Z
I'm voting to close this question as off-topic because this is unrelated to 3D printing.
Carl Witthoft
CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-11-28T15:46:19.033Z
The artistic methods used to create artificial "wood grain" patterns on plastic objects are reasonably well-published, albeit not in 3D printing forums.  I would look around various "art" or "home crafts"  or "furniture finishing"  websites for information.
Carl Witthoft
<abs><post-processing><color>
How to paint ABS to look like wood
Dan Hulme
# How to paint ABS to look like wood

(Asked by: username_0 on 2018-11-26)

I have a piece printed in white ABS, which is a half-scale replica of an unvarnished oak sculpture. After sanding off the worst of the layer lines, I'd like to paint it to get a nice wood finish. I believe that most hobby paints should stick fine, but how should I paint it to get a nice oaky appearance? Should I do layers of different colours? Will I get better results with spray or brush paints?

**Tags:** abs, post-processing, color

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: I'm voting to close this question as off-topic because this is unrelated to 3D printing.  
> **username_1**: The artistic methods used to create artificial "wood grain" patterns on plastic objects are reasonably well-published, albeit not in 3D printing forums.  I would look around various "art" or "home crafts"  or "furniture finishing"  websites for information.  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_0 on 2018-11-29. Score: 1 | Accepted answer

I found [step-by-step instructions on Instructables](https://www.instructables.com/id/Model-Making-From-ABS-to-Ceramic-and-Wood/) specific to 3D-printed parts. In summary:

1. Sand and brush with acetone for a smooth finish (I guess the acetone vapour treatment would work as well.)
2. Prime with plastic primer
3. Spray-paint with a satin, nutmeg-coloured base coat
4. Add grain with darker, acrylic paint using a fine brush


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