3D Printed 10th Nissan Skyline R34 Part 3: Painting 3D Printed Body in Blue and Creating a Printable Model in SketchUp

In the previous articles, we covered the process of designing and printing a 10th Nissan Skyline R34 intake manifold and oil cap using 3D printing technology. In this article, we will be discussing the third and final part of the series: painting the 3D printed body in blue and creating a printable model in SketchUp.

Painting the 3D Printed Body in Blue

After 3D printing the body of the Nissan Skyline R34, the next step is to paint it in blue. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Get your equipment ready – You will need a spray gun, air compressor, paint thinner, primer, paint, and clearcoat to paint the body.
2. Prepare the body – Clean the body by removing any dust, dirt or debris on its surface. You can use isopropyl alcohol or soap and water to clean it thoroughly.
3. Apply primer – Apply a thin layer of primer on the body using a spray gun. It will help the paint to adhere properly to the surface.
4. Paint the body – After the primer dries, paint the body with the desired color. In this case, we will be painting it in blue. Apply a thin layer and wait for it to dry completely.
5. Apply more layers – Repeat the process of painting and drying the body multiple times until you achieve the desired color and finish.
6. Apply clearcoat – After the paint is completely dried, apply a clearcoat to protect the body and give it a glossy finish. Let it dry for a few hours before handling the body again.

After following these steps, you will have a nicely painted 3D printed body of the Nissan Skyline R34. It will enhance the look of the car and make it ready for displaying or using it for other purposes.

Creating a Printable Model in SketchUp

Say you want to create a 3D printed model of the Nissan Skyline R34, but you don’t have the files for it. What can you do? A great solution for this is to create your own printable model using SketchUp.

SketchUp is a 3D modeling software that is user-friendly and widely used for creating designs for different purposes. Here’s how you can use SketchUp to create a printable model of the Nissan Skyline R34:

1. Download and Install SketchUp – You can download the free version of SketchUp from their official website and install it on your computer.
2. Import Reference Images – Find and download images of the Nissan Skyline R34 from different angles to use as reference images. Import them into SketchUp by going to File>Import and choosing the images.
3. Trace the Outline – Use the “Line Tool” to trace the outline of the Nissan Skyline R34 on each reference image. This will allow you to create an accurate 3D model of the car.
4. Create the Body and Parts – After tracing the outline, use the “Push/Pull Tool” to create the body and different parts of the car. Use the “Scale Tool” to adjust the size and dimensions of each part.
5. Add Details – Add details to the model by using the “Offset Tool” to create seams and panel lines. Use the “Follow Me Tool” to create curves and extrude parts along a path. You can also add textures and colors to the model using the “Paint Bucket Tool”.
6. Export the Model – After finishing the model, export it as an STL file by going to File>Export>3D Model and choosing STL as the file type.

After exporting the model, you can open it in your 3D printing software and print it on your 3D printer. You can increase or decrease the size of the model according to your preference and print it in different materials and colors.

Conclusion

3D printing technology has become quite advanced these days, and it is now possible to create accurate and functional parts and models using it. By following the steps mentioned above, you can create your own 3D printed Nissan Skyline R34 body and other parts, paint them in your desired colors, and even create your own printable model of the car using SketchUp.

These methods are not limited to just the Nissan Skyline R34, but can be applied to other cars and models as well. The possibilities with 3D printing are endless, and it is up to us to explore and make the most out of this technology.

Sources:

• https://www.instructables.com/How-to-get-great-results-with-a-spray-can/
• https://www.instructables.com/3D-Printing-from-Sketchup/
• https://www.sketchup.com/