The printer works on its own. Finishing doesn't. Removing supports, sanding, priming, painting, and assembling are hours of your own work, and many shops give them away because they never measure them. This guide helps you answer how to charge for 3D print post-processing: how to measure the real time, which supplies to add, how to define finish levels, and how to price each one, with an example built on assumptions.
How to charge for 3D print post-processing: start by measuring time
In a quote, machine time is easy to see because the slicer shows it. Hands-on time isn't visible, so it gets forgotten. But a part that comes out ready to deliver has almost always passed through your hands: you removed supports, cleaned burrs, sanded, and maybe painted. If that time isn't in the price, you are paying for it. To value your hour, see [how much to charge per hour in 3D printing](/en/blog/cuanto-cobrar-por-hora-impresion-3d).
Post-processing cost for one part
Which tasks take time (and which get forgotten)
Removing supports and cleaning
Pulling off supports, trimming burrs, removing the brim, and cleaning stringing. On parts with many overhangs this can take longer than the rest of the finishing.
Sanding
Done in passes, from a coarser grit to a finer one. The smoother the customer wants it, the more passes and the more time.
Filling and priming
Filling the layer lines and applying primer. Each coat needs to dry, and between coats it usually needs a light re-sand.
Painting
Preparing, masking areas, applying one or several coats, and removing the masking. Drying wait time isn't labor here, but it takes up space and organization.
Assembling and checking
Joining parts, checking dimensions, gluing or fitting inserts, and getting the part ready to pack. It's easy to forget and adds up in minutes.
Don't count the time a part is simply drying. Count only the minutes you are actually working on it, including setting up and putting away your tools.
Supplies: don't forget them
Besides your time, finishing uses materials: sandpaper in several grits, filler, primer, paint, varnish, masking tape, gloves, and respirator filters. To spread their cost, divide what you pay for one container by the number of parts it covers. For example, with hypothetical numbers: an 8 USD can of primer that covers about 16 medium parts comes to 0.50 USD per part. Do that math for each supply and add it to the matching finish level.
Finish levels: offer options and price each one
Instead of deciding the finish part by part, define three levels you can describe in one line. The customer chooses, and you already know how much work each option takes.
Raw
The part leaves the printer with supports removed and burrs trimmed, nothing more. Layer lines are visible. It suits prototypes, replacement parts, and functional pieces.
Basic
Supports off, light sanding, and cleaning. It improves the look without fully hiding the layers. A middle level for parts that are seen but aren't display pieces.
Premium
Filling, priming, fine sanding, and paint. This is the finish for decorative parts, gifts, and display pieces, and it takes the most hours.
Worked example with assumptions: what each level costs
The numbers in the table are a hypothetical example to show the math: a medium decorative part, an assumed rate of 8 USD per hour, and invented supply costs. Real times and prices depend on your part, your skill, and your country. Measure yours with a stopwatch on your next parts.
Post-processing cost by level (assumptions, USD)
| Level | What it includes | Example time | Labor + supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw | Remove supports and burrs | 6 min (0.1 h) | 0.1 × 8 = 0.80 + 0 = 0.80 |
| Basic | Supports, light sanding, and cleaning | 15 min (0.25 h) | 0.25 × 8 = 2.00 + 0.50 = 2.50 |
| Premium | Filler, primer, fine sanding, and paint | 90 min (1.5 h) | 1.5 × 8 = 12.00 + 3.00 = 15.00 |
Under these assumptions, the same part can cost less than 1 USD in finishing or 15 USD, depending on what the customer asks for. If you quote the part with a single price, in one case you overcharge and in the other you lose money. This adds on top of the material, electricity, and machine wear covered in [how to quote 3D printing](/en/blog/como-cotizar-impresion-3d).
Charge finishing as its own line
Listing post-processing as a separate line in the quote helps the customer see what they pay for and gives them the option to drop a level if the budget is tight. It also saves you from justifying a high price for a part that really takes a lot of hands-on work.
Basic safety when sanding and painting
Finishing raises dust and fumes, and it's worth protecting yourself from the start. These are general recommendations; always follow the manufacturer's instructions for each product you use.
How to put all this into your price
Use a stopwatch to record how long each level takes over your next ten parts and take an average per part type. With that, build a small table of your own: time and supplies per level for your best-selling parts. From there, quoting the finish is just adding a line. For the full pricing picture, see [how much to charge for 3D printing in 2026](/en/blog/cuanto-cobrar-impresion-3d-2026).
Frequently asked questions
How much should I charge for sanding a 3D printed part?+
Do I charge for paint drying time?+
Do I have to offer every finish level?+
What if the customer asks for a finish I hadn't planned on?+
Let your hands-on time count toward cost too
MiNegocio3D calculates the real cost per part, including material with waste, electricity, machine wear, and time, and builds multi-part quotes. From 17 USD a month, with a 7-day free trial, no card required, and a 30-day guarantee.