Are you facing adhesion issues? or,
Is the first layer of your 3D printed model messed up?
Many 3D Printer users struggle hard to avoid adhesion, shrinking, wrapping problems in the beginning.
Few are lucky because everything goes well for them right from the first day.
But for the rest of the people (working with ABS, nylon, resin filament), getting their first layer right is the most challenging task.
So, do not worry too much because you are not alone!
Many people face these same problems during the initial days of their 3D Printing journey.
Let us discuss a hack that will help you overcome these problems.
Table of Contents
- How does Hairsprays fit into 3D Printing?
- Best Hairspray for 3D Printing
- How to use Hairspray for 3D Printing?
- I have heard of Glue Sticks for 3D Printing…
- Final Words
How do Hairsprays fit into 3D Printing?
Many people fail to realize the power and use of Hairspray in 3D printing.
A Hairspray lets your 3D prints stick well to the print bed.
However, I would not suggest investing in a Hairspray in a hurry!
Because by properly following the steps mentioned below, you are supposed to get your first layer right.
Step 1 – Properly clean the bed
Step 2 – Properly clean the nozzle
Step 3 – Properly level the print bed (distance between print bed and nozzle)
Step 4 – Monitor and adjust temperature level appropriately (because too hot or too cold, both can ruin your prints)
Anyways, if you have tried these steps already and didn’t see the results, then let us move ahead in this article.
Hairsprays have special bonding and holding properties, which ensure the proper sticking of 3D prints to print beds.
Best Hairspray for 3D Printing
The beautiful fact about this hack is that the Hairsprays are cheap and affordable to everyone.
You can buy them by paying $5 to $20.
So it is worth giving a shot to each of the hairspray mentioned below and finding out which works best for your 3D Printer.
1. Aqua Net Hair Spray
This Hairspray from Aqua Net is the most popular solution when it comes to 3D printing adhesion problems.
It exhibits excellent bonding and holding properties. High-temperature compatibility makes this Hairspray standout on this list.
This spray is proven for excellent sticking properties.
2. L’Oreal Paris Advanced Hairstyle
L’Oreal is a famous brand supplying high-end beauty and cosmetic products.
This Hairspray from L’Oreal is the perfect choice to avoid adhesion problems associated with 3D Printers.
The anti-frizz agent assuress extra-strong bonding between the 3D model and print bed.
Also, water-free and humidity-resistant properties are excellent for adhesion.
3. Paul Mitchell Spray
This brand has a big reputation in the hair spray category.
Many conditioning ingredients included in Paul Mitchell Spray make it unique on this list of best Hairspray for 3D Printing.
The Paul Mitchell Spray will hold your 3D prints firmly in place while printing.
How to use Hairspray in 3D Printing
Applying hairspray on a 3D printer bed is very easy.
But before we start, you need,
Requirements
- Hairspray
- Paper Towel
- Skills
Once you are all set, follow the steps below,
#1 – Heat Up the Bed
Excellent results are obtained when hairsprays are used on a heated print bed.
Increase the temperature of the heat bed to 50°C.
Be careful while playing with Hairsprays because they are flammable. A little spark can ignite Hairspray and may lead to undesirable trouble.
The risk of fire is low because the Hairspray ignition temperature is higher than that of the operational temperature of 3D printer heat bed.
#2 – Spray the Hairspray – Be careful
It’s time to show your skills.
Evenly spray the Hairspray on the heated bed.
But, as I said earlier, you must be extra cautious because the Hairspray is flammable and can catch fire with a little spark.
#3 – Remove excessive spray from the bed
Wait for 1 minute until the Hairspray gets settled on the print bed.
Once done, use a paper towel to remove extra spray.
Try to lay the towel down flat and let it absorb the spray. DO NOT wipe off all of the sprays.
#4 – Testing the results
It’s time to see the hardwork paying off.
Touch the print bed and feel the stickiness.
However, if it doesn’t feel sticky, then repeat the procedure one more time.
It works, don’t worry!
I have heard of Glue Stick for 3D Printing….
Few glue sticks can be used to firmly stick the first layer of your 3D model to the print bed.
Here is the one that we use, Aceirmc 3D Printer Glue Stick.
It is specifically designed for 3D Printing and boasts a few exciting features over its rivals.
People who choose glue stick over Hairspray might get impressed by the features like ease of applying and cleaning.
Whether a Glue Stick or a Hairspray both yield excellent results when used on a heated bed.
Final Words
This simple hack has helped us get quality prints easily.
Let us know which Hairspray you are going to use.
Apart from our suggestions, if you have tried any fantastic Hairspray which is worth mentioning on this list then let us know.
We tried to give you enough information to get started with Hairspray on 3D printers.
However, you can comment your doubts, we would love to help you!
Hi Rakesh,
I am new to 3D printing and have purchased an easy to use Creality Ender 3 V2. I tried some simple printing right out of the box and some worked while others did not. I had read about hair spray and glue sticks so decided to give it a try. The glass bed cleans up easily, so I remove it from the machine, wash it like a dinner plate with dish soap and hot water, ensuring all the soap is rinsed clean and thoroughly dried. Then, I place it back on the machine and level the bed and heat it to 60C. Then, I evenly coat the bed with the hair spray. Since discovering how hair spray aids in adhesion with 3D printing, I keep a can of it near my machine and since starting to use it, I haven’t had any serious adhesion problems.
I’ve tried several brands and they all are about the same. Haven’t tried Aqua Net yet, but my wife gave me a can of Schwarzkopf stuff that she doesn’t like and I use it on nearly every print. Even if your bed is level, the nozzle temp is right and the bed temp is right, that doesn’t mean the filament will stick every time and we all know that layer 1 is the most important layer of the print. Hair spray works for me every time and I don’t print until I give the bed a light, even coat of hair spray. Also tried glue sticks and they are equally effective.
Just remember not to spray hair spray into your hot end. Important safety tip.
Hello Mike,
Thank you for sharing your experience and tips, it will definitely add value to the community.
You can try Aqua Net in future because we tried it and obtained best results.
Also, you can share the link for Schwarzkopf spray, I will see if it can be added to this list of this article.