PETG Smoothing Made Simple – Step-by-Step Tutorial

If you’ve ever worked with PETG, you already know the drill: the prints are strong, glossy, and great for functional prototypes—but sometimes the layer lines are just a little too visible, especially when you’re aiming for a clean, professional finish.

The truth is simple:PETG doesn’t smooth as easily as ABS or PLA, but with the right techniques, you can turn a rough 3D print into a sleek, presentation-ready masterpiece.

Whether you’re preparing a prototype for a client meeting, finishing a cosplay accessory, or upgrading the look of your functional household prints, this guide will walk you through the best and safest PETG smoothing methods—backed by real-world maker experience and industry knowledge.

Why PETG Is Harder to Smooth？ PETG is valued for its:

High strength and durability Excellent layer adhesion Temperature and chemical resistance Smooth, slightly glossy finish out of the box But these exact strengths make it resistant to the common smoothing shortcuts people use on PLA or ABS.

PLA softens easily, but melts into a gummy mess if overheated ABS responds beautifully to acetone vapor How about PETG? PETG laughs in the face of acetone and shrugs off ethyl acetate. This means smoothing PETG requires mechanical, thermal, or coating-based methods—not aggressive solvent baths.

Best Use Cases for PETG Smoothing

PETG smoothing is especially popular in these scenarios:

1. Professional Prototypes When you need a “client-ready” finish—think presentation models, product demos, or proof-of-concept parts.

2. Cosplay & Props Smooth armor, accessories, and detailed props that need painting.

3. Home & DIY Projects Phone stands, storage boxes, desk accessories—anything with visible surfaces.

4. Functional Moving Parts Sanding and polishing reduce friction and improve fit for:

Sliding mechanisms Hinges Joints 5. RC, drone, and robotics components Smoother surfaces = better aerodynamics + better aesthetics.

The 4 Most Effective PETG Smoothing Methods

We’ll break down each method, what you need, and which situations it’s best for.

1. Progressive Wet Sanding (Most Reliable & Beginner-Friendly) This is by far the most common and effective method—and it works every time.

What You Need

Sandpaper: 200 / 400 / 600 / 800 / 1200 / 1500 / 2000 grit Water + spray bottle Optional: plastic polish or automotive compound How to Do It

Step 1 — Start Rough (200–400 grit)

Get rid of major layer lines. Keep the surface wet to avoid clogging.

Step 2 — Medium Smoothing (600–800 grit)

Eliminate sanding scratches from Step 1.

Step 3 — Fine Finishing (1200–2000 grit)

This is where PETG starts to shine—literally.

Step 4 — Polish (Optional but Recommended)

Use automotive plastic polish or rubbing compound for mirror-like results.

Why It Works

Because PETG is slightly softer than ABS, it sands extremely well with wet techniques, producing a consistently smooth surface.

2. Heat Gun Smoothing (Fast but Requires Skill) Using a heat gun can give PETG a quick surface refresh by lightly melting the outer layer.

What You Need

Heat gun (adjustable temperature preferred) Protective gloves Rotating turntable (optional) Safety Tip

Keep the heat gun moving. PETG warps fast when overheated.

How to Do It

Preheat the heat gun to 200–230°C Hold it 10–15 cm away from the print Move in smooth, continuous passes Allow the print to cool naturally Best For

Large pieces Simple shapes PETG prints that don’t require high precision 3. Epoxy Coating (Best for a High-Gloss “Molded” Finish) If you’re aiming for a product-quality surface—smooth, shiny, and ready for paint—epoxy coating is your new best friend.

PETG Smoothing Made Simple – Step-by-Step Tutorial

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