Best filament for outdoor use
Short answer
ASA is the best filament for outdoor use: it resists UV light, rain and summer heat for years. PETG is the easier alternative for parts out of strong, direct sun, and TPU suits flexible outdoor parts. Avoid PLA and ABS for anything that stays outside.
Our picks
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1. ASA Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate
The most UV-stable common filament. It keeps its strength and colour for years in sun and rain, and stays rigid to around 95–100 °C. It needs an enclosure to print well.
- Outdoor and UV
- Heat resistance
- Toughness
- Nozzle
- 235–260 °C
- Needs
- An enclosure, ventilation
Popular ASA filaments
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2. PETG Polyethylene terephthalate glycol
The easy choice for most outdoor parts. It handles water and UV well and prints without an enclosure, but softens at around 70–80 °C, so keep it out of the hottest spots.
- Outdoor and UV
- Heat resistance
- Toughness
- Nozzle
- 220–250 °C
Popular PETG filaments
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3. PCTG Polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate glycol
Like PETG outdoors, but tougher, so it suits parts that take knocks, such as garden fittings and bike parts.
- Outdoor and UV
- Heat resistance
- Toughness
- Nozzle
- 230–260 °C
Popular PCTG filaments
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4. TPU Thermoplastic polyurethane
For flexible outdoor parts such as seals, bumpers and grips. It handles weather and abrasion well, though some grades slowly yellow in strong sun.
- Outdoor and UV
- Heat resistance
- Toughness
- Nozzle
- 210–240 °C
- Needs
- Dry before printing
Popular TPU filaments
All 158 →
Torn between the top two? See ASA vs PETG.
Not recommended
Guide
What matters outdoors
- UV light breaks down many plastics over months, making them brittle and faded.
- Heat: a dark part in direct summer sun can pass 60 °C, enough to soften PLA.
- Water and frost: most common filaments shrug off rain, but parts that hold water can crack when it freezes.
Choosing between ASA and PETG
Use ASA for parts in strong sun all year, such as signs, car exterior parts and roof or fence fittings. Use PETG when the part is shaded or the printer has no enclosure. It's much easier to print, and it lasts well outdoors out of the hottest sun. See PETG vs ASA for the full comparison.
Tips for outdoor prints
- Lighter colours stay cooler in the sun than black or dark grey.
- Extra walls make parts stronger and better sealed than extra infill.
- Use stainless steel screws and inserts, which won't rust and stain the part.
- Seal parts that must hold water, because printed layers can let it seep through.
Outdoor use questions
What is the most UV resistant 3D printer filament?
ASA is the most UV resistant of the common filaments. It was designed as a weatherproof version of ABS and keeps its colour and strength for years outdoors.
Is PETG good for outdoor use?
Yes, for most parts. PETG handles water and UV well. It softens at around 70–80 °C, so for parts in strong, direct sun all year, ASA lasts longer.
How long does PLA last outside?
Not long in the sun. A dark PLA part can warp on its first hot day, and UV light makes PLA brittle over a few months. In full shade it lasts longer, but PETG is a safer choice for anything that stays outside.
Can TPU be used outdoors?
Yes, for most uses. TPU handles weather and abrasion well and stays flexible, though some grades slowly yellow in strong sunlight.