Build Plate Care & Cleaning

This 30-second routine prevents 90% of adhesion problems:

1. Let the plate cool. Never clean a hot plate with IPA (it evaporates instantly without cleaning).
2. Spray 90%+ IPA onto the plate or onto a cloth
3. Wipe with a clean, lint-free cloth
4. Wipe in one direction; don't scrub back and forth
5. Let dry for 10–15 seconds

1. Remove the plate from the printer
2. Wash with warm water and a small amount of dish soap
3. Rinse thoroughly. No soap residue
4. Dry with a clean cloth or let air dry
5. IPA wipe before using

Textured PEI: light sanding

If the textured surface has been glazed by repeated printing, light sanding restores texture. Use 400-grit wet/dry sandpaper in a circular motion, then rinse and IPA wipe. Removes the glazed layer and exposes fresh PEI.

Cool Plate: check for damage

Deep scratches from nozzle crashes can't be repaired: the plate needs replacement. Minor surface oxidation can sometimes be addressed with light sanding but results are less consistent than on textured PEI.

New plate not sticking

New plates sometimes have a factory protective film. Wash with soap and water before first use. The first few prints on a brand-new plate sometimes don't adhere as well as on a broken-in plate.

Plates are consumables. Replace when:

• Deep scratches or gouges from nozzle crashes
• Adhesion consistently fails despite cleaning and resurfacing
• Surface has worn smooth (textured plates lose texture over time)
• PEI coating is delaminating from the spring steel

• Don't use acetone on PEI. It destroys the surface
• Don't touch the print area with bare hands (finger oils kill adhesion)
• Don't use steel wool or abrasive pads
• Don't use PETG on Cool Plate without glue. It bonds too aggressively and rips the surface
• Don't clean a hot plate