Mechanical finishing & post-processing · finish comparison
Chemical Smoothing vs Surface Sealing
Chemical Smoothing and Surface Sealing are both 3d-print & moulding post-processing finishes; surface seal is the lower-cost option ($$$).
Chemical Smoothing
3D-print & moulding post-processing · $$$ · instant quote
Chemical smoothing applies a compatible liquid or vapor solvent to reflow or level selected printed polymers.
Surface Sealing
3D-print & moulding post-processing · $$$ · instant quote
Surface sealing fills connected pores in printed or cast parts with a compatible resin or sealant.
When to choose which
Choose Chemical smooth
Choose Chemical smooth when a solvent-compatible FDM surface needs reflow.
- Reduces visible FDM layer lines
- Can reach Ra about 0.8–6.3 µm (32–250 µin)
- Reaches complex external surfaces
Choose Surface seal
Surface seal is the pick when its strengths below matter more than Chemical smooth's.
- Reduces connected porosity
- Improves cleanability
- Can make parts liquid-tight after validation
What the numbers say
- Surface seal is the lower-cost option ($$$).
Scores side by side
Each score is 0–100 against every finish in this catalog. Corrosion is derived from salt-spray test duration and surface hardness from the finish layer's Vickers hardness where a measured figure exists; a finish that leaves the base metal's own surface is not rated for hardness. Cosmetic, lubricity and cost are FabDigit's engineering assessment. Scores and typical figures are screening data, not matched side-by-side tests or service-life rankings; ASTM B117 is a controlled salt-fog method, not a field-life prediction.
| Score | Chemical smooth | Surface seal |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | — — | 30 Low |
| Surface hardness / wear | — — | — — |
| Cosmetic quality | 75 Very good | 55 Good |
| Lubricity | 30 Low | 20 Low |
| Cost | 45 $$$ | 40 $$$ |
Key numbers
| Property | Chemical smooth | Surface seal |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 0 µm | ≥ 0 µm |
| Electrical | Unchanged | Unchanged |
| Colours | — | clear, custom |
| Relative cost | Premium ($$$) | Premium ($$$) |
| Added lead time | 2–7 working days | 2–7 working days |
| RoHS | Compliant | Compliant |
| Instant quote | Yes | Yes |
Bold marks the side that is ahead on a row where more (or less, for cost and lead time) is better. Ranges are the typical specification window; the drawing call-out fixes the class.
Which materials take each finish
| Material family | Chemical smooth | Surface seal |
|---|---|---|
| Binder Jet | — | Yes |
| MJF | Limited | Yes |
| Polymer | With care | Yes |
| SLS | Limited | Yes |
| DMLS / SLM | No | With care |
| FDM | With care | With care |
| Aluminum | No | Limited |
| Copper Alloy | No | Limited |
| Magnesium Alloy | No | Limited |
| SLA | Limited | Limited |
| Stainless Steel | No | Limited |
| Steel | No | Limited |
| Titanium | No | Limited |
| Zinc Alloy | No | Limited |
Chemical smooth vs Surface seal — frequently asked
What is the difference between Chemical smooth and Surface seal?
Chemical Smoothing and Surface Sealing are both 3d-print & moulding post-processing finishes; surface seal is the lower-cost option ($$$).
When should I use Chemical smooth instead of Surface seal?
Choose Chemical smooth when a solvent-compatible FDM surface needs reflow.
Is Chemical smooth or Surface seal cheaper?
Surface seal is the lower-cost finish ($$$ against $$$ for Chemical smooth) among the finishes FabDigit quotes. Both are priced per part with a lot minimum; the exact figure appears on the instant quote once the part is uploaded.