Polymaker PolySmooth PVB Filament 1.75mm 0.75kg White - Smooths

In this review of the Polymaker PolySmooth PVB filament the bottom line is straightforward: it is for makers who want PLA-like printing with an easy post-print smoothing option. The filament prints under conditions similar to PLA and its real advantage is a simple alcohol smoothing process that removes layer lines, delivering glossy finishes without complex post-processing. The review covers printability, moisture handling, and whether this spool is a practical addition to a hobbyist or small shop workflow.

Key Features

• Easy to Smooth: PolySmooth can be smoothed by spraying 99% IPA, which gently dissolves the outer layer to produce a smooth, shiny surface and reduce visible layer lines.
• PLA-Like Print Settings: The filament prints at familiar temperatures and speeds (nozzle ~200 C, bed 50 C, speed 60mm/s), so it fits existing PLA profiles on many machines.
• Tangle-Free Packaging: Each spool is dried, vacuum sealed with desiccant and wound to minimize tangles, reducing the chance of feed issues right out of the bag.
• Good Bed Adhesion and Stability: PolySmooth is described as resistant to warping, jamming, blobs, and layer delamination, which simplifies printing larger or detailed parts.
• Moisture Sensitivity: The material absorbs moisture more readily than regular PLA, so using a dry box helps maintain consistent extrusion and print quality.

Who It's For

PolySmooth is ideal for hobbyists, scale modelers, and designers who want an easy route to polished, glossy parts without sanding or complicated chemical baths. If you already work with PLA and want to experiment with a smoothable PVB that uses familiar print settings, this spool is a practical next step.

It is less well suited to users who cannot control filament humidity or do not want to add a dry box to their workflow, since the filament is more hygroscopic than standard PLA. Also, those seeking a lowest-cost, everyday PLA replacement without smoothing will not benefit from its primary advantage.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Prints using PLA-like settings, making setup quick and predictable for many printers.
• Smoothing with 99% IPA produces a glossy finish that effectively hides layer lines.
• Spools arrive dried and vacuum sealed with desiccant and spool holes to reduce tangling risk.
• Described as resistant to warping, jamming, blobs, and layer delamination for reliable prints.

Cons

• More moisture sensitive than PLA, requiring a dry box for best results to avoid absorbency issues.
• Customer feedback on filament quality is mixed, with occasional reports of breakage or inconsistent feed in the extruder.

Specifications

Material	PVB (Polyvinyl Butyral)
Diameter	1.75 mm
Net Weight	0.75 kg
Color	White
Recommended Nozzle	200 C
Recommended Bed	50 C
Print Speed	60 mm/s

Our Verdict

PolySmooth PVB is a targeted tool: buy it if you want PLA-like print behavior plus a straightforward IPA smoothing route to glossy, layer-free parts. It is good value for those who will use the smoothing capability and can manage moisture with a dry box; casual users who do not plan to smooth prints may prefer a standard PLA spool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I smooth prints with common rubbing alcohol?
Use 99% IPA as recommended; lower-concentration alcohols will be less effective and may require longer application.

Does PolySmooth warp or jam frequently?
The filament is marketed as resistant to warping and jamming, but real-world results depend on printer setup and dry storage to prevent moisture issues.

How should I store the spool?
Keep the filament vacuum sealed with desiccant until use and store in a dry box during printing to maintain consistent extrusion and finish.