With 3D printing, you can create some truly amazing terrains for your Dungeons and Dragons games or even if you're just into miniature building. Customizing your terrain pieces has become easier than ever, and we're going to show you how to create some realistic-looking terrain pieces. One of our featured projects has the vibe of Castle Grayskull from He-Man, if you remember that! We'll walk you through everything: the differences between an FDM printer and a resin printer, painting techniques, and adding electronics to your terrain to make it look even more realistic.
Choosing Between FDM and Resin Printers
For most terrain pieces, I use FDM printers, and that's what we used to create this portal. In this case, I used the Bambu Labs X1 Carbon. However, if you're printing something with a lot of details, such as a castle wall, I would probably recommend using a resin printer, such as the Elegoo Saturn. But what makes you choose one type of printer over another?
Resin Printing
Resin printing is known for high precision and great detail, making it ideal for intricate terrain pieces such as castles, arenas, or items like chests or wardrobes. Resin printers can capture fine details, perfect for features like cobblestone streets, detailed rooms, or foliage. Resin prints generally have smoother surfaces than FDM prints and can handle complex geometries and small features that might be challenging for FDM printers. However, there are some drawbacks: most resin printers have a smaller bed, making them less ideal for larger terrain pieces, and resin printing requires more cleanup compared to FDM printing.
FDM Printing
FDM printing is one of the most common forms of 3D printing, mainly because it's affordable and easy to use. FDM printers and filament are generally more cost-effective, making them a good option for creating large terrain pieces. Many FDM printers have bigger build plates, allowing for larger terrain pieces to be printed at once. FDM printers are typically more robust, suitable for larger and more functional terrain pieces, especially if you need to assemble or move them around. However, FDM printers struggle to achieve the same level of detail as resin printers, and the layer lines are more visible.
Painting Your Terrain
Painting is a critical part of creating realistic terrain. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Priming: Use spray primer to create a base layer that paint can adhere to. Choose a color that complements your terrain, like gray or black.
Base Coating: Apply the base colors using acrylic paint. Use larger brushes for broad areas and smaller brushes for details.
Dry Brushing: Highlight details by lightly brushing a lighter shade of paint over the surface.
Washes: Apply washes (thinned-down paint) to add depth and shadows.
Detailing: Add finer details like grass, moss, or water effects using specialty paints or materials.
Integrating Electronics
Integrating electronics into your terrain can make it even more immersive, and it may be easier than you think. In the case of this portal, we're using an old iPhone to play an MP4. It's simple but effective and gives that Castle Grayskull He-Man vibe. Here are a few ideas for integrating electronics into your realistic-looking 3D landscape:
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LED Lighting: Use LED light strips or individual lights to add lighting to your terrain. In caves and tunnels, you can place LEDs to simulate torches or magical glows. In buildings, light up windows and doors to give a lived-in feel.
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Arduino Projects: Integrating simple Arduino projects can add dramatic effects. You can use them to create doors that open or platforms that rise using servos. Sound modules can play ambient noise or trigger specific sounds during gameplay.
Power Sources
One of the things you need to consider is what will power your electronics. Power sources can be batteries or USB, but make sure that if you're designing or downloading a model, the wires or batteries can be neatly hidden inside to maintain a realistic appearance.
Finding 3D Models
If you're not into designing your own 3D models, there are many places online where you can download them, including Thingiverse, Cults3D, and Loot Studios, which is one of my favorite places to get models. Many amazing 3D artists have exclusive terrains on their Patreon, which is a great way to support them.
Conclusion
Whether you're using an FDM printer or a resin printer, a great paint job and adding electronics to your realistic terrain can really enhance your gameplay. For more on 3D printing, DIY, and maker projects, make sure to like and follow Maker Build It. Remember: keep on making!