Ok, you Diorama freaks (lol)....I have a question.

A friend of mine gave me this nicely detailed plaster type dio base with a two part building ruin. My questions are as follows:

1. Is there a way to get that chalky residue off before painting?
2. Do I need to seal it before painting?
3. When I attach the pieces to the base I plan on drilling small holes and using rods to affix them....what can I use as a glue to secure them?

Thanks in advance all you guys.

Try using a damp cloth( lint free) and just wipe it over the whole surface.
To glue the plaster you can use a small amount of plaster you mix up and just set it into place. The plaster will act like mortor in brick work. Or you can use white glue, super glue, or wood glue. Since you are using pins to help support the walls the glue just needs to help keep the wall from moving back and forth.
Hope this will help you, and good luck,
Matrix

Matrix is correct... a slightly damp cloth will remove the dust, which you should do, as the dust will weaken any bonds.

Pins are a great idea, although not necessary... the only problem with pins is that in drilling the hole you MAY chip the plaster - depends on how comfortable you are in handling the drill. I do it on thick pieces, but not the thinner pieces.

As for glue, I don't suggest cyano on plaster. It becomes to brittle over time. I far prefer a brand readily available on the net, or in chain craft stores like Hobby Lobby, Michael's, or MJDesigns... the glue is called FABRITAC. It comes out of the bottle about the consistancy of peanut butter, and dries quickly to perform a long-lasting seal. It is excellent at gap filling as well. It is manufactured by BEACON. Do a "google.com" search using these two words and you will find it easily.

You may also want to review my article on PREPPING PLASTER BUILDINGS, which can be found in the "HALL OF FAME" listings under the FEATURES - DIORAMA section, or just click this link https://armorama.kitmaker.net//features/15. This article has a lot of other helpful tips on working with the pre-fabbed plaster kits on the market.

Hope this is helpful.

You can also use 5-miute apoxy.Superglues tend to soak into ceramic and plaster,making it hard to get the stuff to tack to each other.Everyone elses suggestions are also right on the mark,just giving another way and product that may appeal to you.

Thanks for all your help and suggestions, guys. This will be my first go at a prefab'ed dio base, I hope it turns out correct.

Should I seal the base before painting? if I do not seal it will the paint take hold or be absorbed into the plaster?

Unsealed plaster will still work fine... the primary reason to undercoat or prime in this type of product is to insure a consistant paint job in terms of color. i prefer NOT to prime them. they way they absorb paint adds to the realistic finis

thanks, KF. I appreciate it.