I will keep these brief and to the point.
Hyrel Sugru 3D print at Geekspace Gwinnett Instructables build night
3D printer bed prep
Kapton Tape - Think of this like sheets of glue that activates when it gets hot. It’s also a great way to protect the 3D printer build platform.
Painter’s Tape - This is the cheapest go-to to protect your build platform. I like the Scotch Blue name brand best.
Hair Spray - This has become my favorite for evergreen platform surfaces. I have yet to have a print let loose on my $99 used 3D printer.
School Glue
3D Printer Slicers
The whole point of a slicer is to take the mesh and turn it into layers. Think of it like laying down the print .3mm at a time on an XY plane.
Cura (free 3D print slicer)- This software has advanced tremendously over the years thanks to open-source user input.
Simplify 3D (premium 3D print slicer)- I just got this, and have not seen the benefit yet for the common maker.
Simplify 3D slicer showing tool paths
After the print
Whether you will paint the finished product, use it for testing a project, or a stand-alone piece, a completed 3D printed piece will need some cleanup.
Carving knives and knives for supports and rafts - I love the small lathe chisels to carve off the rafts and support material.
Rubbing Alcohol and Acetone - Essentially melting the layers together to smooth it out. Filler primer to smooth is out when you’re done.
Makerbot has a great article on “How to Paint 3D printed pieces.”