Which Filament For 3d Printing? 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying My First Spool
When I first decided which filament to buy for my 3d printer, I thought any type was ok. I had the printer, the slicer software, and a model ready to go. I grabbed a random spool of PLA from Amazon (it was cheap and blue—what more could I want?) and hit print.
Then the problems started.
The filament kept snapping. My prints warped, broke, and failed. I assumed my printer was the issue… but as I learned the hard way, your filament really matters. If you’re just getting started, here are 10 things I seriously wish I had known before buying that first spool.
1. Not All PLA Is Created Equal
I used to think “PLA is PLA.” It’s all the same, right? Wrong.
Some budget filaments are inconsistent in diameter or full of impurities, which caused constant under-extrusion and clogs. Once I switched to a higher-quality brand, like the ESUN PLA+ my printer suddenly behaved like a dream. Who knew?
Now I look for brands that list diameter tolerances (±0.02mm or better) and have strong reviews from actual users on which filament worked for them—not just pretty packaging.
2. Filament Absorbs Moisture (and It Can Ruin Prints)
Nobody told me that filament is hygroscopic. That means it absorbs moisture from the air—and even a little humidity can cause big problems.
My first clue was that my prints had weak, brittle parts. It turned out that my filament had absorbed water from sitting out in the open.
These days, I store my spools in airtight containers with silica gel packs. And if a roll has been out for a while, I dry it with a filament dryer before printing. Dry filament = smooth prints.
3. Color Isn’t Just Aesthetic—It Affects Print Results
I picked my first filament based on color alone. But different pigments can affect print quality.
Darker colors like black or deep blue tend to hide imperfections, while lighter colors or silk PLA show every little defect. Translucent and glow-in-the-dark filaments sometimes require higher temperatures and can behave differently in the nozzle.
Now I always test print with a small object before committing to something big in a new color.
4. The Spool Size Can Be Misleading
“1kg of filament will last forever!” …except it didn’t.
I burned through my first spool in just a few weekend projects. And when I accidentally bought a 500g spool, I was shocked at how quickly it vanished.
Prints that look small can still eat a lot of filament, especially with high infill or supports. These days, I check my slicer’s estimate before every print and always have a backup spool ready—just in case.
5. When Choosing Which Filament To Buy, Check Your Printer’s Compatibility
I bought a roll of PETG on impulse, only to find out my printer’s stock hotend couldn’t hit the right temperature for it. ABS wouldn’t stick to my unheated bed. And TPU? Let’s just say flexible filament is not fun on a Bowden setup when you’re brand new.
I learned to check what my printer is actually capable of before buying a new material. PLA is great to start with—and when you branch out, make sure your setup is ready for the job.
6. Storage Matters From Day One
I used to just leave my filament out on the printer—sometimes for weeks. I didn’t realize how fast moisture, dust, and even sunlight could affect the spool.
Now I keep all my filament in resealable bags or dry boxes. I also add silica gel packs and label the spool with the date I opened it. It’s a small effort that makes a big difference in print quality.
7. Some Filaments Smell—And It’s Not Always Safe
My first time printing ABS gave me a nasty headache—and I didn’t have a clue it needed ventilation. Even some low-grade PLA had a burnt plastic smell that lingered.
Now I print only in a well-ventilated space and read up on each filament’s safety info. If I’m trying something new or unfamiliar, I make sure I understand the risks and adjust my setup (like using an enclosure or opening windows).
8. Exotic Filaments Are Not for Beginners
I got overly excited and bought a spool of wood-filled PLA on day three. It jammed my nozzle so badly I had to replace it. Then I tried flexible TPU and couldn’t even get it to load.
Exotic filaments can be fun—but they’re also finicky and require experience (and sometimes hardware upgrades). I recommend getting confident with standard PLA before diving into the fancy stuff.
9. Diameter Consistency Is a Big Deal
My early prints had strange layer inconsistencies and weak spots. I didn’t know that even tiny diameter changes in your filament can cause uneven extrusion.
Cheap filament often varies wildly across a single spool. Since then, I’ve switched to brands that advertise consistent diameter tolerance and I avoid any spools with visible deformities or rough winding. If you want to see if your diameter is consistent try using a digital caliper.
10. Filament Quality Affects Everything
This one hit me last: filament doesn’t just impact print strength—it affects adhesion, stringing, surface finish, layer bonding, and even nozzle wear.
Buying good filament means fewer failed prints, less time spent tweaking, and a smoother experience overall. Now I spend a few extra bucks for reliability, and my results are night and day compared to when I started.
Bonus Tip: Buy Two Colors, Not Ten
I made the rookie mistake of buying a rainbow of filament colors right away. I ended up printing everything in the same two: gray and black.
Start with neutral or versatile colors. Once you build confidence and develop a project list, then start playing with wild colors or textures.
Final Thoughts
Filament isn’t just the stuff you feed your printer—it’s the foundation of your prints. And just like paint affects a painting, the right filament can make or break your final result.
I’ve learned that choosing filament is part science, part art, and part personal preference. But by starting with solid basics, storing it well, and knowing what your printer can handle, you’re already way ahead of where I was.
If you’re just getting started, trust me—take your time picking your first spool. Your future prints will thank you.
And if you’re brand new to 3D printing, it’s not just filament that can trip you up. I put together a full list of the Top 10 Mistakes I Made as a 3D Printing Beginner (So You Don’t Have To) — it’s an honest breakdown of what went wrong, and how I got back on track.
Take your time, start simple, and most importantly—enjoy the learning process. Your future prints will thank you.
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