3D Printing & Painting

Index

Background

On August 4, 2025, I bought my first 3D printer, a Bambulab A1 with a Bambu Lab AMS upgrade¹1. AMS (Automatic Material System) is an optional accessory for Bambu Lab A1 printer, which allows changing filaments (up to 4 different ones) during print.. I first bought it as a hobby to print figurines and models. Over time, I thought it would be beneficial to print models and sell them on local marketplaces. I started designing and printing some models, but I underestimated the competition in the market²2. The competition is there. There are lots of sellers with high-quality and tens of printers, who can print same model in bulk and sell it for a lower price, causing prices to drop, making it hard for small-scale sellers to compete..

This led me to explore a different avenue: printing models for my own use. Not for money, but to find something to do in my free time, to relax, to unwind…

I quickly found some 3D figures online³3. Most of the great models are paid and they can be found on sites like MyMiniFactory, Cults3D. Don’t forget about Patreon too. and started printing them.

Of course, I needed to learn about printing settings, filaments, and post-processing techniques. I wanted to take a relaxed approach at first. I just wanted to print and see how it goes.

After experimenting for a while, I realized that changing the print settings significantly affects the quality (and speed) of the prints, which was like a eureka moment for me. I read wikis, watched YouTube videos… and learned a lot. I also discovered painting techniques, which added another layer of complexity and enjoyment to it.

Now, I want to document my journey in this area. I will share my prints with their progress. And hopefully, it will help others who are interested in 3D printing and painting.