Related: 3D printed art and collectibles
Full-Color 3D Printing Service
Full-Color 3D Printing Service in Southern California
Get parts that come off the printer already in color. We print photoreal, multi-color models on Stratasys PolyJet machines, and dye tough nylon SLS and MJF parts with DyeMansion. Upload a file for a quote, or send us your colors and we'll match them.
- 500,000+ colors
- 14 µm layers
- 350 × 350 × 200 mm color build
- In-house in Cypress, CA
Two ways to get color
Printed in color, or dyed after printing
"Full color" can mean two different things. Pick the one that fits your part, or ask us and we'll recommend one.
PolyJet full color
The printer jets colored resins droplet by droplet, so color, gradients, logos and photo textures are built into the part. Best for presentation models, figures, packaging and anything that has to look real. More on PolyJet.
DyeMansion color for SLS and MJF
Nylon parts are deep-dyed one solid color after printing. The color goes into the surface, so it won't chip or peel. Best for functional parts, enclosures and production runs. More on vapor smoothing and dyeing.
Painted and finished
When a part needs an exact paint match, a gloss finish or a large size, our model shop sands, primes and paints it by hand. See SLA printing and finishing.
Applications
What full-color 3D printing is used for
Product and packaging prototypes
Test colorways, labels and graphics on a real part before you commit to tooling or a print run.
Figures, collectibles and props
Characters and sculpts in full color with no painting, ready for display or approval. See our 3D modeling and sculpting.
Scale models and replicas
Aircraft, vehicles and museum pieces with markings, weathering and textures printed in.
Medical and anatomical models
Color-coded and clear anatomy for surgical planning, teaching and patient education.
Architecture and displays
Site models, trade show pieces and point-of-sale displays that need to look finished.
Awards and trophies
Logos and brand colors built into the award. See our custom 3D printed trophies.
From our shop
Full-color parts we've printed
These came off the printer in color. No paint was added.
Compare
Which color option is right for my part?
| PolyJet full color | Dyed SLS / MJF | Painted | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colors per part | Unlimited, including gradients and photo textures | One solid color | Any, applied by hand |
| Strength | Rigid photopolymer, for display and prototypes | Tough nylon, for functional and end-use parts | Depends on the base print |
| Max size | 350 × 350 × 200 mm in color | Set by the printer; larger parts can be split and bonded | Up to 800 mm on our SLA machines, or larger in sections |
| Best for | Looks-like models, figures, packaging, anatomy | Enclosures, housings, production runs | Exact paint matches and show-quality finishes |
| File to send | 3MF, or OBJ / VRML with textures | STL or STEP, plus the color you want | STL or STEP, plus a paint reference |
File prep
How to send a file for full-color printing
- Send 3MF if you can. It keeps color and textures in one file. OBJ with its MTL and texture images, or VRML, also work. Zip them together so the links stay intact.
- STL files have no color. If you only have an STL, tell us the colors you want and we can apply them, or our modeling team can paint the file for you.
- Give us color references. Hex, RGB or Pantone values plus a photo help us get close. For critical matches, we print a color sample first.
- Mark clear areas. PolyJet can print clear and color in the same part. Use transparency in your file, or note it with your quote.
FAQ
Full-color 3D printing questions
What is full-color 3D printing?+
It's 3D printing where the color is built into the part, not painted on afterward. PolyJet printers jet colored resins as they build, so each tiny droplet can be a different color.
How many colors can you print?+
PolyJet blends its color resins into more than 500,000 colors, including gradients, logos and photo textures in the same part.
Can you match my brand colors?+
Yes. Send hex, RGB or Pantone values and a reference photo. Printed color can shift slightly from screen color, so for critical matches we print a sample for you to approve first.
Are full-color prints strong?+
PolyJet color parts are rigid and great for display, prototypes and models, but they aren't meant for heavy loads or outdoor use. For strong colored parts, we print in SLS or MJF nylon and dye them.
What file do I need for a color print?+
3MF is best. OBJ with MTL and texture files, or VRML, also work. STL files don't carry color, but we can add color for you.
How big can a full-color print be?+
Up to 350 × 350 × 200 mm in one piece. Larger models can be printed in sections and joined, or printed in SLA and painted.
How long does full-color printing take?+
It depends on size and quantity. Small parts can sometimes ship the same day, so ask us if you're in a hurry.
How do I get a quote?+
Use our instant quote tool, or email your files and color notes to orders@snlcreative.com and we'll reply with pricing and lead time.
Get your part printed in full color
Upload your files for a quote, or email them with your color references and we'll take it from there.
