Product Guides
How to Make Resin Completely Clear Using Boston Gloss Spray
This guest post is written by Danny Le Roux, and the product recommendations and technical instructions reflect his own. If you’ve owned a resin 3D printer for a while, you’ve likely at some point wanted to print something that mimicked glass, ice, crystal or another transparent surface. If so, then you’ve likely figured out by now that it’s harder than it looks. Most people who pick up a traditional bottle of clear resin from one of the big manufacturers like Elegoo expect translucent results, but are instead met with the following common letdowns: Cloudiness Yellowing An end product that frankly isn’t very clear There’s an easy trick to fix all that, and it only adds one extra step to your post-processing line-up to get the results you see in the image above. In this article, we discuss these simple steps: Print your model Clean and cure Colour your model with resin dyes (optional) Spray on a coat of Boston Gloss Spray (Clear) to make it instantly translucent Keep model out of direct sunlight What we used: Boston Gloss Spray (Clear) We used Elegoo transparent resin for the above, but this should work on any similar resins. If you want to colour your model like we did, we’d also recommend you pick up some resin dyes. The Process Step 1: Print your model The printing process goes as per usual – with the only caveat being that if you typically include resin dyes at this stage of the process, you’re going to want to hold off on that until post-processing stages. Step 2: Clean and cure Once you’ve printed your clear prints and removed them from the print bed, it’s business as usual. You can clean them in alcohol and cure them similarly to how you normally would, with the following notes: Alcohol: While 3D printer resin often comes off the bed sticky enough, clear resin is especially viscous. You’ll want to gently but properly scrub the models, then dab them dry with paper towels. Curing: It is a good rule of thumb to limit UV light exposure during curing to only what is necessary. UV light yellows transparent resin models. 2-3 minutes for either side of the model should be sufficient in most cases. If you do overcure your model, sometimes applying some more liquid clear resin to the outside of the model can reduce the impact. Just be aware that this can mar details. Step 3: Colour your model with resin dyes (optional) This step is optional, for if you’d like to add colour to your model while still keeping them translucent. Consider the shades you’re trying to achieve and try to settle on between 2 to 3 resin dye hues. For example, for a fiery effect, you might choose a dark red and a light orange, and for ice you may choose a dark blue and a very light blue. Apply these one at a time using a paintbrush, with a basic rule for lighting being to apply the darker shades to the lower extremities and the lighter shades to the upper body. With a paintbrush, you can carefully wetblend these together to achieve a striking ombré effect. If you do accidentally apply resin dye in excess, you can easily lighten it up with a bit of isopropyl alcohol or acetone. Step 4: Spray on a coat of Boston Gloss Spray (Clear) to make it instantly translucent For the main event, we applied Boston Gloss Spray to the outside of the model. The effects were instantaneous. Your model should appear translucent with just a few thin coatings, at about a 10 to 20 cm spray distance. The concept of using a clear gloss spray to render resin truly transparent has been a tried and tested trick among hobbyists, since before the dawn of 3D printing hardware. That said, it’s still a classic. Make sure you spray the gloss outdoors, in a well-ventilated area. This goes for all hobby aerosols. And one last tip going forward … Keep model out of direct sunlight This is akin to overcuring, given sunlight is just more UV light. It’s best to keep your prints out of direct sunlight, or consider applying an extra coat of UV-resistant varnish to protect them. AIMS’ Note on Buying Industrial Supplies Breadth and depth of brands and categories: Go with a supplier that offers a wide range of reputable brands across multiple categories and sub-categories. Bulk purchase discounts: For large orders, check if you can take advantage of volume leverage. Some suppliers offer business accounts* that give you access to special pricing (volume discounts), preferential support and even credit eligibility (subject to supplier approval, terms and conditions). Product and service information: Evaluate the completeness and usefulness of data in their online product listings. Prudent suppliers will include as much useful information as possible to help you assess and compare products. In terms of service info, the supplier’s FAQs (if any) will give you a good idea of their standard policies*, processes and commitments. Promotions: Check for ongoing promotional campaigns so you can get the best prices. Many suppliers run regular discount-based promos. Some can point you to government-hosted rebate programmes like the SafeWork NSW $1000 Small Business Rebate. Safety compliance: Make sure the product in question meets Australian safety standards and regulations, especially if there are relevant compliance requirements or work health and safety (WHS) laws that apply to your business or state. Look for relevant certifications and markings where necessary. Supplier reliability: Choose reputable suppliers with a proven track record of delivering quality products and reliable customer service. Warranty and support: Check warranty terms and after-sales support* options, as this can be crucial in case of product defects or performance issues. Lead time and availability: Confirm product availability and estimated delivery times to avoid delays in your projects. Returns: Familiarise yourself with the suppliers returns and exchange policy in case you receive incorrect or damaged items. Delivery: Clarify delivery terms, including estimated delivery times, shipping costs and who handles insurance during transit (where applicable). *Need help with a purchase decision? Contact us directly via chat or send an email to sales@aimsindustrial.com.au. This blog's sub-topics
Read moreProduct Guides
Tinker With These Items Using INOX MX Lubricants
(Taken from this post by Inox. Republished with permission. Edited for point of view, recency and relevance.) We borrowed Inox's article to give you an idea for which tinkering jobs you can use their MX series of lubricants. Important: When working with any electrical motors or fuel-powered engines, please follow all safety precautions. If you've never done something like this before, it's best to seek further advice. Do not, under any circumstances, work on electrical equipment whilst still connected to a power source / plugged in. Most aerosol-dispensed lubricants are combustible/flammable, so proceed with caution (and don't smoke while in the middle of the task). Be careful not to accidentally spray chemicals in the eyes, so it's still advisable to wear eye protection. Use the MX3 multi-purpose lubricant for basic tasks Fishing reels: Pulling apart a fishing reel is fishing 101. You can use an MX3 to flush and clean out the salt corrosion. Remember to grease the gears with an MX6 before putting it back together. This way, you can get the most out of your rods and reels by giving them advanced protection from rust and saltwater. Beard trimmers: At some point, you're going to get so frustrated with your old, jammed-up beard trimmer that you'll want to pull it apart and dust out all that pesky hair inside. Luckily, these devices are simple and run on a basic electric motor. So, it's a good starting point for people who don't have much repair experience. Use an MX3FG injector bottle to lubricate the blades and help it run more smoothly. Hobby toys: Part of the hobby toy appeal is assembly, so you likely put this thing together in the first place and should know how to disassemble and rebuild it. Hobby toys like trains and cars will work much better when pulled apart and lubricated between all moving parts. Toasters: A toaster is a simple item that conducts electricity through coils of wire that become red hot. The only other primary mechanism is the spring-loaded pop-up tray. Coincidently, this will likely be what will need to be repaired first. INOX's MX3 can help protect and lubricate a range of electrical items; just be cautious when using it around things that conduct extreme heat. Blenders: Like a fan, a blender is a rotating blade powered by an electric motor installed in the base. Because it has one function, it is straightforward to fix. If the blades are not working as well as you expect, coat the gears and mechanisms with an MX3FG (the food grade version) to get everything working again. BBQ grilles: You seldom need to pull these bad boys apart, but you can get rid of some squeaks and make the knobs turn smoothly with a spritz of some MX3FG. Bicycles: Strip it down to the parts (wheels, brake calipers, pedals, and cranks) and lubricate them with an MX3 to get your bike running smoother than ever. Other MX lubricants for more demanding applications The MX5 Plus PTFE Lubricant Aerosol is specially formulated to handle high speed, high loads, constant friction and extreme pressure, so it is good to use in these types of applications.Common applications: Air compressors Power tools Whipper snippers Lawn mowers Boat motors It's also good for lubricating small moving parts in automotive applications, such as those on squeaky hinges (on the doors and pedals), latches (on the boot and bonnet) and suspension mounts. For cleaning electrical contact points, plugs and terminals, there's the MX4 Lanolin Lubricant Aerosol with an anti-corrosion, non-static and non-conductive formulation. It also comes in a non-pressurized spray bottle format. You can also clean the battery poles with the MX4. After you clean them well and clear off any deposits, it's best to apply an MX2 Battery Conditioner for optimal efficiency and longevity, and to keep them free of sulfates. Important: Do not spray them directly on finished surfaces, as they may cause discoloration and fading of the top coating. Do not spray them directly on rubber parts, such as those on bushing mounts, as it may damage the material (especially soft rubber compounds). Do not substitute them (or any other penetrating aerosol lubricants) for applications where grease is needed. Speaking of which, some people are just not that willing to get their hands dirty when applying grease. If you're that kind of person, you can instead use an MX8 spray grease aerosol to easily grease parts without a grease gun. Common applications: Bearings Chains and sprockets (especially those on bicycles and motorcycles) Moving suspension joints with boots (eg. ball joints, CV joints) Parts that need greasing are often hard to reach, disassemble, dismantle and re-assemble, even for someone with amateur automotive knowledge. So, unless you are confident of your DIY mechanic skills, please proceed with extreme caution or, even better, just leave it to the pros. Important: When working near the brake assembly, be very careful not to spill lubricants onto the contact surface between the brake pads and the rotor disc. They're the last parts on your car that you want to be greasy for obvious reasons -- the brakes will just slip and not work!!! If you want to clean them, use a brake cleaner like an MX11 Brake Cleaner instead. The MX11 can also be used to clean chains, but not lubricate them. For even more complex applications Aviation: According to INOX, there are strict rules on what you can do to your aircraft. For instance, Australian pilots can perform some maintenance tasks, but they must be a certified pilot to do work on your plane. We'll just link to their article about what products can be used in the aviation industry. Agricultural machinery: INOX also has a range of products that are used in tractors and other agriculture equipment, but we'd rather point you to their article on the subject. Check out other Inox products. This blog's sub-topics For inox world, see our inox world range stocked across Australia. People Also Ask — INOX Lubricants Q: What makes INOX lubricants different from conventional penetrating oils? INOX lubricants use a petroleum-based carrier with additives designed to penetrate corrosion, displace moisture from metal surfaces, and leave a protective film. The range includes multi-purpose sprays, food-grade formulations and specialist corrosion inhibitors, and is formulated to leave a longer-lasting protective residue than many conventional penetrating sprays. Q: Is INOX MX3 food-grade safe? INOX MX3 is formulated for food-grade applications and is used in food processing, beverage and pharmaceutical environments where incidental contact with food or product may occur. Always verify the product's current certification status and intended use classification before application in regulated environments. Q: What is INOX MX2 used for? INOX MX2 is a heavy-duty corrosion inhibitor and lubricant designed for marine and industrial applications where long-term protection against salt, moisture and corrosion is required. It is commonly used on boat fittings, outdoor equipment, electrical connections and tools stored in humid or coastal environments. Q: Can INOX lubricants be used on rubber and plastics? Most petroleum-based lubricants including INOX sprays can cause swelling or degradation of natural rubber and some plastics over time. For applications involving rubber seals, O-rings or plastic components, check the product's compatibility data sheet and consider a silicone-based lubricant if rubber or plastic contact is unavoidable.
Read more