Introduction: Paint Roll Hack - Text and Massage (customised 3D Printed Adaptors) Samuel N Bernier
I got to work on printed accessories for standard 120mm paint rolls.
Here is what I got for you :
- Customisable text/image/patterns paint roll
- Massage paint roll
Step 1: Get Your Stuff
You will need :
- a 3D printer
- a 12 cm paint roll
- a 12 cm paint roll handle
- Paint or ink
Maybe SolidWorks 2010 if you wish to customize the text or the massage model
Step 2: Customize Your Model
Open the SolidWorks 2010 file and change the text in the appropriate function.
Remember that the text has to be written backward to be printed in the good direction.
Don't make your letters too thin.
Also, give a slight angle to your text so the paint roll works smoothly.
If you want to replace the letters by patterns, feel free to experiment!
Extrude approximately 2mm from the cylinder.
Repeat around the shape until the pattern is regular.
For the massage roll, be creative. Look on internet to get inspiration for new textures.
Step 3: Print It!
This step, once you experted the .stl file and sliced it with the printer's software, should take 2-3 hours.
Try to give it the best resolution possible. Makerbot replicator 2 gives you an amazing 0,1mm layer!
If your resolution isn't good enough, a little bit of sandpaper 500 will do the job.
Step 4: Peg
Remove the plastic peg in the paint roll and insert it in your freshly printed roll!
Now take the roll and insert it on the handle
Step 5: Paint
Spread the paint on a smooth surface and roll your text in it until all the letters are covered.
Step 6: Rollllllllll
Make your own tapestry.
Step 7: Option B : Massage
Or... use the massage option to make someone happy and improve your Karma.
Have fun.
-Sam and the LPFP team
Participated in the
UP! Contest
13 Comments
Question 5 years ago on Step 7
I, too, do not have easy (or any) access to a 3D printer at the moment, but to correct a missing element on an existing printed product, I need a roller that produces a specific halftone pattern, so, just a bunch of little raised dots (around 1/16" diameter dots in rows spaced 1/8" apart, then the next row is staggered and placed a little less than 1/16" down from the first row, so its dots fall in the spaces between the dots above, and so on...) I've been Googling on and off for days and so far cannot find any company that accepts submitted designs for custom paint rollers.
In desperation, I switched tactics and ordered custom stencils instead, but due to the thickness of the stencil vs the smallness of the holes for the dots, in practice it proved to be a total fail. Spray painting with the stencils could be an improvement, but it would be virtually impossible for me to carry out: I live in an apt building and I have 1,000 of these prints to make (200 of them in the next 3 weeks, after already having wasted a week waiting for useless stencils to be custom made and shipped). Any help would be vastly appreciated, and if you're willing to make the roller and have a quote for me, I'd be happy to compensate you, as you'd be saving my behind ;)
10 years ago on Introduction
Don't have access to a 3D printer but compromise will get you far :) great idea, you've got my vote!
10 years ago on Step 7
ooo. I like the concept but don't have access to a fancy 3D printer. I bet one could make a low-tech version by fitting a cardboard tube (like a paper towel roll) over a paint roller and then adhering pre-cut foam letters from a craft store...
10 years ago on Step 3
i wish instructables that required tools and machinery that aren't in the average workshop - like 3D printers and Laser Cutters had a badge or something on the thumbnail. so i wouldn't get all excited to view the steps and get to "put design in your 3D printer..."
10 years ago on Introduction
There was a kind of Byzantine Seal that was essentially a roller containing a sort of certification of authenticity.
I've been wanting to do something similar for a long time but I'm struggling to achieve it with free packages like "Sketchup",
Is it possible to do this with any of the freely available packages?
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
I'm trying Makerbot Customizer. It might work. Maybe this weekend.
10 years ago on Introduction
This would work great to roll impressions into clay.
10 years ago on Step 7
now i know what to do with my used paint rollers!
10 years ago on Introduction
That is a neat idea. Graffiti swipes!
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
yes...yes ...yes...Simple but effective. I want a dozen!
10 years ago on Introduction
Sam! You guys are the best! Keep up the great work.
10 years ago on Introduction
Very cool print!
10 years ago on Introduction
Cool Sam! As an alternative and quicker manufacturing method you could laser etch some plastic then wrap it around the roller.