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Prepping Plaster Diorama Kits

Fully prepped, and ready for painting!  As you can see, the earlier imperfection above the abbey door has been satisfactorily filled with plaster, and will not be visible at all after priming.

STEP 8: To Prime or Not to Prime?
Plaster by nature is a porous finish. Paint and glue will really soak in if they are too thin. If you are using acrylics (especially with an airbrush), or if you are using cyano -based glue, then priming all surfaces is a MUST… On the other hand, if you want to get the best "natural stone" look for a given piece, allowing the pores of the plaster to absorb more color here and there may actually enhance the final appearance. In general, I mask off "stone" areas with masking tape, and then prime with either a flat white, light sand, or light gray spray paint primer (depending on the structure). Not only does the plaster now require less precious paint, but the smoother surface also provides a better mating edge for wallpaper and other detail yet to come. Always let primer set for at least 24 hours before trying to work with your pieces.

STEPS 9 through 12:
There is no step nine through 12! Once you have finished the structure to this stage, you're ready for the next article "Painting and Detailing Structures." You've spent enough time on this piece already - go hang out with your family! Sheesh - get a life, will'ya?

About the Author
Keith Magee is an award-winning modeler and avowed diorama freak living in Plano, TX. While not meticulously re-arranging his custom workshop, teaching football to his two young sons, or explaining yet again to his wife how profitable his model business has become, he is the Business Development Manager for Hewlett-Packard Consulting, running a multi-million dollar consulting practice in 26 countries. Keith may be reached at: [email protected]

All Text and Images are the copyright of the Author. No distribution or republication in any format of this work, in full or in part, is allowed without the Authors expressed written permission. All Rights Reserved, MageeMedia, Inc, ©2002.