Model Building Tips
Model Building is one of those hobbies that can start really simple and end up as intricate as the builder can handle. Since most of the supplies required for this hobby can be reused, it is also a hobby that can be expanded on with limited finances. This is an excellent hobby for someone who pays great attention to detail and likes to display the results of their work.
Keep it Simple
It is always best to start simple when a new hobby is being explored. This is especially true of model building simply because skills are developed along the way and people who try to do a project without having developed those skills first may end up frustrated. The result could be that a worthy hobby is given up before it is really explored.
Come Prepared
Before any type of model is built, all of the supplies should be obtained and a clean work area should be created. Supplies that model building requires include the model, model glue, paint, paint brushes or small airbrush gun and cans of compressed air, detail knife, paint remover such as acetone, face mask, apron, newspaper or other disposable covering, toothpicks, and time set aside for the project.
Safety First
The area the model is being built on should be covered with a disposable material such as newspaper. Even if this is an area set aside for model building, it should still be covered to prevent things from sticking to the table or inadvertently setting projects on wet paint. This also prevents the fumes from lingering in the area due to overspray. Body protection should also be worn for obvious reasons.
Prep and Paint
Use the detail knife to trim off excess material from the parts to be put together. Be careful not to trim off necessary tabs. Unlike houses, models are painted before they are put together in most cases so that the different colors of parts are done without having to worry about overspray or an unsteady hand. Immediately clean all materials after use.
Build the Model
After the paint is dry, put the model together and allow the glue to dry. Leave the model in a place where it will not be disturbed for several hours. If a clear-coat covering is desired, now is a good time to apply it.
Learning how to paint and glue the small parts that are involved with model building is often the hardest part of the hobby. Over time, these elements can be perfected. Models should be chosen based on the current skill level.
