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When I first started looking into 3D printing, I thought the printer was the hard part.
Turns out… filament was just as confusing.
PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU — it felt like a whole new language. And everywhere I looked, people made it sound more complicated than it needed to be.
If you’re just getting started, here’s the simple truth:
👉 You don’t need to learn all filament types right away.
You just need to start with the right one.
What Is Filament? (Quick Explanation)
Filament is the material your 3D printer melts and lays down layer by layer to create an object.
Think of it like:
- the “wood” for your 3D printer
- the raw material everything is made from
Different filaments behave differently — some are easy, some are frustrating, and some are just not beginner-friendly.
The Best Filament for Beginners: PLA
If you only remember one thing from this article, remember this:
PLA is hands-down the best filament for beginners.
Why PLA Is Beginner-Friendly
- Easy to print
- Low warping
- Doesn’t require special settings
- Widely available and affordable
- Works on almost all printers
PLA lets you focus on learning how to print, not fighting the material.
For most beginners, PLA is all you need for a long time.
Common Beginner Mistake: Trying Advanced Filaments Too Early
It’s tempting to jump straight into:
- ABS
- PETG
- flexible filaments
But here’s the problem:
Those materials often require:
- higher temperatures
- enclosed printers
- fine-tuned settings
- more experience
Trying them too early can make you think:
“Maybe 3D printing isn’t for me.”
It is for you — you just started with the wrong filament.
When Other Filaments Start to Make Sense
You don’t need these right away, but it helps to know what they’re for.
ABS (Not Beginner-Friendly at First)
ABS is stronger than PLA, but:
- warps easily
- smells while printing
- usually needs an enclosure
Most beginners skip ABS until they’re more comfortable.
PETG (Second-Step Filament)
PETG is tougher and slightly flexible.
It’s great when you want:
- stronger parts
- outdoor durability
- a step up from PLA
But it can be stringy and needs more tuning.
Flexible Filaments (Later, Not First)
Flexible filaments are cool — but tricky.
They’re best saved for when:
- you understand printer settings
- you’re comfortable troubleshooting
- you’re patient
Not beginner-day-one material.
What Filament Size Should Beginners Buy?
Most beginner printers use:
👉 1.75mm filament
Always check your printer specs, but this is by far the most common size.
How Much Filament Should a Beginner Buy?
Start small.
A 1kg spool of PLA will:
- last longer than you expect
- give you plenty of practice prints
- reduce pressure to “get it right”
You don’t need multiple colors at first — one neutral color is perfect.
Filament Storage (Beginner Friendly Tips)
Filament absorbs moisture from the air, which can affect prints.
Simple beginner tips:
- keep filament in its bag when not in use
- add a silica gel pack if possible
- don’t stress about perfection early on
PLA is forgiving — another reason it’s great for beginners.
My Honest Beginner Recommendation
If you’re just starting out:
👉 Buy a decent PLA filament and focus on learning.
Don’t worry about:
- exotic materials
- fancy specs
- perfect results
Every print teaches you something.
How Filament Fits Into the Beginner Maker Journey
Once you’re comfortable with:
- basic printing
- slicing software
- printer setup
You can slowly experiment with other materials.
But PLA will always have a place in your shop — even when you’re no longer a beginner.
🔧 Related Beginner Reads
If you’re still deciding which printer makes sense before worrying about filament, this guide helps break it down simply: