Intermediate

Lithophanes and LED Projects - Creating Illuminated Art

Print photo-based lithophanes and mount them with LED backlighting for stunning effects

Difficulty
Intermediate
Print Time 6-12 hours per lithophane
Category Creative Projects

Materials Needed

  • 1-2kg PLA filament (translucent or white)
  • LED strip or light source
  • Frame or mounting hardware

Lithophanes are 3D-printed images that reveal themselves when backlit. Light passes through thin areas (bright parts of the image) and is blocked by thick areas (dark parts). The result is stunning wall art.

What is a Lithophane?

A lithophane is a 3D model where the Z-height (thickness) corresponds to pixel brightness. Bright pixels = thin sections. Dark pixels = thick sections.

When backlit:

  • Light areas: Translucent and bright
  • Dark areas: Opaque and deep
  • Result: A photographic image appears

Creating a Lithophane Model

Step 1: Choose a Photo

  • Portrait or high-contrast image works best
  • Resolution: 1000×1000 pixels minimum
  • Avoid extremely dark or bright images (no detail in extremes)

Step 2: Use a Lithophane Generator Several free tools convert photos to STL models:

  • Thingiverse Customizer (Lithophane option)
  • 3DPhotomaker.com
  • Lithophane.org

Upload: Select your photo, set dimensions (typically 15×20cm for wall art), and generate the STL file.

Step 3: Verify the Model

  1. Open the STL in your slicer
  2. Look at the preview; you should see height variation
  3. Rotate and examine; the back should have depth variation
  4. If it looks flat, something went wrong; try a different photo

Printing Considerations

Material choice:

  • White PLA: Most common, diffuses light well
  • Translucent PLA: Better light transmission (harder to print)
  • PETG: Higher temperature, more brittle at large sizes

Slicer settings:

  • Layer height: 0.15mm (smoother gradations = better image quality)
  • Infill: 0% (hollow lithophane prints faster and uses less material)
  • Supports: Usually not needed if printing on a flat base
  • Speed: 60mm/s (slower = better detail)
  • Print time: 6-12 hours depending on size

Critical: Hollow prints use 60% less filament and print 3x faster than filled. This is one case where zero infill is correct.

Orientation: Print with the image-side facing down (toward the bed). The back side becomes your mounting surface.

Post-Processing

Unlike decorative prints, lithophanes need minimal finishing:

  1. Remove supports (if any): Use pliers or craft knife
  2. Sand the back: Light sand with 220-grit to smooth the mounting surface
  3. Do NOT sand the front: This damages the image detail
  4. Clean: Wipe with a damp cloth to remove dust
  5. Optional: light topcoat: Matte clear coat protects without affecting translucency

Avoid aggressive post-processing; the subtle height variations are what create the image.

Backlighting Options

Type: Addressable RGB or simple white strip

Installation:

  1. Attach adhesive-backed LED strip to the back of the lithophane frame
  2. Power via USB or battery pack
  3. Mount to wall; light creates the image

Cost: $10-20 for quality strips

Advantages: Adjustable brightness, can change colors (RGB), low power consumption

DIY construction:

  1. Build a shallow box frame (5-10cm deep)
  2. Mount LED strip inside the back
  3. Install translucent diffuser panel
  4. Mount lithophane on the front face

Cost: $30-50 in materials

Advantages: Professional appearance, even light distribution

Simple Backlight

Easiest method:

  1. Mount lithophane on a wall
  2. Point a desk lamp, shelf light, or window light at the back
  3. The ambient light reveals the image

Cost: $0 (use existing lights)

Disadvantages: Image only visible at certain times/angles

Multi-panel arrangement:

  1. Print 2-4 lithophanes of complementary images
  2. Frame each separately
  3. Mount together with consistent spacing
  4. Single LED strip behind all panels

Timeline display:

  1. Print lithophanes of a person at different ages
  2. Mount chronologically with LED between each

Gradient display:

  1. Print lithophanes with gradually changing brightness
  2. Creates a visual progression along your wall

Troubleshooting

Image is too dark: The photo was too contrasty. Try a photo with softer lighting.

Image is too light/washed out: The photo was too bright or low contrast. Try one with deeper shadows.

Lithophane looks flat (no detail): Generator failed. Try a different image or different generator tool.

Print quality is rough: Layer height was too large. Use 0.15mm or 0.1mm for next print.

LED wash is uneven: Try a diffuser (thin white plastic sheet between lithophane and LED).

Design Ideas Beyond Photos

Text lithophanes: Create a name or quote in relief. Print white-on-black for dramatic effect.

Topographic maps: Elevation data converted to lithophanes. Geographic art.

Astronomical images: NASA photos converted to lithophanes. Space art on your wall.

Movie scenes: High-contrast film stills converted to lithophanes for fandom displays.

Lithophanes are among the most impressive 3D prints you can make. The combination of your photo, the printer’s capability, and backlit illumination creates fine art that rivals traditional methods. Invest in good lighting, print slowly for detail, and you’ll have gallery-quality wall art for under $30 per piece.