How to Care for Your 3D-Printed Display Pieces

Keep Them Out of the Heat

This is the big one. Most display prints are made from PLA, which is beautifully crisp and colour-rich but softens at relatively low temperatures. A piece left in a hot car, on a sunny windowsill in an Adelaide summer, or right next to a heater can slowly warp or sag.

The rule of thumb: if a spot is too warm for a chocolate bar to survive, it's too warm for a PLA print. Shelves, cabinets and desks away from direct heat are perfect. If a piece needs to live somewhere warm or outdoors, ask us about printing it in PETG, which handles heat far better.

Mind Direct Sunlight

Beyond the heat, long hours of direct UV can gradually fade bright colours over months and years, much like it does to posters and packaging. A spot with plenty of light but no constant direct sun keeps colours looking their best for longest.

Cleaning, the Gentle Way

Dust is the only regular maintenance most pieces need. To keep them looking fresh:

• Dust with a soft, dry brush (a clean make-up or paint brush is ideal) to get into the layer lines and detail.
• For a deeper clean, use a slightly damp cloth with a tiny bit of mild soap, then dry it off.
• Avoid solvents, alcohol, acetone and harsh household cleaners, they can dull, cloud or attack the surface.
• Skip the dishwasher and hot water entirely, heat is the enemy.

Handle With a Little Care

Printed pieces are tougher than they look, but fine details, thin spires and snap-together parts are the most fragile points. Pick pieces up by the solid body rather than by delicate features, and if something has moving or removable parts, take them apart gently rather than forcing them.

Storing Pieces Away

If you're packing a piece away or moving house, wrap it loosely in tissue or bubble wrap and store it somewhere cool and dry, never a hot attic, garage or car boot over summer. Keep heavier items from resting on top of more delicate ones.

If Something Breaks

Accidents happen. Because these are printed to order, a cracked part or snapped piece can often be reprinted or repaired far more cheaply than replacing the whole thing. If something arrives damaged in the post, our shipping & returns page explains what to do, and either way you can just get in touch and we'll sort it out.

Want to see what else we make? Browse the gallery or read up on PLA vs PETG to pick the right material for your next piece.