[Updated on Aug, 2023]
Thanks to the Sensitivity feature in Artec Studio, it is seldom required to spray an object before 3D scanning. Nevertheless, for those cases where the object is too shiny, too transparent, or otherwise difficult to capture; it is good to know which spray to use.
(!) It is not an advertisment. This article offers some guidelines on choosing a suitable scanning spray. It was written with the help of our experienced partners and customers.
(!!) before applying any of the sprays listed below, always observe the safety precautions. Each spray has its own set of precautions which are written on the can (or can be requested from the manufacturer).
AESUB Sprays - Scanning spray Vertriebs GmbH
Reflecon (a trademark of Mr. Chemie GmbH)
** Spray Gun PN 2A with Beaker
Other sprays:
For Dental Applications:
DENTACO (link)
- Company: DENTACO GmbH&Co. KG
- Feature: Very fine intraoral scan spray without titanium dioxide (TiO2) A thin, homogeneous contrast layer helps deliver precise digital impression results. Blue color for good contrast with nice mint flavor.
- Demonstration video: YouTube
- Documentation: SDS (Safety Data Sheet)
CEREC® Optispray (link)
- Company: Sirona Dental Systems GmbH
- Feature: This spray is as non-toxic as it gets and is designed for intraoral applications (e.g. scanning teeth). It has a pleasant spearmint scent and taste.
A thin, homogeneous contrast layer helps deliver precise digital impression results. - Demonstration video: YouTube / LinkedIn
- Documentation: SDS (Safety Data Sheet) and Operating instructions
Helling 3D Laserscanning Anti-Glare Spray
- Company: Helling GMBH. Can be purchased at https://3dscanspray.com/
- Feature: possibly the most frequently used spray of all. A large number of customers report using this specific spray.
- Note: requires manual removal after 3D scanning (with a microfibre cloth, dusting brush or similar).
Cyclododecane Spray (link)
- Company: Kremer Pigmente (https://www.kremer-pigmente.com/de/).
- Feature: evaporates from an object within 12-24 hours of application.
- Note: apply with care to avoid “snowflake effect” on the surface (doing so is critical if the object has small geometrical features that you’d like to capture).
The pictures below show a skull that was fully covered with Cyclododecane spray. Note that the applied layer was intentionally thick, since the goal was to calculate the maximum time required for the spray to evaporate.
- Photo 1: 0 hours after applying the spray
- Photo 2: 3 hours after application (partial evaporation)
- Photo 3: 20 hours after application
Artec Gold Partner Patrick Thorn shared another picture with us (a hi-res version is available at the end of the article):
Krylon Dulling Spray (link)
- Company: Krylon
- Feature: This spray was recommended to us by a U.S. customer. It leaves the texture (color of the object) almost unchanged from the original, while effectively removing the “shininess”. It works by adding an almost transparent, antireflective layer to the surface of the object.
Kenro Kenair AntiReflect Full Matt Spray (link)
- Company: Kenro
- Feature: very similar to the Krylon spray above, this spray was tested and recommended by our Gold Partner Antonius Köster
Gold Bond No Mess Spray Powder Fresh (link)
- Company: Gold Bond
- Feature: while this is not a scanning spray per se but rather a foot/body spray, it works surpisingly well. It is very easy to apply and creates an even and uniform antiglare layer on the object.
More recommendations
Below is a list of other ideas based on advice from Artec Partners and members of the 3D scanning community.
Spray based powders:
- Magnaflux SKD-S2 Developer Spray
- Rocol Leak & Flaw Detector Spray, Developer
- Ambersil Leak & Flaw Detector Spray, Developer
- Ardrox NQ1 Developer Spray
- CRC 20790-AJ Testing Material Crick 130 500 ml
- Krylon 5894 Marking Chalk White
Matte primer paints:
- HYCOTE XUK610 Plastic Primer Aerosol Spray Paint
- Halfords Plastic Primer Spray Grey 300ML
Unusual but helpful and easy-to-find alternatives:
- Dry shampoo / wig spray (for example, Demert Wig & Weave Dry Shampoo)
- Deodorant powder sprays (for example, Arm & Hammer Easy Spray foot deodorant)
- Any talcum powder
Other ideas:
- Any water-based paint, if applicable
- Cermark laser-marking spray (rinses away with water)
In case you experience any issues with your Artec 3D scanner or require technical assistance with your device or Artec Studio, in the first instance please contact your local Artec dealer/distributor directly. You can also contact the Artec Support Team by clicking on "Submit a request" button on the bottom right part of the screen or by emailing support@artec3d.com