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Supplies and Tools


Paper - The paper I used while designing the model, is 44 lb. Epson, Matte Paper Heavyweight.

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Glue - Someone asked for a recommendation as to what kind of glue I use.
I prefer a white tacky glue, since it holds very quickly, and dries with a very solid bond.
I use Aleene's Tacky Glue.
I apply the glue using a toothpick. It takes very little glue to make the pieces stick together.
Needle-nose tweezers are great for clamping the glued pieces together for a few seconds, until the glue holds.

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Markers - Use non-bleeding markers to color the unwanted white areas of the model (see above). I recommend "Flip Chart Markers". But be sure to test your markers on a piece of model scrap, to be sure yours does not bleed through!

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Tweezers - I use a needle-nose, self closing tweezers. These are great for pinching together glued tabs and flaps which are in hard to reach places!

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Cutting Mat - I use a self-healing "Helix Cutting Mat" as my cutting surface. They are a little pricey, but they last forever, and they will PROTECT YOUR TABLE SURFACE, and extend the life of your blades!

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Eye Protection - Please use some sort of eye protections when using cutting blades! Sometimes the tips will snap off under stress, and fly. I have been hit in the face more than one by a piece of blade.

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Blades - I use X-acto brand blades. They are EXTREMELY sharp, so be very careful when handling them! Also, replace your blade often. I dull blade will make cutting more difficult, which could risk injury. A dull blade also makes a sloppy, uneven cut.

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Cover up unwanted white areas
Using a black, non-bleeding, watercolor marker, color the backs of the model pieces (Liberty Square model shown below). "Flip Chart Markers" have been highly recommended for this purpose, by other paper modelers. They do not bleed through, they are ordorless, and permanent. Coloring the backs of the dormers, cornices, chimney stack bases, conservatory ironwork, and the roof crests (not shown), will give the finished model a cleaner, more authentic appearance.
Be sure to TEST YOUR MARKER FIRST on a piece of scrap paper from the model, to be certain that it does not bleed through! I prefer to color the pieces after they have been cut out, and before they are assembled.