I’ve had good results with garolite and I’ll soon be trying carbon fiber as a build plate, but apparently polypropylene works especially well with PETG (well, according to chatgpt anyway. see below):
Yes, polypropylene (PP) is actually less sticky than PEI, glass, or even carbon fiber. However, for PETG, polypropylene has a unique behavior:
Why Polypropylene Works for PETG
- PETG bonds well during printing due to mild chemical affinity.
- Once cooled, PETG releases easily because PP is naturally non-stick.
- No glue or release agent is needed—just print and let it cool.
Is Polypropylene Too Slippery?
- Yes, for some materials like PLA or ABS, PP is too slippery.
- For PETG, PP has just the right amount of adhesion during printing but releases smoothly when the bed cools.
Comparison of PETG Adhesion on Different Surfaces
| Surface | Adhesion (During Print) | Release (After Cooling) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smooth PEI | Very strong (too much) | Sticks too hard | Needs glue stick as a release agent |
| Textured PEI | Moderate | Good release | Works better than smooth PEI |
| Glass + Glue Stick | Good | Easy release | Gives smooth first layer |
| Garolite | Moderate | Moderate | Works well for PETG and high-temp filaments |
| Polypropylene (PP) | Moderate | Very easy release | No glue needed, just cool & remove |
| Carbon Fiber | Low-Moderate | Easy release | Might need sanding for better adhesion |
Final Verdict
- If PETG sticks too much to PEI, polypropylene is an excellent alternative because of its self-releasing properties.
- It might be too non-stick for some users, but light sanding or a heated bed (70–80°C) can help.