If the first layer is right, the rest of the print usually is too. When prints come unstuck, lift at the corners or look scratchy on the bottom, run through this checklist.
1. Clean the build plate
Fingerprints are the enemy. Wash textured or smooth PEI plates with warm water and dish soap, rinse and dry. Between prints, a wipe with isopropyl alcohol keeps things grippy.
2. Level and set the Z-offset
Even with automatic levelling, the nozzle height (Z-offset) matters. Too high and lines sit on top like spaghetti; too low and the nozzle scrapes. Lines should be slightly squished and touching.
3. Use the right bed temperature
As a rough guide, PLA likes about 55–65 °C and PETG about 70–80 °C. Follow your filament's recommendation. A draughty room can cool the bed edges, so keep printers away from fans and open windows.
4. Add a brim for tricky parts
Tall, thin or small-footprint parts benefit from a brim, a thin border that holds the edges down and snaps off afterwards.
5. Consider a different build plate
- Textured PEI gives great grip with a nice textured underside, and parts often release once cool.
- Smooth PEI gives a glossy underside but needs a very clean surface.
- For PETG a thin layer of glue stick stops it sticking too well and tearing the sheet.
Next read: fixing stringing and blobs.
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