Best Filament Types for Picture Frames
Choose the right material for durability, finish quality, and ease of printing. Complete technical guide with recommendations for every use case.
The filament you choose dramatically affects your frame's appearance, durability, and printability. This comprehensive guide covers the best materials for picture frames, with specific recommendations based on your priorities and printer capabilities.
Quick Recommendations
PLA+
Perfect balance of ease, quality, and durability for most users.
PETG
Superior strength and chemical resistance for long-lasting frames.
ASA
Professional matte finish with excellent UV resistance.
Detailed Filament Analysis
Advantages
- • Easiest to print - great for beginners
- • No heated bed required
- • Minimal warping or shrinkage
- • Wide color selection available
- • Biodegradable and eco-friendly
- • Excellent surface finish
Limitations
- • Lower heat resistance (60°C max)
- • Can become brittle over time
- • Not suitable for outdoor use
- • UV degradation over years
Print Settings for PLA
Bed Temperature: 50-60°C (optional)
Print Speed: 50-80mm/s
Retraction: 4-6mm at 40mm/s
Layer Height: 0.1-0.3mm
PLA+ combines the ease of regular PLA with improved strength and durability. It's our top recommendation for most users.
Advantages
- • 30% stronger than regular PLA
- • Better layer adhesion
- • Improved impact resistance
- • Still easy to print
- • Better temperature resistance
- • Less brittle than standard PLA
Considerations
- • Slightly higher printing temperature
- • May require tuning from regular PLA
- • Marginally more expensive
Print Settings for PLA+
Bed Temperature: 60°C
Print Speed: 50-70mm/s
Retraction: 5-7mm at 35mm/s
Layer Height: 0.15-0.25mm
PETG offers the best durability and chemical resistance, making it ideal for frames that need to last decades.
Advantages
- • Excellent chemical resistance
- • High impact strength
- • Temperature resistant to 80°C
- • Crystal clear transparency available
- • Food-safe options
- • Recyclable
- • No toxic fumes when printing
Challenges
- • Can be stringy if not tuned properly
- • Requires heated bed
- • More expensive than PLA
- • Slower printing speeds recommended
- • Can stick too well to build surface
Print Settings for PETG
Bed Temperature: 70-80°C
Print Speed: 30-50mm/s
Retraction: 3-5mm at 25mm/s
Layer Height: 0.2-0.3mm
ASA provides the best surface finish and UV resistance, making it perfect for professional applications and outdoor use.
Advantages
- • Excellent UV resistance
- • Professional matte finish
- • High temperature resistance
- • Weather resistant
- • Good chemical resistance
- • Automotive-grade durability
Requirements
- • Requires enclosure for best results
- • Heated bed essential
- • Good ventilation needed
- • More challenging to print
- • Higher cost
Print Settings for ASA
Bed Temperature: 90-100°C
Print Speed: 40-60mm/s
Retraction: 4-6mm at 30mm/s
Enclosure: Highly recommended
Color and Finish Considerations
Choosing the Right Color
Classic Options
- • Black: Timeless, hides imperfections
- • White: Clean, modern aesthetic
- • Wood tones: Traditional, warm feeling
- • Metallic: Premium, eye-catching
Special Finishes
- • Matte: Reduces glare, professional look
- • Silk/Satin: Smooth finish, slight sheen
- • Wood-fill: Can be stained and sanded
- • Carbon fiber: High-tech appearance
Our Recommendations by Use Case
🏠 Home Decoration (Most Common)
Recommended: PLA+ in matte black or white
Perfect balance of quality, ease of printing, and cost. Excellent surface finish for indoor use.
🎨 Art Gallery/Professional Display
Recommended: ASA in matte black or museum white
Professional finish quality with excellent UV resistance for gallery lighting.
🏢 Commercial/High-Traffic Areas
Recommended: PETG in dark colors
Maximum durability and impact resistance for frequently handled frames.
🌞 Outdoor/Sunroom Display
Recommended: ASA in light colors
UV resistance prevents fading and degradation from sun exposure.
👶 Children's Rooms/Play Areas
Recommended: PETG in bright colors
Impact resistance and safety for areas where frames might be knocked over.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Stringing Between Parts
Solution: Increase retraction distance by 1-2mm, reduce nozzle temperature by 5-10°C, increase travel speed.
Poor Layer Adhesion
Solution: Increase nozzle temperature by 5-10°C, reduce cooling fan speed, ensure proper bed leveling.
Warping at Corners
Solution: Increase bed temperature, use brim or raft, ensure draft-free environment, consider enclosure.
Choosing the right filament is crucial for frame quality and longevity. Start with PLA+ for most applications, then experiment with PETG or ASA as your skills develop and specific needs arise.