The Best PLA Colors for Painting and Post-Processing

Not all PLA colors take paint the same way. The base color you choose affects how many coats you need, how details show through, and how professional the final result looks.

White: The universal canvas White PLA is the best starting point for painting. It takes primer evenly, shows every detail, and requires fewer paint coats to achieve true color. Use white for miniatures, figurines, and any project where you'll cover the entire surface.

Gray: The detail finder Gray is the favorite of professional miniature painters. It hides layer lines better than white, and shadows show up clearly during painting—making it easier to see where you've applied washes and highlights. Gray primer over gray PLA is a classic combo.

Black: For dark themes If your final piece is predominantly dark (armor, space marines, horror props), start with black PLA. You'll use less paint, and missed spots won't be obvious. Black also works well for dry-brushing techniques.

Brown: For natural textures Wood-like projects, terrain, leather props, and animal figurines benefit from a brown base. It reduces the number of base coats needed and gives warm undertones that show through dry-brushed highlights.

Colors to avoid for painting Bright red, yellow, and pink are harder to paint over. They require more primer coats to cover, and the base color can shift your final paint tone. Save these for prints you'll display unpainted.

Post-processing tips for any color

1. Sand lightly with 200–400 grit
2. Apply a primer (spray or brush-on)
3. Paint in thin layers, building up color
4. Finish with a matte or gloss clear coat

All 12 Arkforge PLA colors print at the same 190–230 °C range with consistent 1.75±0.03 mm diameter—switch between base colors without re-calibrating.

Start with the right base. Shop our 12-color PLA collection.

Happy printing!

– Arkforge Team