Acetone can be used to smooth ABS.

The left has been smoothed by an acetone bath and the right is the original model. (Image credit: Andrew Sink)

Take note: acetone is dangerous to breathe in, so work in a well ventilated area. It is also flammable.

Warm acetone vapour bath using stove

This method involves suspending the model in a glass jar of boiling acetone that is heated up by a pot of boiling water.

• Attach the model to the lid of the jar with some string, keep the string short, so the model is close to the lid.


• Put a few centimetres of water in a pot


• Place a rag at the bottom of the pot (to keep the jar stable).


• Place the glass jar in the pot, on top of the rag.


• Place the pot on the stove and heat to 110°C.


• When the acetone is boiling place the dangling model into the jar.


• After a few seconds, remove the model.

See here for a step-by-step guide with pictures.

Warm acetone vapour bath using printer bed

This method elevating the model in a glass jar of acetone that is heated up by the printer's heatbed.

• Find a non-soluble object that the 3D model can stand on.


• Put a teaspoon of acetone in jar.


• Place the jar on the heatbed and heat to 110°C.


• Place the stand into the jar.


• Place the model on the stand, the stand should not let the acetone touch the model.


• After a few minutes, remove the model.

See here for an example.