The average person would probably be surprised to hear that someone is looking for the best hair sprays for 3D printing, but that would not be news to most 3D printing enthusiasts who swear by this method of adhesion.
In this review, we rounded up the top products that provide an affordable and reliable means to adhere the first layer and bonding your model to the print bed. Some of the features we considered in our selection are the type, volume and strength of the hair sprays. We also factored in the cost, brand reputation and whether the hair spray is scented or unscented. Additionally, our guide includes a number of tips that will help your 3D print stick to the bed with hair spray.
More features: extra-strong
Paul Mitchell Extra-Body is our Editor’s Choice because it is a famous brand that has numerous positive ratings. It provides great stronghold but you can remove it easily from the bed by wiping it off. The hair spray covers the entire print area and yields consistent results on versatile materials. This is ideal for users who use different filaments for 3D printing. The extra-strong finishing spray is available in a crisp apple scent and it comes in a bottle size of 11 fluid ounces.
As a hobbyist, you may also purchase Paul Mitchell Finishing Spray in a smaller bottle size of 3.8 fluid ounces that is also safe to use because it is paraben-free and vegan. The main issue with this hair spray for 3D printing is that the design of the spray nozzle makes it prone to clogging over time and the spray starts coming out in uneven bursts or starts to drip in all directions. The manufacturer recommends rinsing the clogged nozzle under warm water. You will also get a light and even spray by holding the nozzle slightly away from the print bed.
More features: strong fixation
We picked Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Strong as the best option against warping and a top hair spray for 3D printing. It comes in two bottle sizes; 2.3 fluid ounces and 10 fluid ounces. The argan oil-infused hair spray offers strong fixation with a flexible yet firm hold that prevents humidity and provides a good 3D print foundation for layers on the print bed. We also recommend this hair spray for 3D printers because it does not residue that is sticky and you can easily brush it off the bed without flaking.
The Argan oil used in this hair spray consists of several vitamins, fatty acids and antioxidants. The Fragrance Originale scent blends sweet florals with distinct musk and spicy amber that is light but long-lasting. Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Strong is available in travel size option and it is one of the few hair sprays for 3D printing with no nozzle issues. We suggest holding the can 10 inches from the print bed and then spraying. A little of this hair sprays goes a long way.
More features: medium fixation
R+Co Outerspace is our pick for Best Value hairspray for 3D printing because it is an inexpensive product that offers medium fixation with good results. It holds up well even in humid weather to bond the prints to the bed without being sticky or leaving any buildup. You may purchase this hairspray for 3D printers in 2.5 or 9.5 fluid ounces. Some customers have complained about the smaller size being relatively expensive. We agree that the larger can offers more value for money with its multiple uses.
R+Co Outerspace is made up of polymers and pro-vitamin B5. A lot of users like the scent and those who aren’t keen on it are glad that it is not heavy and dissipates quickly. The hair spray is flexible but the nozzle might start clogging over time. The brand has introduced post-consumer resource packaging that reduces use of plastic and fossil energy in manufacturing packages. It is also certified by Leaping Bunny for not using animals in their tests.
More features: strong fixation strength
Sebastian Professional Shaper Plus comes in a bottle with volume of 10.6 ounces. We recommend it as the best hairspray that is the easiest to clean, as feedback from multiple buyers reveal. It features a chemical smell that we found to be weak so there is no fear that it will trigger migraines in users that are extremely sensitive to scents. The medium hold it offers will secure your 3D prints in position on the bed and you can easily remove the object from the bed afterwards.
Sebastian Company offers a variety of hair sprays for 3D printing that come in various strengths to adhere prints to the bed. Sebastian professional Shaper is a medium hold hairspray, Sebastian Professional Shaper Plus provides a strong hold that is non-sticky and effective in humid conditions, and the Sebastian Professional Shaper Fierce is for 3D enthusiasts looking for hairspray with an extreme hold that is extra firm. However, there is a constant complaint by customers who report that their cans stopped spraying, regardless of everything they tried, after only few uses.
More features: extra strong fixation
Aqua Net Extra Super Hold is likely the most popular and best rated hairspray for 3D printing. It provides extra strong fixation that is suitable for big prints. It helps PLA, ABS and other filaments to remain attached to the 3D printer’s bed and prevent warping. You can release the prints easily once the bed cools and the hairspray with a mild smell is easy to apply and remove from the plate after completion. It is superior to glue sticks when it comes to a simpler way to improve bed adhesion and you only need 3 to 4 layers to start you off.
Aqua Net has been in existence for at least half a century and has built its reputation as one of the most trusted brands. Aqua Net Extra Super Hold is a formula that is crystal-clear and has no flakes or buildup even after many prints, making it a favorite sealant for artists as well. The best hairspray for 3D printer creates an adhesion layer that prevents prints from sticking stubbornly on the bed and prevents the plate from shattering, instead of releasing prints, when it cools down.
More features: 2 items in pack, extra strong fixation
Suave Hairspray Extreme Hold is yet another hairspray with extra strong fixation for 3D printing. The package consists of two cans, with each one having a volume of 11 fluid ounces. These are some of the features that made us pick it as the best hairspray for small prints. It is also a popular choice as an adhesive for hobbyists. The unscented formula is rich in protein and vitamins, meets NY and CA Clean Air standards, and contains no chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) that would damage the ozone layer.
Artists have used to seal acrylic paint with great results. When using it as a 3D printer bed adhesive for small prints, we suggest applying light layers and rinsing the nozzle, if required, to prevent it from clogging. Also make sure that the glass bed is clean for proper adhesion. This hairspray is unscented but you have to confirm that you are buying from an authorized dealer since some customers who are allergic to fragrances have erroneously received scented versions which irritated them.
You could use commercial adhesives that are specifically designed to help material adhere to a printing bed or opt for the more affordable route with the best hairsprays for 3D printer that we have featured in our review. Next, we will discuss the most important features to look for when buying a hairspray for 3D printing. We will also explain how to clean the hairspray from the printing bed and compare how glue sticks fares against hairsprays in improving adhesion.
Printing the first layer correctly when working with resin, ABS or nylon filaments is one of the tasks that is daunting for users, even the ones who own the best 3D printer kits. There is generally the risk of warping, shrinking and adhesion that can be caused by a number of factors such as a dirty nozzle or the wrong printing temperature.
In the next section, we will explore how to use hairspray in 3D printing to solve adhesion problems, and how to prepare and spray the printing bed to help the material stick properly so you can produce your desired final product.
Among the most common problems you will face when 3D printing is poor adhesion which prevents the first layer from sticking to the surface.
The following steps can help to prepare the surface for the adhesive and your prints.
Although they can work on cold surfaces, hairsprays work best on heated surfaces to bond the printed materials to the printing bed. Use the best hairspray for 3D printers, ensuring you apply it evenly and that the flammable product is not ignited by sparks.
Next, allow for one minute for the spray to settle before removing the excessive spray by absorbing it with a paper towel. Be careful not to wipe off all the spray.
Below we will discuss the key features to consider when choosing the best hairspray for 3D printers.
The best PLA filaments are suitable for hobbyists because they are thermoplastics that are stiffer and stronger than Nylon and ABS.
Nylon filaments, and ABS to some extent, are more likely to warp and make the final print unusable as your print’s corners curl up. Your model will also move along with the nozzle and mess your 3D print. Hairsprays are made of different ingredients, and the best hairspray for 3D printing is one that offers extra fixation strength. Such a product will likely include Acetate, Vinyl and Copolymer ingredients that are responsible for the binding.
When choosing the best hairspray for 3D printers, you must consider the volume of the can or bottle because it indicates how many sprays you can get out of it. For example, Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Strong is available in a bottle of 10 fluid ounces as well as a smaller travel-sized bottle of 2.3 fluid ounces.
Hairsprays for the best 3D printers for beginners typically indicate their level of strength so buyers can choose appropriately. For instance, R+Co Outerspace is of medium fixation and Suave Hairspray Extreme Hold offers extra strong fixation. Look for a product that will help your print to attach to the print bed without the prints sticking too much that it will be difficult to release them later and without the hairspray leaving a sticky residue that will be tedious to remove.
Hairsprays for 3D printing are available in scented or unscented versions. This allows users to choose their favorite fragrance while allowing individuals who are highly sensitive to scents to pick an unscented hairspray that will not irritate them or trigger their allergies.
There are established brands such as Aqua Net and Paul Mitchell with a reputation for cost-effective and reliable products with thousands of online user reviews that can help you with your decision. You will also find other inexpensive brands that you can purchase at your local stores.
As with any other product, the pricing of hairsprays varies from one model and brand to another based on ingredients, volume and strength, among other factors. The ultimate choice will depend on your budget and 3D printer needs. Our review of the best hairsprays for 3D printing features the top products in the market based on user recommendations.
Paul Mitchell Extra-Body is our Editor’s Choice because it is an extra-strong hairspray for 3D printers that will ensure that your prints adhere to the bed properly and you can clean it easily by wiping it off the print bed and rinsing the nozzle under warm water. The spray is available in a bottle volume of 11 fluid ounces which will last for a while. It is also compatible with diverse materials.
Our second pick is an argan oil-infused product with a firm and flexible hold that is resistant to humidity, providing the best option against warping. Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Strong also has a mild, pleasant scent and it is non-sticky and non-flaky.
R+Co Outerspace provides the Best Value with 100% vegan, gluten and cruelty-free ingredients that provide non-sticky medium fixation even when using 3D printers in humid climate. It is also one of the best hair sprays for 3D printing that is affordable to most people.
