The Siraya Tech Aegis Finishing System—featuring Aegis Clear and Aegis Matte—was engineered to transform your raw 3D prints into professional-grade, durable products. Whether you are sealing porous FDM filaments like PA-CF, or adding a premium "velvet" touch to a resin model, Aegis delivers.
However, like any advanced polyurethane coating, the secret to a rock-solid, scratch-resistant shell lies entirely in the application process. If you've ever experienced pooling, peeling, or a finish that just won't stick right, it usually comes down to a few easily fixable steps.
Here is your ultimate guide to mastering adhesion with Siraya Tech Aegis Clear and Matte.
1. Prep is Everything: The Clean Surface Rule
The most common cause of poor adhesion—specifically peeling or a lack of wear resistance—is applying the finish to a contaminated surface. Before a drop of Aegis touches your model, you must ensure the print is perfectly clean, dry, and completely free of dust, liquids, or oils from your hands.
The Alcohol Wipe Method: For the best results, our engineers highly recommend wiping the surface of your object down with alcohol (IPA) and letting it dry completely before applying any coating. This guarantees a pristine surface for maximum grip.
For Resin Prints: It is absolutely critical that the print is fully washed and completely free of uncured resin. Uncured resin will repel the water-based Aegis coating and prevent it from binding.
For FDM Prints: Ensure the surface is free of stringing dust or leftover adhesive from your build plate.
Pro-Tip: Stir the Aegis bottle gently but thoroughly before use. Do not shake it. Shaking introduces air bubbles that can transfer to your print, creating micro-gaps that weaken adhesion.
2. Use Aegis Clear as Your "Functional Foundation"
Did you know that Aegis Clear and Aegis Matte are actually designed to be a two-step system?
To get the absolute best adhesion, always start with Aegis Clear. Think of Aegis Clear as your primer and leveling base. It is specifically formulated to encapsulate sharp fibers, seal hygroscopic (water-absorbing) materials like Nylon, and create a smooth, high-adhesion base layer.
Even if your end goal is an ultra-matte, non-glare finish, applying 1 to 3 thin coats of Aegis Clear first will drastically improve the overall strength and grip of your final product.
Brushing steps
3. Thin to Win: The Golden Rule of Application
Aegis is formulated with high fluidity (low viscosity) for excellent gap-filling and fast application. However, this strength can become a weakness if applied incorrectly. Never pour Aegis directly onto your model. Doing so guarantees severe pooling and ruined details.
Instead, apply multiple thin, even coats using the following engineer-approved techniques:
Mastering the Brush Technique: Always use a soft-bristle brush that is appropriately sized for your specific model. Dip only a very small amount of Aegis onto the brush at a time.
Preventing Sagging and White Streaks: Brush the coating out as evenly as possible. If you notice mottled white streaks drying on your part, it is almost always due to uneven brushing. Take your time to spread the liquid uniformly.
Avoiding Edge Discoloration: If an area isn't fully covered, don't slop more finish onto a wet layer. Applying too much at once causes the finish to pool at the edges, leading to unsightly edge discoloration (yellowing or cloudiness). Always apply a small amount, brush it evenly, and repeat this process layer by layer until the model is fully coated.
If Spraying (Airbrush/HVLP): Dilute the product 10–20% with distilled water. Apply a very light, misting "tack coat" first and let it sit for 5–10 minutes before applying your subsequent light, wet coats.
Spraying effect with 20% water, apply two thin and even coats.
4. Never Topcoat with Clear Over Matte
This is a crucial rule for the Aegis system: Aegis Matte is a final topcoat only. Aegis Matte achieves its premium "velvet" touch and layer-line hiding properties through a micro-textured surface that diffuses light. Because of this texture, it is not meant to be coated over. If you attempt to apply Aegis Clear (or any paint) on top of Aegis Matte, it will result in poor adhesion, peeling, and a ruined finish.
Always work Gloss to Matte. Lay down your Aegis Clear base, and finish with 1–2 coats of Aegis Matte to kill the gloss.
5. Speed Up Curing Safely
Proper drying times are essential for layer adhesion. Typically, you should wait ~20–30 minutes between coats at room temperature.
Want to speed up the process and lock in that adhesion? You can bake the coated parts at 50°C (122°F) for 10 minutes between coats.
Once your final coat is applied, remember that "touch dry" is not the same as "fully cured." Allow your finished piece to cure for a full 24+ hours before subjecting it to heavy handling, moisture, or chemical exposure.
Summary: The Aegis Adhesion Checklist
Wipe with Alcohol: Clean the print thoroughly and let it dry to prevent peeling.
Stir, don't shake: Avoid bubbles.
Base coat with Clear: Use Aegis Clear as your high-adhesion leveling primer.
Never pour directly: Use an appropriately sized soft-bristle brush.
Dip small, brush evenly: Prevent sagging, white streaks, and edge discoloration by applying very thin, even coats.
Matte goes last: Never apply Clear on top of Matte.
Cure completely: Wait 24 hours for maximum durability.
By following these simple guidelines and engineering tips, your Aegis finish will bond perfectly, creating a beautiful, injection-mold-like appearance that truly lasts.