How to improve your 3D printing quality
Have you ever noticed your 3D prints getting worse over time? Perhaps with bubbles, uneven layers, or reduced durability? Moisture in your filament is one of the most common—and overlooked—reasons for poor print quality. But the solution is easier (and cheaper) than you might think: silica gel.
What is silica gel – and why does it work?
Silica gel is those small, hard beads you find in the "do not eat" packets that come with new shoes, electronics, or food products. This is no coincidence—silica gel is hygroscopic, meaning it adsorbs moisture from the air. And that is exactly the problem with 3D filament:
Plastic attracts moisture over time, even in dry rooms.
Damp filament leads to:
- Poor layer adhesion
- Bubbles and uneven surfaces
- Reduced strength in the finished product
- Increased risk of nozzle clogs
The solution? Store your filament in an airtight container along with silica gel! The gel will soak up the moisture before it reaches the filament – and you will avoid most moisture-related problems.
How to use silica gel properly for best results
Choose the right type of silica gel. 4kg self-indicating silica gel is the most popular!
Storing filament – how to do it right
For best results:
Use airtight boxes (e.g., IKEA SAMLA or food containers with seals).
Place the filament spool in a bag with silica gel (if the box is not 100% airtight).
Replace or dry out the silica gel when it is saturated (see next section).
Extra tip for automatic filament changing systems:
If you have a system like Prusa MMU or Bambu Lab AMS, you can:
Place silica gel directly into the filament chamber.
Reuse silica gel – how to do it
When the silica gel is saturated, it can be regenerated!
How to do it:
Oven drying: Place the beads on a baking tray and heat them at 100–120°C for 1–2 hours. The color will change back from dark green (saturated) to orange.
Microwave: Place the beads in a microwave-safe container and heat in 30-second intervals until they are dry. The orange color returns when the silica gel dries out.
NOTE! Do not heat silica gel in metal containers or leave it unattended – it can get very hot.
How much silica gel do you need?
A rule of thumb is:
10–20 grams of silica gel per liter of air space in the container.
For a standard 1 kg filament spool (approx. 20 cm in diameter), 50–100 grams of silica gel is sufficient.
Where can you find silica gel?
Purchase directly from our webshop – we accept Vipps for private customers and invoices for businesses.
The most popular size is 4kg self-indicating silica gel
We also offer self-indicating silica gel in 500g boxes, 1kg boxes, and 12.5kg and 25kg buckets
We also stock standard white silica gel in sachets from 3g up to 2500g!
Conclusion: A small investment, a big difference
Using silica gel is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to improve your 3D prints. With minimal effort, you can extend the life of your filament and avoid printing errors like bubbles and poor layer adhesion. Plus, you can save money by reusing the silica gel.
Try it out today – you will notice the difference on your very next print!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use rice instead of silica gel?
No. Rice absorbs moisture, but far less effectively – and it can attract pests and rot.
How long does silica gel last?
With proper reuse, it can last for years.
Does this work for all filament types?
Yes! PLA, PETG, ABS, Nylon – they all benefit from dry storage.
