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Prepping Plaster Diorama Kits

STEP 1 - Tools of the trade
If you are reading a lengthy article on dioramas, you probably already have solid baseline knowledge of the tools required and a collection of suitable tools for the task at hand. There are however, three key tips I will recommend to any builder at any level, beyond the normal files, clamps, rotary tool, and paints. These three things will not only make you a better builder, but will save you time and frustration

a) flat floor tile for use as a working base, (found at any local hardware store for $2)
b) a lazy-susan for easily rotating the structure while working on the piece, and
c) the marvelous - no - essential FABRI*TAC clear glue

This stuff is wonderful! Tacky and sticky enough to hold pieces in place immediately, yet slow curing enough to allow minor repositioning for up to 5 minutes after joining pieces together. Cyanocryllics are often recommended for plaster kits, but I find they are too thin, too messy, too unforgiving, and tend to soak into the plaster, wasting time and money. Cyano is great for resin figures, but for plaster, FABRI*TAC is the answer! It has a thick peanut-butter consistency that dries clear, holds fast, and becomes rock-hard after curing. (Information about mentioned vendors provided at the end of this article).

The tile square is recommended because it is large enough to hold almost any piece while working, is extremely flat, and the smooth finish tiles are almost impervious to glue, stains, paint, or anything else. After the project is finished, just wipe the tile surface with a little rubbing alcohol, then scrape smooth again with a straightedge razor.

The Lazy Susan comes in handy when trying to turn a newly glued piece around to insure perfect fit… rather than lift a non-cured piece, just give it a spin for a view of fit and trim from any angle. You can find a simple ball-bearing 12" metal ring at most any major hardware store. Screw it to a block of wood, and glue the wood block to the bottom your square tile and you're in business for years.


STEP 2 - The package
First and foremost, realize that most kits have few pieces - anywhere from 4 to 10 is common, although the tendency is moving towards more parts, and the addition of resin detail kits is also becoming more popular. It is essential to keep the manufacturer's package photo for ready reference, as instructions for the kits are rarely included. A small piece will eventually find it's way to your work table, and you'll be scratching your head and wondering "what is this do-hickey - and where does it go!?"… Usually you can find out by looking at the kit photo.