Easy Airbrush Graphite Paint for Electroplating 3d Prints

In this video, I will demonstrate how to make airbrush compatible graphite paint out of graphite powder and India ink, how to apply it to your 3D prints using an airbrush, and how to electroplate your 3D prints with real metal. You will be amazed by the transformation of your 3D prints from dull and plastic to shiny and metallic. If you want to learn more about electroplating 3D prints, check out some of the other videos on my channel. I hope you enjoy this video and find it useful. Please like, share, and subscribe for more DIY projects. Thanks for watching! Amazon Associate links below for the products mentioned in this video:
Amazon Link to Graphite Powder:
amzn.to/4aHtDhf
Amazon Link to India Ink:
amzn.to/43IVETr
Amazon Link to the Airbrush I use:
amzn.to/3PLHsTZ
Amazon Link to Containers to store Graphite Paint:
amzn.to/3vBtvRH
Amazon Link to the 3d Printer I'm Currently Using:
amzn.to/4akzDwR
Electroplating is a process that coats the surface of an object with a thin layer of metal, giving it a shiny and durable finish. However, to electroplate 3D prints, you need to make them conductive first. That’s where the graphite paint comes in. Graphite is a form of carbon that has high electrical conductivity, and can be mixed with India ink to create a paint that can adhere to resin or plastic prints. By applying a thin layer of graphite paint to your 3D prints, you can make them ready for electroplating. You can use different metals, such as copper, nickel, or silver, to achieve different results.
Link to my Patreon. Members have access to download all files and content used across my channel - / icanbuildthat
Tags: #howto #electroplating #diy #diycrafts #diyprojects #3dprinting #metal3dprinting #resin3dprinter #resin3dprinting #graphite #airbrush @DIYCOOLSTUFF

[@AppleSahil02]

This is exactly what i was looking for thank you so much.

[@MickTee2k]

I have been researching this stuff for about 18 months now but my priorities have shifted direction, meaning I won't actually get to put all that effort into practical usage.
But having said that, your recipe is a good base that could be potentially greatly improved with a couple of tweaks, probably a little detailed for a youtube comment so feel free to drop me a means of contact :)

[@GuymanShion]

Amazing video, i have a question, how many layers of graphite do you put on the piece?
and do you buff the piece before the electroplating to remove any dust residue?

[@TroyCLE]

I got the ink and graphite today. They mixed and sprayed with no clogs PERFECTLY! No paint thinner needed. Mark my words, people are going to catch on to this channel. I am excited about new videos! Thanks again. 😀

[@DIYCOOLSTUFF]

That’s awesome to hear! So glad it worked for you! Just out of curiosity what kind of stuff are you planning on plating?

[@TroyCLE]

@@DIYCOOLSTUFF I am going to plate fantasy based resin 3D prints. I have the Halot Mage 8K like you.

[@AdventureLifeFiles]

First Comment! Nice work my dude! Going to give this a try on some of my dive gear!

[@TroyCLE]

I am waiting for the ink and graphite to be delivered now. Thanks so much!

[@DIYCOOLSTUFF]

I hope it works out great for you! make sure you've got a respirator on or some good ventilation when spraying the graphite, it really is nasty stuff to breath in! If your airbrush stops up try mixing it a little thinner with more ink and you can also try turning down the psi on your airbrush. It takes a decent bit of airflow to spray it but if it's to high I've found it can cause the graphite to dry in the tip of your air brush. It's a pain to clean out the airbrush but it won't do any damage to the airbrush if it does stop it up just FYI.

[@TroyCLE]

@@DIYCOOLSTUFF That is great info. I have seen other formulas that I did not try. I decided to follow this one because of all of the testing you did and explained before presenting your ultimate formula. That was a great help. One thing: I was unsure of how much ink to add to the powder. At first, I missed the 1:1 ratio that you said before mixing. I am sure that is volume because I doubt the ink and powder weigh the same. Please keep making more videos and I am sure more people will subscribe. You rock!

[@DIYCOOLSTUFF]

@@TroyCLE I appreciate it! and yes, I would start with 1:1 ratio, I just eyeball it, by volume and not weight would probably yield the most ideal solution. However, it's a good idea to see how it reacts with your airbrush and adjust accordingly. the paint plates very well even if less graphite is used, make sure to shake it well before adding to your air brush as the graphite tends to settle as the paint sits. Finally, I have a lot of videos in the makes, and quite a few already scheduled, I've just gotten to a place in life where I have time to undertake this TH-cam journey and I underestimated the time and effort it takes to get videos done in a quality I'm proud enough to put out there, so I appreciate you saying that, I've got so much great information to share, it's just a slow process to share through this route!

[@TroyCLE]

@@DIYCOOLSTUFF I took everything you said and demonstrated to heart. I even bought the beakers and magnetic stirrer. You should get the commission. I have a TON a glass bottles with caps for my business to I had an 8 ounce bottle that I put a magnetic stirrer in, upon your suggestion. Dude, you have so MUCH great info and i and many more will be here for it. Everyone on here giving info is great, but you seem to be the most relatable, which is demonstrated by the continued info offered in comments. Thanks again! And i will be continuously bugging you with questions. LOL

[@thomasknowlton9004]

Call me intrigued. I'll be following your channel.

[@DIYCOOLSTUFF]

Lots of good stuff scheduled to come out, thanks for the support!