Matte vs Silk PLA: When to Choose Each
Matte hides layer lines; silk pops on display prints. Here’s how to pick—and how to tune both.
Overview
Matte PLA diffuses light so layers are less obvious and fingerprints don’t show. Silk PLA contains additives that increase sheen; it looks great but can trade a bit of layer adhesion. Choose matte for functional aesthetics; pick silk when presentation matters most.
Use Cases
Matte: phone stands, brackets, props for painting, cosplay parts where sanding is likely. Silk: vases, figurines, signage, gift items. For mechanical parts, matte or plain PLA is safer due to better perceived bonding and less brittleness.
Tuning
Silk: slower outer walls (25–35 mm/s), +5–10°C nozzle vs. your matte baseline, and slightly reduced cooling to help interlayer bonding. Matte: standard PLA temps (205–215°C), normal cooling, and consider ironing for top layers if you want ultra-flat finishes.
Common Printing Issues
Silk can show weak seams—raise temp slightly and ensure z-seam alignment. Matte can look chalky if too cold; increase temp or reduce fan. For either finish, keep filament dry to reduce stringing and bubbles.