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PVA filament

Polyvinyl alcohol

PVA is a water-soluble support material. You print it alongside a main material on a multi-material or dual-extruder printer, then dissolve it away in water to leave clean surfaces and shapes that would be impossible to support otherwise.

22 PVA filaments from 15 brands, in 24 colours.

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Typical settings

Median values across all PVA filaments. Always check the maker's recommendations for a specific filament.

Nozzle
180–210 °C
Bed
50–60 °C
Density
1.23 g/cm³
Max drying temperature
55 °C

Diameters: 1.75 mm (24 colours), 2.85 mm (3 colours)

Colours

Popular PVA filaments

Browse all 22

Top PVA brands

About PVA

Properties

  • Dissolves in water, especially warm water, leaving no support marks.
  • Very sensitive to moisture: it absorbs water from the air quickly and becomes unprintable if left out.
  • Pairs best with PLA, which prints at similar temperatures. Some grades also work with PETG.
  • Not used for the parts themselves.

Good for

  • Supports for complex overhangs, internal cavities and moving parts printed in place
  • Prints where support scars would ruin the surface

Less suited to

  • High-temperature materials like ABS, ASA or PC (look at HIPS or specialist supports instead)
  • Single-extruder printers without a multi-material system

Printing tips

  • Nozzle around 180–220 °C, matched to your main material; use PLA-like bed temperatures.
  • Keep it dry at all times. Dry before use (often around 45–55 °C) and print from a sealed dry box.
  • Use it only for the support interface layers to save filament, if your slicer allows.
  • Dissolve supports in warm, moving water, and change the water as it thickens.

PVA questions

Can I use PVA with a single-nozzle printer?

Only with a multi-material system that swaps filaments automatically. On its own, a single-extruder printer cannot print the support and the part in different materials.

What filament works with PVA supports?

PVA pairs best with PLA, which prints at similar temperatures, and some grades also work with PETG. For ABS or ASA, use HIPS as the soluble support instead. See PVA vs HIPS.

How long does PVA take to dissolve?

From a few hours to overnight, depending on the amount, water temperature and how much the water moves. Warm, stirred water is much faster.

Why is my PVA snapping or stringing?

It has almost certainly absorbed moisture. Dry it and keep it in a sealed dry box while printing.

What is the difference between PVA and BVOH?

Both are water-soluble supports. BVOH generally dissolves faster and is a little less fussy about moisture, but it costs more.