How do I resurface the buildplate of a 3D printer?

 This article is about replacing the blue masking tape build surface in the Ultimaker 2, 2+, 2 Extended, & 3 Extended 3D printers.  If you are trying to level your buildplate you may want to read How do I level the buildplate on an Ultimaker 2, 2+, or 2 Extended? [LINK] or How do I level the buildplate on an Ultimaker 3 or 3 Extended? [LINK]

Resurfacing

Estimated Time: 5 minutes  Difficulty: Extremely Easy 

Tools Needed

• Utility Knife
• A Cutting Surface

Materials Needed

• 6" Blue Masking Tape
• 2" Blue Masking Tape

1) Prepare the printer

1. Turn off the printer
2. Disengage the buildplate clips - NOTE - Avoid touching the buildplate leveling screws when disengaging the clips.
3. Slide the buildplate out of the printer

2) Clean the buildplate

1. Remove any tape that is left on the buildplate
2. If there is glue residue on the buildplate wash it with warm soapy water

3) Replace the tape

1. Start by applying a strip of 6" tape
   1. Line it up straight with the edge of the buildplate
   2. Make sure it is applied smoothly without any wrinkles
2. Apply a strip of 2" tape
   1. Line it up with the edge of the 6" tape
   2. Avoid overlapping tape. The tape is almost as thick as a layer of print
   3. Avoid gaps between strips of tape. Filament will not stick if there is a gap.
3. Apply another strip of 2" tape
   1. Line it up with the edge of the previous strip of tape
   2. Avoid overlaps or gaps
4. Trim excess tape with a utility knife
   1. Make sure to do this over a cutting surface.

1) Apply a 6" strip of tape	2) Apply a 2" strip of tape	3) Apply a 2nd 2" strip of tape and trim

 

4) Reassembly

1. Slide the buildplate back into the printer
2. Reengage the buildplate clips
3. Turn the printer back on
4. Print a buildplate leveling test to check that your buildplate is still level