Winter is one of the busiest and most exciting times for 3D printing, especially with Christmas markets, gift orders and festive colours flying off the printers. Cold temperatures can be tough on both your 3D prints and the materials they are made from, so a little extra care can keep them looking perfect for years.
Whether you have bought a print from Vivyd or you are printing at home, here is a simple guide on how to look after your 3D prints through December and the colder months.
1. Keep Them Away from Direct Cold
PLA, which is used for most Vivyd prints, can become slightly more brittle in very low temperatures.
Avoid leaving prints in places like:
• Cars
• Cold porches
• Unheated sheds
• Window sills with icy drafts
A normal room temperature environment keeps flexibility and strength stable.
2. Avoid Sudden Temperature Changes
Moving a print straight from freezing air into a warm room can cause tiny stress cracks over time. If a print arrives very cold, let it warm up gently at room temperature before use or gifting.
3. Keep Prints Clean With a Soft Brush
Dust can cling more in winter because of heating. A small makeup brush, soft paintbrush or air blower works perfectly.
Avoid using wet wipes or harsh chemicals, especially on painted or multicolour prints.
4. Don’t Leave Prints Near Heaters
Heaters, radiators and fireplaces can warp PLA.
Keep at least 40 to 50 centimetres distance to avoid bending or softening.
5. Store Spare Prints Correctly
If you buy a few items for stocking fillers or need to keep them safe until Christmas, store them:
• In a room with steady temperature
• In a small box or container
• Wrapped lightly in tissue or bubble wrap
Avoid lofts and garages during winter, the temperature swings are too extreme.
6. Keep Flexible Prints Safe
Items like flexi dinos, flexi stars and fidget toys are very popular this time of year.
In cold temperatures they might feel stiffer than normal but they return to normal flexibility once warmed up indoors.
7. Caring for Painted or Detailed Models
If a print has tiny features, joints or painted details:
• Do not place them near windows that frost overnight
• Avoid squeezing or bending them when cold
• Let them warm through before posing or handling
8. Long Term Winter Care Tips
If you also print at home, remember:
• PLA behaves consistently through winter because it does not absorb moisture as quickly as other materials
• Even so, keeping filament in airtight storage helps maintain print quality
• Store spools somewhere with stable temperature, not next to windows or cold drafts
• Let cold filament warm to room temperature before printing to avoid minor extrusion inconsistencies
Conclusion
Looking after 3D prints in winter is easy. A little warmth, gentle cleaning and keeping them away from heaters keeps your models looking perfect. Whether you are gifting a flexi dino, showing off a Christmas tree passthrough or displaying a snowman on the mantle, these tips help them stay in great condition all season.
If you need replacements, new colours or custom prints, we are always happy to help at Vivyd 3D Prints.