PLA strings less than PETG, so when it does string the cause is usually simple: too much heat, or a spool that has absorbed moisture. Here is the order to fix it.
Lower the temperature first
Excess heat is the most common cause of PLA stringing — hot PLA stays runny and oozes across travel moves. Drop the hotend in 5°C steps (see PLA temperature) while checking layers still bond. Many stringing problems disappear with a 10°C reduction alone.
Tune retraction and travel speed
Retraction pulls filament back so it doesn’t ooze during travel. For PLA:
- Direct drive: 0.5–1.5 mm
- Bowden: 4–6 mm
Raise travel speed too — the faster the nozzle crosses gaps, the less time strings have to form. Change one value at a time and reprint the same stringing test.
Dry the filament if needed
If lowering temperature and tuning retraction don’t help, the PLA is probably damp. Wet PLA strings, pops and looks rough. Dry it at about 45°C for 4–6 hours and store it with desiccant. Aged PLA that has sat open for months is a frequent hidden cause.
FAQ
What causes PLA stringing?
What retraction for PLA?
Does PLA need to be dried?
More PLA guides
Reviewed 2026-08-18. Starting points and general guidance — always calibrate for your filament brand and machine.