PLA vs PETG — Which Should You Print In?
A plain-English rundown of the two filaments we use most, and when each one is the right call for a print.
People ask why some pieces in the shop are PLA and others are PETG. Short version: they’re good at different things, and the part decides.
PLA
PLA is the default for a reason — it prints clean, holds fine detail, and is easy to sand and paint. It’s what most of our paintable blanks and display pieces are printed in.
- Great for: figures, busts, detailed display pieces
- Watch out for: heat. PLA softens in a hot car or a sunny window.
PETG
PETG is tougher and more heat-resistant, with a little flex before it breaks. It’s the call for parts that get handled or take stress.
- Great for: keychains, functional parts, anything that lives in a bag or pocket
- Watch out for: it’s slightly stringier to print and a touch harder to sand smooth.
The rule of thumb
If it sits on a shelf and needs to look sharp, PLA. If it gets carried, dropped, or left somewhere warm, PETG. When in doubt for a custom run, just ask and we’ll match the material to how you’ll use it.