A Detailed Guide: The Process of 3D Portrait Printing

If you’ve ever wanted a custom, lifelike statue of yourself, a loved one, or even a favorite character, 3D portrait printing is the technology that makes it possible. Unlike traditional sculpting (which takes weeks and relies on artistic skill), 3D portrait printing uses rapid prototyping to turn real people (or digital designs) into physical, detailed figures—often in just a few days.

In this guide, we’ll break down every step of the process of 3D portrait printing, from scanning your body to finishing the final statue. We’ll also include real-world examples, material comparisons, and data to help you understand how this technology works—and how to get the best results for your own 3D portrait.

What Is 3D Portrait Printing, Exactly?

Before diving into the steps, let’s clarify what 3D portrait printing is. It’s a subset of 3D printing that focuses on creating realistic human (or human-like) figures. The process combines full-body scanning (to capture your unique features), 3D modeling (to refine the digital blueprint), specialized printing (to build the physical figure), and post-processing (to add details like color and texture).

Since the world’s first 3D photo studio opened in Japan in 2012, the technology has exploded in popularity. A 2024 industry report found that the global 3D portrait printing market grew by 45% between 2020 and 2024—driven by demand for personalized gifts, animation props, and even memorial statues.

The Step-by-Step Process of 3D Portrait Printing

The process of 3D portrait printing has four core stages. Below is a detailed breakdown of each step, including tools, timeframes, and tips to avoid common mistakes. We’ve also added a real-world example from a 3D portrait studio to show how it works in practice.

Step 1: Full-Body Scanning – Capture Every Detail

The first step in 3D portrait printing is to scan the person’s body to get precise 3D data. This is what ensures the final portrait looks like you (or the subject).

• How It Works: Most 3D portrait studios use a scanning booth equipped with multiple 3D scanners (usually 8–12 cameras or laser scanners). The subject stands in the center of the booth, and the scanners capture thousands of data points in seconds—recording everything from the shape of your nose to the fit of your clothes.
• Scanner Types:
• Structured Light Scanners: The most common type for portrait studios. They project a grid of light onto the subject and measure how the light bends to create a 3D map. Fast (5–10 seconds) and accurate (captures details as small as 1mm).
• Laser Scanners: More precise but slower (10–15 minutes). Used for high-end portraits (e.g., custom statues for museums).
• Photogrammetry: Uses 100+ photos taken from different angles to build a 3D model. Affordable but less accurate for fine details (like facial expressions).

Example: A family visits a 3D portrait studio to create a statue of their 5-year-old child. The child stands in a structured light scanning booth for 8 seconds—holding a favorite toy (a teddy bear) to add personality. The scanner captures the teddy bear’s fur texture and the child’s smile, ensuring the final portrait feels personal.

Step 2: 3D Model Design & Refinement – Clean Up the Digital Blueprint

Once the scan is complete, the studio uses 3D modeling software to turn the raw scan data into a print-ready model. Raw scan data often has “noise” (e.g., blurry edges from loose clothing or small gaps from movement during scanning)—this step fixes those issues.

• Software Tools:
• Meshlab: Free software used to clean up scan data (e.g., remove duplicate points or fix gaps).
• Blender: Open-source software for refining details (e.g., smoothing messy hair in the scan or adjusting the subject’s posture slightly).
• ZBrush: Professional software for adding fine details (e.g., engraving a necklace the subject was wearing or enhancing facial features like eyelashes).
• Key Refinements:
• Fix Errors: Remove scan “artifacts” like floating pixels or distorted hands (caused by movement during scanning).
• Optimize for Printing: Ensure the model has no hollow spots (which can cause the print to collapse) and adjust the size (most portraits are 15–30cm tall, but some studios offer life-sized options).

Data Tip: A 2024 survey of 3D portrait studios found that 70% spend most of their time on this step—refining the model ensures the final print looks realistic, not “blocky” or distorted.

Step 3: 3D Portrait Printing – Bring the Model to Life

Now it’s time to print the portrait. The type of printer and material used depends on the studio’s budget, the portrait’s size, and how much detail you want.

Common 3D Printing Materials for Portraits

Below is a comparison of the most popular materials—so you can choose what’s best for your needs:

Example: A couple orders a 3D portrait to celebrate their wedding. They choose resin (SLA) printing because it captures the details of their wedding attire—including the lace on the bride’s dress and the texture of the groom’s suit. The studio uses an SLA printer to print the 20cm tall portrait, which takes 4 hours to finish.

Step 4: Post-Processing – Make the Portrait Look Lifelike

The printed portrait isn’t ready yet—it needs post-processing to add color, fix small flaws, and boost realism. This is the step that turns a “3D print” into a “portrait.”

• Common Post-Processing Steps:

1. Remove Supports: 3D printers use temporary support structures to hold up overhanging parts (e.g., the portrait’s arms or hair). These are snapped off with pliers, then sanded to remove marks.
2. Smooth Surfaces: Use fine-grit sandpaper (800–1200 grit) to sand rough edges—this makes the portrait’s skin, clothing, and hair look smooth.
3. Fill Gaps: If there are small holes (from printing errors), use gap filler (like epoxy) to fix them, then sand again.
4. Color & Detail: Paint the portrait using acrylic paint (for PLA/ABS) or airbrush (for resin/metal). Studios often use photos of the subject to match skin tone, hair color, and clothing colors exactly.
5. Add a Clear Coat: A final layer of clear coat (matte or glossy) protects the paint and adds a realistic shine (e.g., a glossy coat for hair or a matte coat for skin).

Example: A studio finishes the wedding couple’s resin portrait. They use airbrush paint to match the bride’s ivory dress and the groom’s navy suit, then add a matte clear coat to the skin (for a natural look) and a glossy coat to the bride’s earrings. The result looks like a mini version of the couple—so detailed that you can see the bride’s smile lines.

Key Applications of 3D Portrait Printing

3D portrait printing isn’t just for personal gifts—it’s used in many industries. Here are the most common use cases (with 2024 data on demand):

1. Personalized Gifts: 60% of 3D portrait orders are for birthdays, weddings, or holidays (e.g., a portrait of a family for Christmas).
2. Animation & Stop-Motion: Studios use 3D printed portraits to create custom characters (e.g., a stop-motion film might print 10 versions of a character’s face to show different expressions).
3. Memorials: 25% of orders are for memorial portraits (e.g., a statue of a deceased loved one to keep at home).
4. Museums & Tourism: Some museums print 3D portraits of historical figures (e.g., a 3D portrait of Abraham Lincoln) for visitors to interact with; tourist spots offer “3D souvenir portraits” (e.g., a portrait of you at the Eiffel Tower).

Yigu Technology’s Perspective on 3D Portrait Printing

At Yigu Technology, we see 3D portrait printing as a powerful tool for personalization and creativity. The key to a great 3D portrait lies in two steps: high-quality scanning (to capture true-to-life details) and meticulous post-processing (to match colors and textures). We advise clients to choose resin printing for most personal portraits—it balances detail and affordability. As scanning technology gets faster (we’re seeing 2-second scans now) and materials get more eco-friendly (e.g., biodegradable PLA), 3D portrait printing will become even more accessible. We’re excited to support studios and individuals in creating portraits that feel meaningful and real.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long does the entire 3D portrait printing process take?

From scan to finished portrait, it usually takes 3–7 days. Scanning takes 5–15 minutes, model refinement takes 1–3 hours, printing takes 2–8 hours, and post-processing takes 1–4 hours. The rest of the time is for drying (paint/clear coat) and shipping (if you order from an online studio).

2. Can I customize my 3D portrait (e.g., change clothing or add props)?

Yes! Most studios let you customize details during the model refinement step. For example, you can ask to change your scan’s clothing (e.g., turn a casual outfit into a formal dress) or add props (e.g., a bouquet of flowers or a pet). A 2024 survey found that 85% of clients request at least one customization.

3. Are 3D portraits safe for kids (e.g., non-toxic materials)?

Yes—if you choose the right material. PLA plastic and water-based resin are non-toxic and safe for kids (they meet global safety standards like ASTM F963). Avoid metal or solvent-based resin for kids’ portraits, as they can have sharp edges or harsh chemicals. Always ask the studio to confirm their materials are kid-safe before ordering.