The Process

What Is 3D Printing?

3D printing (also called additive manufacturing) is a process where a digital design is turned into a physical object by layering material — usually plastic filament — one thin slice at a time. At TheDarkside Workshop, we use this technology to create high-detail collectibles, cosplay accessories, and custom pieces that would be impossible or prohibitively expensive to produce any other way.

How Our Pieces Are Made

Every piece starts as a 3D digital model — either designed in-house or sourced from trusted artists. That model is then "sliced" into hundreds or thousands of thin layers using specialized software. The printer reads those layers and builds the object from the bottom up, depositing material precisely where it's needed.

Materials We Use

We work with a range of materials depending on the piece:

PLA — a rigid, detail-friendly plastic great for display pieces and props
PETG — more flexible and durable, ideal for wearable accessories

Each material has different strengths, and we choose based on what the piece demands.

What Are Layer Lines?

You may notice subtle horizontal lines on some pieces — these are layer lines, a natural characteristic of FDM (filament-based) printing. They're part of the craft. Many of our pieces are sanded, primed, or finished to minimize them, but on raw prints they're a badge of authenticity, not a defect.

Finishing & Painting

Raw prints are just the beginning. Many of our pieces are post-processed — sanded smooth, primed, hand-painted, or coated with protective finishes. If you receive an unfinished piece and want to customize it yourself, check out our Care Instructions page for tips on how to handle and finish your piece.

How Long Does Printing Take?

Print times vary depending on the size and complexity of the piece. A small accessory might take a few hours, while a large, detailed prop can take 24–48 hours or more of continuous printing. After printing, pieces go through post-processing — sanding, priming, painting, and quality inspection — before they're ready to ship.

This is why our pieces aren't mass-produced overnight. Every item is made with care and attention, and that takes time. We appreciate your patience — good things are worth waiting for.

What If My Piece Arrives Damaged?

We pack every order carefully, but sometimes things happen in transit. If your piece arrives damaged, here's what to do:

Take photos immediately — document the damage and packaging before touching anything
Contact us within 3 days of delivery — reach out via our Contact page with your order number and photos
We'll make it right — depending on the situation, we'll offer a replacement, reprint, or refund

Claims submitted after 3 days of delivery cannot be accepted, as damage reported beyond that window cannot be attributed to shipping. We appreciate your understanding.

Care Tips

Keep away from heat — PLA can warp in hot cars or direct sunlight
Avoid prolonged UV exposure — can cause color fading or brittleness over time
Handle with care — thin or protruding parts are the most fragile
Clean gently — use a soft dry cloth; avoid harsh chemicals

Common Terms

FDM — Fused Deposition Modeling; the most common filament-based printing method
Slicer — software that converts a 3D model into printer instructions
Infill — the internal structure of a print; affects weight and strength
Supports — temporary structures printed to hold up overhanging parts, removed after printing
STL — the most common 3D model file format