As the 3D printers operate in an additive manner, i.e. adding a layer directly on the previous, the printers likely produce parts of which layer transitions are visible. Actually, even the best and golden printers with 0.1 mm layer thickness have the mentioned trouble. Therefore, as the most promising technology of the day, 3D printing produces parts that most probably require a finishing operation.
This section handles the finishing operations for 3D printed parts with different materials, in particular, ABS, PLA and Laywoo-D3. Before starting, however, some safety concerns should be clearly stressed. As every chemical is dangerous in some way or the other, special precautions should be taken to perform tasks with them. Please read the safety section before proceeding.
For the finishing operation for Laywoo-D3 or other wood-based 3D printing materials, the finishing operation is relatively easy. Sandpaper would allow a fairly good surface finish. The following finishing operations like polishing can be done afterwards, as if making production with wood in a traditional manner.
For the finishing operations of ABS and PLA, sanding would also be a way to correct small imperfections on the part. Sandpapers may also do well to prepare a base for the real finishing operation to be held with the chemicals. However, if the printer user is a hobbyist, it might be OK not to perform finishing operations to avoid safety issues. Following the links, you can find detailed information regarding finishing operations of ABS and PLA.