Idea for super smooth exterior surfaces after print wil it work?

I had an idea dont know if anyone thought of it yet..

here is the idea

take a pressure cooker and put it on a heating element that is thermistor controlable and a liquid with a very high boiling point and thick like molasis . then put thermistor in pot and heat to just below the melting point of whatever plastic your using bring to a high pressure .. if should become soft and the pressure should make it smooth out then just pull the piece out and smooth print..the liquid could be reussable.

... if you 'soften' the complete body, it will distort because of inner stress accumulated while cooling down when printed.

Better use a small blowtorch and heat small areas of the surface just above the melting point ... or put the part for some hours in a box with solvent-vapour ...

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Viktor
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I tried a while back using a paint/primer in one and it did a decent job of smoothing the surface, but you do end up with the finish of the paint. Use high gloss, get high gloss object afterwards. I guess it depends on what outcome you are looking for.

bdc
~Stay Calm Out There

lower your layer hight. lower it even more! moar!

To achieve a super smooth finish, just go buy some IPS Weld-on 4 and dip the part in it. 30 seconds will not affect surface detail, and longer will give the part a more glossy finish. Once you have done this, allow the part to dry overnight. It will be as smooth as you want the part to be...

cyanoacrylate gives a nice shiny finish to PLA.
applying it in a nice even layer could be tricky though.