Paper Model Building Tips

Before starting, carefully look through all the paper worksheets, the set-up instructions and the assembling diagrams included with your kit. If you are new to paper modelling be mindful, proceed slowly and carefully - your speed will improve with practice. Remember to enjoy the process while achieving your best result! In general, the model should be prepared in the following order: scoring, cutting, folding, gluing and assembling. If you are building your model from a pre-cut kit, you will find every part scored and cut, so just carefully remove these parts from the worksheets and proceed with folding, gluing and assembling.

Scoring

Scoring creates a line in the paper that guides a fold, ensuring that folds are accurate with clean edges. Place the worksheet, printed side up, on a cutting mat and use your scoring tool to make these different types of lines:



A half-cut line

A half-cut line

Gently cut into the paper, following the thin line, to a depth of half the paper’s thickness. By folding both sides downwards, you will create a crisp, accurate mountain fold. Half-cutting


A perforation line

A perforation line

Make small, dashed cuts through the entire depth of the paper. By folding both sides upwards, you will create a clean valley fold.Perforating



A crease line

A crease line

Lightly press a creasing tool into the paper following the double line - you will create mountain and valley folds that are slightly rounded.Creasing the paper

Tip: use a steel ruler as a guide for scoring and cutting long straight lines. Practice on an off-cut section of the worksheet to achieve the correct level of pressure.

Cutting

Cutting out the parts is the most laborious stage when constructing a paper model. Taking time and care should reward you with an eye-pleasing outcome upon completion of your project.

Cutting with scissors

Using scissors, roughly separate the parts from each other.

Cutting paper model parts with a hobby knife

A cut line

A cut line

Cut out the parts along the cut line contour with a craft knife.

Knocking out paper cut-outs with a stylus

If there are any pre-cut pieces of paper still remaining in the cut-out windows, knock them out using a stylus.

Tip: write the part number printed on the worksheet with a pencil on the reverse side after you have cut it out. That may help to identify this part more easily when you assemble the model.

Folding

Folding paper model part

Place the parts on a hard surface and gently fold along the scored lines up to a 90-degree angle.

Gluing

Before gluing, check that the parts fit together

Before gluing, check that the parts fit together.

Pour a small amount of glue into the gluing container

Pour a small amount of glue into the gluing container and use a gluing tool to apply the glue to the paper.

Try to spread the glue across the gluing surface evenly in a thin layer. Remember to use as little glue as necessary.

Gluing paper model

When gluing a part with several panes, leave the smallest tab on the inside.

Gluing a part with small triangular tabs

When gluing a part with small triangular tabs, cover them with glue and leave on the inside.

Use tweezers to fix small parts

Use tweezers to fix tiny parts in place.


Tip: fold and glue each part separately, then connect them together into a complete model.