This week we elaborate on two of our most frequently asked questions. What is the best way to apply Magigoo adhesives? and How do I get a smooth, streak/bubble free Magigoo application.
The recommended way to apply Magigoo
All Magigoo adhesives should be applied to a cold and cleaned build surface. This ensures an even application and protects the applicator from premature failure.
- First shake the Magigoo bottle for about 10 seconds
- Carefully open the cap keeping the bottle in the upright position
- Inspect the foam applicator tip for any residue or damage (clean any residue from the tip if necessary)
- Invert the bottle and push the nib against the build-plate at one corner of the print area. Magigoo should start flowing out when the valve inside the applicator is activated, if not a very gentle squeeze can be applied so that Magigoo starts flowing out.
- Keeping the valve activated, apply the Magigoo by moving the bottle in a to-and-fro motion to cover the whole printing area, horizontally (left to right).
- Then smooth out the adhesive layer by going over the printing area once more, without activating the valve. This time move vertically (from top to bottom). This also makes sure that you do not leave any missed spots.
- One can repeat the smoothing steps (alternating between horizontal and vertical to and fro motions) until the desired smoothness is achieved. A smooth Magigoo application will give the bottom of the print a mirror finish. A rough application can show as a rougher finish at the bottom of the print.
- The Magigoo layer will dry up as the build-plate is heating up
- You can now print your part.
In some cases vigorous shaking can trap bubbles in the adhesive. If you wish to avoid air bubbles whilst applying Magigoo wait for a few seconds for the trapped air bubbles to dissipate before applying.
What if I want a smoother Magigoo application?
Smooth it out with the applicator
You can further smooth the Magigoo application using the foam tip on the bottle before the Magigoo layer dries. (as described above). In most cases this gives a reasonably smooth Magigoo application with little to no streaks. This might take some practice however. It is also recommended to only apply a thin layer of Magigoo adhesive for a smooth, even finish.
Spread with a paper towel
In cases where you want to smoothen the application further you can do this using a slightly damp (plain water) paper towel or microfiber cloth. This was suggested by some of our users and works well after some practice.
Dilute with some water before spreading
Another way to obtain a smooth glass like finish is to dilute the Magigoo application slightly when applying. This can be done by dropping or spraying a couple of millilitres of water whilst smoothing out the Magigoo application. Magigoo adhesives are concentrated so that they last longer, this however makes them quite viscous. Thinning out the Magigoo will make it easier to spread into a thin smooth layer.
How much Magigoo should I apply?
As a general rule using a thin even layer of Magigoo is enough to hold the part down without warping. This also ensures that the print is easy to remove once the part and the build plate cool down. From our own and other users’ experience using too much Magigoo can cause the part to stick too much.
Nonetheless in cases where adhesion proves to be challenging, a second coat of Magigoo helps with anchoring the part better. This is not always true however so care should be taken when applying extra adhesive. Internal tests and third-party feedback has shown that a second coat of Magigoo helps when printing:
- Glass filled PP with Magigoo PPGF
- Some types of nylon materials with Magigoo PA
- Some types of TPE materials with Magigoo Flex
Using excess amounts of Magigoo with other materials and adhesive combinations is not recommended. If you are experiencing issues with adhesion, feel free to contact us.
How should I clean, and how often?
It is best to clean Magigoo right after the part is removed for a reliable and hassle free printing experience.
Magigoo Original, PA, PC, Flex, HT and Metal can be easily cleaned by wiping off with a damp cloth followed by a dry paper towel to remove all residues. In some cases if the Magigoo layer is left on the build-plate for a very long time it can harden and would require a light scrub with a sponge and some warm water to remove.
Magigoo PP and PPGF can also be cleaned using a damp cloth however might require a couple of wipes to remove the white debris which forms once the layer is dampened. Alternatively a damp cloth can also be placed on the build-plate for a few minutes to first soften the layer which makes it easier to remove. Similarly to other Magigoo adhesive if the layer is left on the build plate for a a very long time it might require more effort to remove.
It is not recommended to use any cleaning products such as detergents when cleaning Magigoo as these might interfere with adhesion of future prints. Should detergents be used it is advisable to rinse them off thoroughly before applying a fresh layer of adhesive. Alcohol can be used to remove any oils or lubricants which might have ended up on the build-plate.