3D printing filaments come in many different colors and finishes, and one of the most interesting options is the color (or lack thereof) clear. Clear filament is unique because it enables you to print transparent objects, which can be used for objects that benefit from light or color passing through, like lampshades and flower vases.
It’s important to mention that, although commonly advertised as yielding transparent objects, clear filaments produce parts that are really more translucent than transparent. That’s because 3D printers print designs layer-by-layer, and those layer lines obscure the part’s transparency. So, even if a filament is completely see-through, objects printed in that filament won’t be completely clear.
Depending on the brand and base material, certain clear filaments are more transparent than others. For example, a clear PETG filament is typically much more see-through than a clear PLA filament. Transparent PETG filaments yield some of the clearest prints compared to other 3D printing materials, so if you’re after true transparency, you’re in the right place!
In this article, we’ll be going over the best brands of clear PETG filament, reviewing each filament’s specs and features. Before we get into the brands, though, let’s go over the general properties of PETG as a 3D printing material.
What Is PETG?
Polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified, known as PETG, is a modified version of the plastic PET found in many everyday products, like water bottles. The glycol modification in PETG makes it a little more flexible and impact resistant. As such, PETG is more common as a 3D printing filament than PET.
PETG is often looked at as a new and improved ABS in terms of 3D printing because it provides the strength and durability of ABS without the printing difficulties or hardware requirements, like the need for an enclosure. In fact, PETG is well known for its ease of use and isn’t much harder to print than PLA, the current king of 3D printing materials. PETG requires a hot end temperature between 220 and 265 °C and a bed temperature of 70 to 80 °C, which is great because most 3D printers can reach these values.
Although PETG is usually easier to print than ABS and isn’t as sensitive to air drafts or temperature changes, it’s still a moderately difficult material to print. That’s because PETG tends to string a lot on parts because of how much it sticks to the nozzle and oozes. Moreover, many users also experience too much bed adhesion with PETG, with some claiming that PETG prints took chunks of glass from the build plate when removed.
PETG is also a relatively hygroscopic material compared to other 3D printing materials, meaning it absorbs moisture pretty easily. When 3D printing filaments absorb moisture, the filament degrades and yields lower-quality prints. For this reason, it’s crucial that you properly store your filament away from all moisture.
As clear is simply a specific color of PETG filament, there shouldn’t be any drastic differences between how you print it and other PETG filaments. However, if you want to achieve the most transparent parts, you should use a lower infill density and a larger layer height, reducing the amount of visual obstruction.
Lastly, even if you’ve printed PETG before, it’s always a good idea to start by printing a temperature tower because different brands and even colors tend to like slightly different temperatures. For example, black PLA filaments typically need a higher nozzle temperature, most likely due to specific additives used to give the material its color.
Now, let’s get to the brands!
Polymaker
Our first option for clear PETG filament comes from Polymaker, a popular manufacturer of various 3D printing filaments in different colors and materials. PolyLite PETG comes in a transparent colorway, and Polymaker boasts how this filament has great mechanical properties while being easy to use.
Reviewers at Amazon noted how this filament, like most PETG materials, is very hygroscopic, and any absorbed moisture has drastic effects on print quality. For this reason, it’s probably best to have a sealed bag or special filament storage container to keep this filament enclosed in, even when you’re printing with it. Besides being hygroscopic, PolyLite PETG is known for its amazing ease of use and toughness.
- Price per 1-kg spool: ~$23
- Diameters: 1.75 mm, 2.85 mm
- Nozzle temperature: 230-240 °C
- Bed temperature: 70-80 °C
MatterHackers
Second, MatterHackers, a widely known developer and distributor of 3D printing supplies, offers their own clear PETG filament. Their “clear translucent” MH Build Series PETG is probably closer to translucent than clear, but this is in line with most “clear” PETG filaments. This option is pretty inexpensive compared to some others on this list but still yields impressive prints and has many great properties.
Like all MH Build Series PETG filaments, the translucent PETG has a diameter tolerance of +/- 0.05 mm, which is pretty decent. According to MatterHackers, this filament also doesn’t warp or smell when printed; however, they recommend using tape on your build surface to prevent over-adhesion.
- Price per 1-kg spool: ~$22
- Diameters: 1.75 mm, 2.85 mm
- Nozzle temperature: 235-255 °C
- Bed temperature: 50-70 °C
Sunlu
Sunlu is another big name in the consumer 3D printing industry, best known for their few 3D printers and many filaments. Their PETG filament comes in a handful of different colors, including a transparent one, which is super budget-friendly.
But besides the low price, Sunlu’s clear PETG filament has a lot else going for it, such as its easy printability. Moreover, the manufacturer of the filament states that you can print it with a speed between 50 and a 100 mm/s, which is super fast for PETG. Additionally, the suggested nozzle temperature range is 220-250 °C, on the lower (and more compatible) end of the spectrum for this material of filament.
The reviews for this filament are mostly good, with many users noting that the filament prints super well and very clear in vase mode (spiralize outer contour). One review also mentioned that the transparency of the filament was perfect for LED casings such as for making an RGB keyboard.
- Price per 1-kg spool: ~$20
- Diameter: 1.75 mm
- Nozzle temperature: 220-250 °C
- Bed temperature: 75-85 °C
Prusa Research
Prusa Research is a well-known company in the 3D printing industry, known for their creation of the Original Prusa i3 as well as their line of high-quality filaments, known as Prusament.
Prusament’s clear PETG filament is another great see-through filament, and Prusa boasts how their filament manufacturing methods ensure high-quality filament in every spool.
With a diameter tolerance of just +/- 0.02 mm, it’s clear that this filament is well made, and Prusa offers a host of resources for improving your prints. For example, they suggest that their PETG filament is easy to sand, which should definitely help with any optional post-processing you want to do.
- Price per 1-kg spool: ~$30
- Diameter: 1.75 mm
- Nozzle temperature: 250 °C
- Bed temperature: 70-90 °C
eSun
eSun is one of the most popular manufacturers of 3D printing filament, and their transparent – or technically “semi-transparent” – PETG filament is one worth your consideration. As seen in the image above, parts with relatively thin walls come out pretty clear, though it’s a little milky. Additionally, the filament has a pretty standard diameter precision of +/- 0.05 mm, which shouldn’t be a problem for most printers.
As for how it prints, the reviews for eSun’s semi-transparent PETG filament are on the very positive side, with many users noting how parts come out strong and properly adhered to the bed. Sadly, there are a few comments about stringing, which is typical for a PETG filament, but most users in the reviews state that they were able to eliminate the problem after adjusting a few slicer settings.
- Price per 1-kg spool: ~$23
- Diameters: 1.75 mm, 2.85 mm
- Nozzle temperature: 230-250 °C
- Bed temperature: 75-90 °C
Overture
Overture is another popular manufacturer of 3D printing filament, and their clear PETG filament is a great option, especially if you’re trying to save money. Overture’s PETG is very clear rather than translucent or milky, and a successful print by an Amazon reviewer proves this.
Although the filament’s tolerance of +/- 0.05 is pretty average, Overture clear PETG filament makes up for it with its patented clog-free manufacturing process. Acknowledging that PETG tends to absorb moisture, Overture states that they dry every filament spool for 24 hours to rid it of any accumulated moisture and make printing a breeze. Following suit with the company’s ease-of-use claims, many customers have commented on how easy it is to print this filament.
- Price per 1-kg spool: ~$21
- Diameter: 1.75 mm
- Nozzle temperature: 230-250 °C
- Bed temperature: 80-90 °C
Filaments.ca
Filaments.ca (“.ca” refers to Canada) is yet another popular manufacturer of 3D printing filaments in different materials, colors, and sizes. Filaments.ca’s Transparent PETG filament is a great option, but prints tend to come out more translucent or milky than clear. However, in the reviews, users have noted that this filament still works great for light fixtures (light can pass through it), and the filament yields an attractive glossy finish.
Furthermore, Filaments.ca’s Transparent PETG is very strong, and, according to the manufacturer, the filament was made using a non-brittle formula with 100% Grade A raw materials. A few users have also observed how easy and consistent this filament prints, further supporting the high-quality level of this filament.
Finally, the company also claims that this filament is food-contact safe. However, if you plan on printing food-contact objects, we recommend checking out our guide to food-safe printing.
- Price per 1-kg spool: ~$20
- Diameters: 1.75 mm, 2.85 mm
- Nozzle temperature: 230-260 °C
- Bed temperature: 65 °C
Amazon Basics
While Amazon Basics filament isn’t known for being super high-quality relative to other brands, their clear PETG filament is a decent option. Prints with thicker walls won’t appear super transparent, as seen in the picture above, but for smaller prints, especially vases, you should be good.
As with other Amazon Basics filaments, there are some bad reviews about the clear PETG, especially concerning extrusion. A handful of users have experienced zits and blobs on the surface of prints with this filament as well as other issues (e.g. stringing). But overall, the filament performs adequately with a 4.2 out of 5 star rating.
- Price per 1-kg spool: ~$25
- Diameter: 1.75 mm
- Nozzle temperature: 230-250 °C
- Bed temperature: 70-90 °C
License: The text of "The Best Clear PETG Filaments" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED ‘AS IS’ AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.