How-to guides

Step-by-step model making guides: cutting and gluing card, foamboard, balsa, Finnboard and Styrofoam, building desktop models, landscaping and scenery. Each guide links to the materials and tools it uses.

$A container of Latex Liquid Rubber$

Making moulds with liquid latex rubber

Latex liquid rubber air dries on a master to form a highly flexible, thin rubber skin. What it is used for, which masters suit it, and when a mould needs... Read more...

How to glue card

PVA is the usual glue for card. Apply it accurately with an offcut or a brush, hold the parts for a few moments, and glue in a card former for... Read more...

A cutting mat with a metal safety rule, scalpels and a utility knife

How to cut foamboard

Cut foamboard as you would card, with a safety rule and a very sharp knife held upright, and make neat right-angled joins by cutting away the top card and foam. Read more...

A balsa sheet, metal safety rule, craft knife and sanding block on a cutting mat

How to cut balsa

Balsa is a soft wood that cuts and shapes easily with a craft knife and sandpaper. How to cut sheets and rods, keep the cut on line with the grain,... Read more...

A block of grey Styrofoam on a green cutting mat beside a metal rule

How to cut Styrofoam

The easiest way to cut Styrofoam is to score it and snap it, then sand the edge clean. With a long enough blade you can also cut straight through. Read more...

Curved and folded Finnboard forms on a Finnboard base

Modelling with Finnboard

Finnboard is an acid-free wood pulp board that is easy to work with basic tools, can be laser cut and engraved, and forms into curves when dampened. How to cut,... Read more...

Boxes of UHU POR and UHU All Purpose glue on a cutting mat

How to glue foamboard

Use a foam-safe glue, let it go touch dry, then press the parts together for a strong bond straight away. Read more...

Bottles of PVA and superglue beside a balsa joint on a cutting mat

How to glue balsa

PVA, superglue or balsa cement: PVA gives you time to reposition, superglue with an accelerator makes for quick builds, and balsa cement bonds in one or two coats. Read more...