Main site nadinmacht.deDeutsch

Preparing for 3D Scanning: Spray, Markers, Turntable and Light

3D scanning5 min readUpdated: 10/2026

are explained briefly when you hover over or tap them.

A good scan is often decided before you press the first button. Matte, light surfaces are the easiest. Everything else can usually be solved with a bit of preparation.

Clean the object

Dust, fingerprints and grease interfere with capture. Clean the object beforehand. Place it on a surface that contrasts with it in colour.

Dark, shiny and transparent surfaces

  • Dark surfaces absorb a lot of light. This causes holes and inaccuracies. Einstar recommends setting the exposure to maximum for black objects.
  • Shiny surfaces throw the light back uncontrollably. This causes noise and stray points that float above the object.
  • Transparent parts let the light through. Without a coating they can hardly be captured with optical scanners.

The solution is a thin, matte layer on the surface.

Scanning spray

Sublimating scanning spray evaporates by itself after a while and does not need to be washed off. A well-known example is AESUB Blue. According to the manufacturer, you spray an even, thin layer from a distance of 15 to 20 cm and only scan once it is completely dry. According to AESUB, the layer lasts about 1 to 2 hours for scanning and has disappeared after around 4 hours. Variants with a longer hold time exist.

Pay attention to safety. According to the safety data sheet, AESUB Blue is an extremely flammable aerosol and may cause drowsiness and dizziness. The manufacturer specifies:

  • use only in well-ventilated areas and do not inhale
  • keep away from ignition sources, do not spray into flames
  • wear safety glasses and gloves
  • do not store above 50 °C

Alternatives are dry shampoo, talcum powder, baby powder or foot spray. They are cheaper, but they do not evaporate and have to be wiped or brushed off after the scan. For delicate or valuable parts this is not a good choice.

With some scanners you can do without spray. For their laser and infrared modes, Creality, Revopoint and Shining 3D state that dark or metallic surfaces often work without spray. Try it without first.

Markers

Markers are small, mostly round adhesive dots. They help the software to stitch the individual captures together when the object is smooth and uniform. In laser mode they are mandatory with almost all scanners.

Shining 3D and Revopoint give the following rules:

  • Distribute them evenly, but irregularly. No rows, no symmetrical patterns, no groups.
  • At least 4 to 5 markers must be in the image at the same time. For the MetroX, Revopoint gives a spacing of about 6 to 7 cm.
  • Small markers on edges and small surfaces, no markers on strongly curved surfaces.
  • Do not use damaged or dirty markers.
  • On large or delicate objects, first apply paper masking tape and put the markers on it. That way they are easy to remove.

Instead of sticking markers on the object, you can also stick them on the surface or a turntable.

Turntable

For small objects a turntable is handy: the scanner stands on a tripod and the object rotates. Revopoint recommends one rotation per side and not rotating too slowly. Capturing the same spot several times does not make the scan better. For the underside and top, you turn the object over and scan again. The software then stitches the parts together. Some scanners, such as the Revopoint MetroX Pro, include a turntable in the box.

Light

Soft, even light is ideal. Direct sun or harsh lamps create reflections and shadows. Normal room light or daylight is usually enough. Some scanners have their own LEDs for colour capture. According to the manufacturer, some devices are designed for bright outdoor light, for example the Revopoint POP 4 up to 50,000 lux.

Scanning people

For people, Shining 3D recommends the order face, upper body, lower body. That way breathing, blinking and small movements have less effect. Infrared modes are suitable for people because they do not dazzle. According to Shining 3D, dark hair can be captured better with white baby powder.

Sources