Purpose This paper aims to analyse the effect of different polylactic acid (PLA) colours used on fused deposition modelling (FDM), considering the product finishing quality produced with the same process conditions. Design/methodology/approach The methodology adopted was to design a virtual modelling object and three-dimensional (3D) print it with FDM with different PLA colours (natural, green and black), using the same parameters. 3D scanning and scanning electron microscopy was used to analyse the model finishing of each sample. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, thermogravimetric analysis and dynamic mechanical analysis were used to characterize the material and verify if the colour affected its thermal behaviour. Findings Findings showed that different PLA colours lead to distinct 3D printed finishings under the same process conditions. Thermal analysis showed a reason for the printing finishing difference. The degradation temperatures and the glass temperatures vary depending on the PLA colour. This affects the FDM working temperature. Originality/value This study will contribute to improving the finishing quality of 3D printed products by collaborating to the determination of its process conditions.