"Starting with mdf buildings" Topic

OK, I am about to make up some 20mm mdf Middle-East buildings and don't want to make a mess of them, particularly warping. Apologies for asking what are probably very basic questions which have been answered before.

Firstly, what glue is best to use for assembly?

What is best to provide some texture to the outside of the building?

Finally, is it necessary to score or paint the inside of the walls to counter any warping caused by texturing/painting the outside?

Everything you will ever need to know about MDF buildings;
YouTube link

Firstly, what glue is best to use for assembly?

Woodworking PVA.

The above video is fairly comprehensive so is worth a viewing.

My preference for glue is brush-on superglue which gives a fairly instant hold. Just make sure the bits all fit first before doing it.

I also paint any visible interiors before assembly as it is a lot easier than poking a brush through a window or a door.

For exterior detail I use a decorating plaster like premixed Polyfilla applied with a goat mop (big brush). Then an acrylic paint like Howard Hues.

I sometimes add strips of plasticard or cereal packet cardboard for detailing.

Once your building is glued up it is unlikely to warp.

I've built dozens of mdf buildings. Always used wood glue. Rubber bands to hold the external walls together whilst they dry. I've used Halford's spray paints on the outside once everything is dry and had no issues of warping. Painting interiors before assembly is a good move, took me a while to decide on that.

PVA woodglue, Polyfilla or spackle, rubber bands, a few clothes pegs and a couple of bulldog clips and your're off.

I also invest in the appropriate roof paint for pre-painted models or, for the unpainted ones, some laser cut roof tiles, usually from Warbases, to hide any lugs. This also adds texture to the model some of which can be a bit lacking in that respect.

Many thanks.

Also …

YouTube link

Dan

Where did you get the buildings from?

Many thanks. The links were very helpful.

Wrgmr1

Sorry for missing your message. My buildings are from Sarissa Precision and Red Vector obtainable from Minibits (Pendraken). Both ranges highly recommended.