Full Color 3D Printing: Everything You Need to Know

Here’s what you’ll learn in this guide:

• What full color 3D printing is — and how it works  
• Which printing technologies support full color  
• How it compares to hand-painting  
• Which printers and services are worth your money  
• Pro tips to get better color prints  
• Real-world use cases and expert insights

By the end, you’ll know exactly when, why, and how to use full color 3D printing effectively.

Full color 3D printing adds color to each layer as it prints.

It can use ink, mixed resin, or colored binder powder.

Traditional 3D printing only builds shape. Full color printers build both shape and color at the same time.

That means the printer doesn’t just build a shape — it builds a colorized object from the inside out.

There are four main full color printing technologies you’ll see in the market:

1. PolyJet

PolyJet is one of the most advanced full color 3D printing technologies available today.

It works by mixing CMYKW photopolymer colorants with a base resin. 

This mixture is then jetted in ultra-fine droplets onto the build platform, layer by layer. Each layer is instantly cured with UV light, allowing for high precision and vivid color gradients.

Unlike filament-based systems, PolyJet prints in full color and multiple materials — all in one build. 

This makes it perfect for visual prototypes, medical models, and character figures that demand rich color and fine detail.

Best used for:

• Product mockups with labels and branding
• Medical and anatomical teaching models
• Realistic figurines with smooth gradients

Pro Tip: PolyJet prints in over 500,000 colors.It can also reach tiny details — down to 16 microns.This makes it great for showing full-color ideas clearly.

2. ColorJet Printing (CJP)

CJP stands for ColorJet Printing.

It builds colorful models by spraying color onto layers of white powder.

This method is fast and low-cost.It works well for toys, samples, and display parts.

A layer of white gypsum powder is spread over the build platform. 

Then, a printhead selectively deposits colored binder (CMY or CMYK) onto the powder, just like a 2D inkjet printer. 

The binder hardens the powder and adds color at the same time. Layer by layer, the full model is formed.

CJP is fast and cost-effective for non-functional models that focus on visual appearance only. 

However, prints are fragile and require post-processing (e.g. infiltrants or coatings) to improve strength.

Best used for:

• Figurines and game models  
• Architectural displays  
• Concept prototypes and client demos

CJP offers great color at a lower price — perfect for visual prototypes, not mechanical parts.

3. Binder Jetting with Ink

Binder Jetting is similar to CJP — but more flexible in terms of materials and industrial applications.

It uses a bed of powder (such as sand, ceramic, or metal) and selectively deposits colored binder to fuse particles together. 

In full color mode, it can apply CMYK pigment droplets to achieve vivid patterns or textures.

CJP is mostly used for simple, decorative parts made from gypsum.
Binder jetting is better for strong parts like molds, samples, or color art pieces.

Some machines can even print in color on sand to create casting molds or architectural elements.

Best used for:

• Ceramic or sand-based artistic models  
• Industrial molds or castings with visual marks  
• Experimental color parts with functional geometry

Binder jetting can print in full color.It also works with many different materials.This makes it useful for both looks and function.

4. FDM with Multi-Color Filament

FDM color printing uses more than one filament.

Some systems mix colors before printing.This creates simple color parts, but no gradients or textures.

There are two main approaches:

• Multi-extruder printers that load 2–4 different filament spools  
• Filament mixers that splice colors before extrusion

While it's not truly “full color,” it works well for color-blocked prints, logos, or dual-material parts. 

It’s the most affordable option, and many hobbyists use it for creative prototypes and cosplay models.

Best used for:

• Simple designs with separated color zones  
• Logo prototypes or signage  
• Budget-friendly color models for personal use

Key Takeaway: FDM is not for photo-realistic prints — but it's great for low-cost, limited-color designs.

Full color 3D printing brings undeniable advantages — but also some trade-offs depending on your goals and budget.

Pros

WYSIWYP — What You See Is What You Print

No more guessing how colors will look. With full color 3D printing, your gradients, textures, and branding show up exactly as designed — from screen to shelf.

No painting, no stress, no post-processing
Skip masking, spraying, sanding, drying — full color printing eliminates most post-processing.  
A model that used to take two days of work is now done overnight and ready to show.

Your prototype actually looks like the real thing
A gray print can’t show UI layouts, packaging, or surface finish.  
But a color print? That sells the idea the moment it's on the table.

Mass customization at zero friction 
Need 100 models with different names or textures? 

No problem.  Just swap the file — no extra labor, no extra time.

Pro Tip: Some jobs depend on how things look. In design, buildings, and health models, full color is not extra — it's needed.

Cons

Display only — not for real use
Most full color prints look great but break easily. 

Drop a CJP model from your desk, and you’ll likely hear it crack. 

PolyJet parts can’t handle force either — they’re for showing, not doing.

High cost across the board
Machines that support full color cost tens of thousands of dollars. 

Even outsourced prints aren't cheap — one figurine can easily cost $30–$100, depending on size and detail.

Material choices are very limited
You won’t find full color options for tough plastics like nylon, ABS, or flexible TPU. 

You're mostly limited to brittle resins or powder-based materials — good-looking, but not tough.

Full color 3D printing isn’t just eye-catching — it’s practical in many fields.  
Here’s where it really shines:

Figurines & Collectibles

Designers can bring game characters, anime figures, or mascots to life — without hand painting.  
Even subtle facial tones, costume gradients, and textures are built right in.

Architecture & Real Estate

Full color models help show building plans, outdoor spaces, and materials.

They can also show logos and design ideas. 
It helps clients understand spatial design instantly — much better than blueprints or renders.

Medical & Anatomical Models

Doctors and teachers use 3D models with colors to show body parts.

These models help explain how the body works and support learning.
Full color adds clarity and precision to complex structures.

Product Prototypes & Packaging

Want to show a product mockup with packaging, UI screens, or realistic branding?  
A full color model does it in one shot — no stickers or labels needed.

Education & Museums

Full color 3D models help people learn by seeing and touching.Museums and schools use them to show things like fossils and molecules.

Key Takeaway: If your project needs to communicate detail, emotion, or realism, full color 3D printing is the answer.

Can’t you just 3D print in white and paint it later?

Sure — and that’s how most creators have done it for years. 

Full color printing does more than save time on painting.

It also improves your process, keeps results the same every time, and works better for big batches.

Here’s how they really compare:

Key Takeaway: Painting is flexible — but full color printing is faster, more consistent, and more scalable for production.

Choosing a full color 3D printer isn't just about color — it's about balancing print quality, material type, cost, and workflow.

Here are the top options in 2025, categorized by use case:

Entry-Level: XYZprinting da Vinci Color mini

Tech: FDM + CMYK ink overlay

Price: $1,599

Why it’s here: Affordable and compact for hobbyists

Limitations: Limited resolution, slower speed, color accuracy not pro-grade

Mid-Range: Mimaki 3DUJ-2207

Tech: Full CMYK color photopolymer (PolyJet)

Price: $42,078

Why it’s here: Professional color output in a smaller footprint

Highlights: Smooth surface finish, supports textures, compact

High-End: Stratasys J55 Prime

Tech: PolyJet with multi-material and full color

Price: $99,000

Why it’s here: Industry benchmark for color + detail

Highlights: 500,000+ colors, multiple material zones, near-photorealistic

Full Powder Color: 3D Systems ProJet CJP 660Pro

Tech: ColorJet (CJP) with gypsum powder

Price: $68,650

Why it’s here: Best-in-class for figurines and architecture

Considerations: Fragile parts, needs infiltration coating

 

Pro Tip: Match your choice to your needs. If you want detail and speed, go CJP or PolyJet. For creative testing on a budget, entry-level machines are a good start.

Full color printing isn't magic — it requires proper preparation.  
From texture files to file formats, every step affects the final result.

Here’s how to get pro-level color prints:

1. Use high-resolution texture maps

Low-res images = blurry prints.  
Use 2K–4K textures or vector graphics for sharp logos, gradients, or labels.

2. Export the correct file type

Use formats like VRML (.wrl), OBJ (.obj + .mtl + textures), or 3MF.  

STL does not support color — avoid using it for full color prints.

3. Make sure your UV maps are clean

Bad UV unwrap = warped textures or blank surfaces.  
Preview your model in slicing software to verify placement and scaling.

4. Don’t rely on transparency unless your printer supports it

Most full color printers can’t print clear or see-through materials with texture underneath.  
Stick to solid color effects unless you have a PolyJet printer with transparency mode.

Pro Tip: Your print quality depends more on the texture file than the model itself.