Your First Filament Purchase
What to buy
Choosing your first filament is one of the most important steps after buying a 3D printer. The material you start with can make the difference between early success and unnecessary frustration. Many new users want something affordable, easy to print, widely available, and consistent from spool to spool. Elegoo filament checks all of these boxes, making it a strong and dependable option for beginners.
Below is a simple, helpful guide to understanding what to look for in your first filament purchase and why Elegoo is a good fit for your early printing projects.
Start With PLA for Reliable Results
PLA is the ideal first filament for most new users. It prints at lower temperatures, does not require an enclosure, and sticks well to most build plates. PLA also has very low shrinkage, which means your prints are less likely to warp or split as they cool. Because of this, you can focus on learning the basics of printing rather than troubleshooting difficult materials.
Elegoo’s PLA line is designed with beginners in mind. It works well on most entry level printers and produces clean, smooth prints without needing advanced slicer adjustments. If this is your first time printing, PLA gives you the highest chance of success. That being said, other brands have easy-to-print PLA lines that will also work great for your first couple spools. Check out my article Top Filament Brands to see some other great choices.
Why Elegoo Is a Strong First Brand Choice
Elegoo is well known for producing budget friendly and beginner friendly 3D printing gear, and their filament matches that same approach. Here are a few reasons they stand out for first time buyers:
• Easy to Print
Elegoo PLA flows smoothly, adheres well at standard temperatures, and does not require special settings. This makes it ideal for learning how to level your bed, dial in temperatures, and understand first layer behavior.
• Affordable
Elegoo is generally affordably-priced, so you can experiment without worrying about wasting expensive material during your learning phase. It is a cost effective way to print lots of test models or calibration pieces.
• Consistent Colors and Quality
Elegoo offers a wide range of colors, and most spools come vacuum sealed with desiccant to protect the filament during storage. Consistency helps you get predictable results, which is important when you are still getting familiar with your printer. I have found their colors to be repeatably similar, even over months between purchases (some manufacturers’ colors are different in each filament bach)
• Widely Available
Elegoo filament is stocked by many online retailers, and easily found on Amazon for quick shipping making it easy to find replacements or try new colors without waiting long shipping times.
How Much Filament Should You Buy?
For your first purchase, one 1 kg spool of black-colored PLA is usually enough to get started. This amount gives you plenty of material for calibration prints, beginner projects, and small models. As you gain experience, you can explore additional colors or try other brands and materials.
If you expect to print often during your first few weeks, buying two spools in different colors can keep your projects moving without interruption. I recommend black and white as your first selections, but other colors may prove more exciting
Recommended Colors for Beginners
After your first couple spools, you may want to dial in your prints and calibrate your printer. While color does not affect performance, some shades are easier to see artifacts when calibrating. Light colors like gray, white, or light blue make layer lines, gaps, and imperfections easier to spot. Elegoo offers good options in all of these tones.
Final Thoughts
Your first filament purchase sets the tone for your early printing experience. Choosing a reliable, easy to use material helps build confidence and reduces the chance of frustrating early failures. Elegoo PLA provides great value, friendly print behavior, and wide availability, making it an excellent starting point for anyone learning the basics of 3D printing.
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