The Perfect First Layer
If your first layer is right, everything else usually is too. Work through this checklist top-to-bottom to eliminate the most common adhesion problems.
1. Clean the build plate
Skin oils are the number-one cause of poor adhesion. Wipe with 90%+ isopropyl alcohol before each print. For textured PEI, warm soap and water once a week works even better.
2. Level the bed properly
Auto-leveling only compensates for tilt — you still need the nozzle at the correct distancefrom the plate. Aim for the classic "piece of paper drags with slight resistance" feel.
3. Set the right Z-offset
Print a single-layer square and inspect it. Lines should be slightly squished together with no gaps and no ridges. Too high = spaghetti, too low = translucent stripes.
4. Use the correct temperatures
A hot bed on the first layer is more important than a hot nozzle. Bump both by 5 °C over your standard profile for the initial layer.
5. Slow down the first layer
15–25 mm/s is a reliable default. Most slicers expose this as initial_layer_speed.
6. Wider first-layer line width
A first-layer line width of 120% of your nozzle diameter squishes filament into the texture of the plate and dramatically improves adhesion.