Matte PLA: what it is and when it is worth it

How matte PLA is different

The base is the same as with PLA, that is polylactic acid. Manufacturers add a fine mineral filler that scatters light. The surface then does not look plasticky, does not emphasise layer lines, and shows no fingerprints on dark colours.

Matte filaments are often a little rougher to the touch and sometimes slightly more brittle than ordinary PLA. The differences between brands are bigger here than you might expect.

When a matte surface is worth it

• Small boxes, covers and cases that are held in the hand.
• Models you will paint, because a matte surface holds paint and primer better.
• Parts with visible banding and lines that you want to soften visually.

What a matte surface does not improve is dimensions and strength. Those are decided by the layer height, the walls and the infill. At a layer height of 0.2 mm the layers are always slightly visible, and a matte surface just emphasises them less.

How it works with us

You do not choose a specific kind of PLA, including matte, in the calculator. You choose between PLA (€8 per kg) and PETG (€9 per kg), and that is only the material share of the price. So we cannot guarantee a matte finish. If you need it, write to jakub.novak@boostello.com, though we do not promise to print it.

If you want to dull a glossy part, it can be sprayed with matt varnish. That is a separate step after printing, and we do not offer it.

Why colour matters too

Dark colours show every fingerprint and speck of dust, while light ones hide layers better. A matte surface helps mainly with black, dark grey and dark blue. With white you will hardly notice the difference.

The first layer and the underside of a part are with any filament a bit different from the top surface, because they sit on the bed, see first layer. If the underside has to look good, tell us in the note.