Modular holder/rack for miniature paints and brushes

Update 10-1-2024: Added “offset” tiers, to stagger the location of bottles (as suggested by @Xellixor on Thingiverse).

New version 3 with screw-based, more robust locking mechanism is now available on the Prusa Store. Version 2 is and will continue to be available for free.

I've seen (and tried) a few holders for miniature paints, as 3D models (e.g., https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints/34089-vallejo-army-painter-reaper-paint-and-brush-holder) or laser-cut commercial options on Amazon (e.g., https://www.amazon.com/Broken-Token-Modular-Paint-Straight/dp/B07MZ8Y4MK).

But I was looking for something more modular, so I came up with this system:

One unit is comprised of two sides and several tiers with spaces for five paint bottles per row. Included are sides to build units from 3 to 6 tiers, i.e., 15 to 30 bottles.

I've also added center pieces that can be used to connect several units. So for example, one left side, 3 tiers of bottle holders, one center piece, another 3 tiers, and a right side can be connected to create a holder for 30 bottles. Of course, you can mix and match, e.g., 5 tiers on the left of the center piece, 3 tiers on the right, for 40 bottles. Or you can use 2 center pieces to connect 3 units, etc. While the sky's the limit, make sure you don't go crazy. I personally use a rack of two connected 6 tier units for 60 bottles, and it's quite heavy and probably at the upper end of what's sufficiently stable.

Furthermore, I have added an optional tray and a brush holder unit, with 8 holes for Army Painter brushes with triangular handles and 8 holes for Army Painter brushes with round handles. 

To provide some stability, a rectangular piece of support can be placed in the back, between the two sides (or side and center piece). If the brush holder is used, there's no need for this stabilizer.

Versions are provided for 24.5mm bottles (Army Painter/Vallejo) and 36 mm bottles (Tamiya etc).

v2 has a new locking mechanism, to avoid the use of glue. However, it's a bit fragile when printed with PLA due to the material's stiffness, so I recommend PETG. I also keep the v1 files available, for use with PLA.

Print instructions

Supports: No
Resolution: 0.3
Infill: 5-20%

Notes:

In the pictures, you can see examples of the components printed as usual, or -- simply to make it all look a bit more interesting -- with no top and bottom layers. To get the honeycomb pattern, print without top and bottom layers and use 20% honeycomb infill.

As always with pressure fit models, how tight or loose the connection is depends on how your printer is tuned, filament, etc. You may want to do a test print and if needed scale all components up or down by say 1% if needed.

Assembly

V2: has a new locking mechanism, with nubs on the tier, back, and brush holder components that click into place in the corresponding holes in the sides and center. Angle one side of the male connector into the slot on the female side, press toward that side with some force, and push the other side in place. It's a tight fit. PLA may be too fragile.

V1: The components are sized to be a not very tight pressure fit because I knew I was going to use Super Glue to hold the pieces together. Based on how your printer is calibrated, your mileage may vary as to how tight the pieces may fit but Super Glue is your friend if it's too loose.

I found the easiest way to assemble a unit is to put one side piece flat on the table, with the slots up. Put some glue into each of the holes and insert the tiers and the brush holder or the back spacer, in case you're not using the brush holder, so they're pointing up. Insert glue into the slots on the second side (or the center) piece, then put that one on top of the assembly. Press everything tightly together until the glue has hardened.

V1 and V2 are NOT compatible!

Version History

Update 6-2-2024: V2, with new locking mechanism. Added optional tray to V1 and V2. 

Update 3/13/23: Fixed missing nub on 35 mm brush holder. Thank you, @tole3d.

Upd 4/14/2021: On popular request, I have added STLs versioned for 35 mm bottles. CAVEAT: I don't use these bottles myself, so while I have printed the model to make sure it assembles correctly, I have not tested it with actual paint bottles.

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