How to Create 3D Printed Wall Art

Geometric cat wall art

Welcome to the world of 3D printed wall art! In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to transform your creative ideas into stunning pieces of art that you can proudly display in your home or office. Whether you’re a seasoned 3D printing enthusiast or a complete beginner.

Materials Needed

Before we dive in, here’s what you’ll need:

● A computer with internet access

● 3D modeling software (e.g., Tinkercad)

● Slicing software (e.g., Cura)

● A 3D printer (or access to one)

● Filament (PLA recommended)

● Sandpaper (optional, for post-processing)

● Paint and brushes (optional)

● Mounting hardware (tape, screws, etc.)

● Superglue or 3D printing adhesive (for larger prints assembled from pieces)

Step 1: Designing Your Wall Art

Geometric Wolf (fox) head wall art

The first step is to design your piece. This is where your creativity can shine! You can create anything from simple geometric shapes to intricate patterns or even personalized text.

For beginners, we recommend using Tinkercad, a free and user-friendly web-based 3D modeling tool. If you’re more experienced, software like Blender or Fusion 360 offers advanced features for more complex designs.

Here’s a simple example to get you started: creating a hexagonal wall art piece with a pattern.

1. Open Tinkercad and start a new design.

2. Drag a hexagon shape from the basic shapes menu onto the workplane.

3. Adjust the size to your liking—10-20 cm in diameter works well for wall art, but feel free to experiment.

4. Add smaller shapes (like cylinders or smaller hexagons) inside the larger hexagon. Set these to “hole” mode to create cutouts.

5. Group all the shapes together to form a single object.

Step 2: Preparing Your Design for Printing

Geometric Unicorn wall art

Once your design is complete, it’s time to prepare it for 3D printing.

1. Export the Model: Save your design as an STL file, the standard format for 3D printing.

2. Open in Slicing Software: Use a slicer like Cura or PrusaSlicer (both free) to convert the STL file into instructions (G-code) for your printer. Download and install one if you haven’t already.

3. Adjust Settings:

○ Layer Height: 0.2 mm offers a good balance of quality and speed. Use 0.1 mm for finer details if desired.

○ Infill Density: Since wall art isn’t load-bearing, 10-20% infill is sufficient to save material and time.

○ Supports: Enable supports if your design has overhangs that need extra structure during printing.

4. Check for Errors: Use the slicer’s preview or analysis tools to detect issues like holes or non-manifold edges. If problems arise, return to your design software to fix them.

5. Slice and Save: Once satisfied, slice the model and save the G-code file to an SD card or send it directly to your printer if connected.

Note: You can also scale your model in the slicer to the exact size you want, just ensure it fits within your printer’s build volume—or see Step 3a for larger prints.

Step 3: Printing Your Wall Art

Curves Wall Art

Now comes the exciting part: printing your design! If you have a 3D printer, ensure it’s calibrated. If not, you can use a 3D printing service or visit a local makerspace.

For this tutorial, we’ll assume you’re using a standard FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printer.

1. Choose Your Filament: PLA is a great choice for beginners—it’s easy to print with and comes in many colors. For a unique look, try specialty filaments like wood-fill or glow-in-the-dark.

2. Load the G-code: Insert the SD card with your G-code file into the printer or send it via USB if connected.

3. Start the Print: Follow your printer’s instructions to begin. Ensure the bed is level and the nozzle is clean.

4. Monitor the Print: Watch the first few layers to confirm proper adhesion to the bed. If issues occur (e.g., lifting), you might need to stop and adjust settings like bed leveling or temperature.

Tip: For wall art, you can experiment with settings to enhance aesthetics. A larger nozzle size (e.g., 0.8 mm) creates a textured look, while a smaller one (e.g., 0.4 mm) offers finer details. Printing time will vary based on size and complexity, so be patient!

Step 3a: Printing Larger Designs in Separate Pieces

If your wall art design exceeds your printer’s build volume (typically 20-30 cm per side on most consumer printers), don’t worry—you can print it in separate pieces and assemble it later.

1. Split the Model: In your 3D modeling software or slicer, divide the design into smaller sections. For example:

○ In Tinkercad, use the “hole” tool to cut your model into pieces that fit your printer’s bed size, then export each piece as a separate STL file.

○ In Cura, use the “Split Model” plugin (available in the Marketplace) to automatically divide the design.

2. Add Alignment Features: To make assembly easier, include connectors like pegs and holes or dovetail joints in your design. These ensure the pieces fit together precisely.

3. Print Each Piece: Slice and print each section individually, keeping settings consistent (e.g., same layer height and filament) for uniformity.

4. Assemble: After printing, use superglue, epoxy, or a 3D printing-specific adhesive like 3D Gloop to join the pieces. Sand the seams lightly for a smoother finish if needed.

This method allows you to create wall art of virtually any size, limited only by your patience and assembly skills!

Step 3b: Seamless Repeating Tile 3D Prints

Sculpted Ornament wall tile

For an eye-catching, scalable option, consider designing seamless repeating tiles. These are modular pieces that connect to form a larger, continuous pattern—perfect for covering an entire wall or creating a mural effect.

1. Design the Tile: Create a single tile with a repeating pattern (e.g., waves, interlocking shapes, or tessellations). Ensure the edges are designed to align perfectly when duplicated—test this by copying and pasting the tile in your modeling software.

2. Add Connectors: Include small tabs, slots, or magnets on the edges so tiles snap together securely.

3. Print Multiple Tiles: Print as many tiles as you need to cover your desired area. Since they’re smaller, they’ll fit easily on most printer beds.

4. Assemble the Wall: Connect the tiles during mounting (see Step 5). You can arrange them in a grid, stagger them, or create a custom layout.

This technique is popular for its versatility—swap out tiles, mix colors, or expand the design over time. Check online communities like Thingiverse for inspiration or ready-made seamless tile designs to remix!

Step 4: Post-Processing Your Print

After printing, you might want to refine your piece to make it look its best.

1. Remove Supports: If your design used supports, carefully remove them with pliers or a craft knife. Take care not to damage the print.

2. Sanding: Smooth out layer lines with fine-grit sandpaper. Start with a coarser grit (e.g., 120) and progress to finer ones (e.g., 400) for a polished finish. For assembled pieces, sand seams to hide joints.

3. Painting: Add color with acrylic paints or spray paint for an even coat. Experiment with techniques like dry brushing for a weathered effect.

4. Finishing Touches: Apply a clear coat spray for a glossy look, or leave it matte for a natural appearance.

Post-processing is optional—some love the raw, layered look of 3D prints as is!

Step 5: Mounting Your Wall Art

Double Sided Tape 1in x 16.5ft

The final step is to display your creation!

● For Small Prints: Use double-sided tape, adhesive strips, or museum putty. These are easy to apply and remove without damaging the wall.

● For Larger Prints: Opt for screws or wall anchors for secure mounting. If your design includes built-in mounting holes (a great idea to add during the design phase!), align them with the screws. Otherwise, carefully drill small holes in inconspicuous spots. For assembled multi-piece art, ensure each section is level and aligned during mounting.

● For Repeating Tiles: Mount tiles individually with adhesive strips or screws, depending on weight. Start from the center or a corner and work outward to maintain alignment.

Pro Tip: When designing, consider adding features like loops or slots on the back to simplify hanging.

Before mounting, clean the wall surface and ensure it’s dry. Position your art, secure it in place, and step back to admire your work!

Step 6: Exploring 3D Printed Wall Art from Thingiverse or Cults3D

Genghis 3D Graffiti Wall Art

If designing from scratch feels daunting, or you’re looking for quick inspiration, check out online repositories like Thingiverse and Cults3D. These platforms host thousands of free and paid 3D models, including wall art designs shared by the community.

1. Browse and Download: Search for “wall art,” “decor,” or “tiles” to find ready-to-print models. Popular examples include minimalist geometric panels, nature-inspired reliefs, or repeating tile sets.

2. Customize (Optional): Import the STL files into your modeling software to tweak sizes, add personal touches, or split larger designs into printable pieces.

3. Print and Finish: Follow Steps 2-5 to slice, print, post-process, and mount your chosen design.