Paper Model Building Tips
Paper Modelling 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! 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![]() 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. A perforation lineMake small, dashed cuts through the entire depth of the paper. By folding both sides upwards, you will create a clean valley fold. A crease lineLightly press a creasing tool into the paper following the double line - you will create mountain and valley folds that are slightly rounded. 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. ![]() ![]() 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 |
![]() 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. ![]() 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. ![]() When gluing a part with several panes, leave the smallest tab on the inside. ![]() When gluing a part with small triangular tabs, cover them with glue and leave on the inside. ![]() Use tweezers to fix tiny parts in place. Tip: fold and glue each part separately, then connect them together into a complete model. |