"Constructing tents and awnings" Topic

I'm working on a middle eastern building that needs an awning and I seem to remember a discussion or website that gave a tutorial on how to make them. I'm thinking about trying to use tissue stiffened by glue. Any ideas or suggestions on the best way to do it?

CC

I have had luck in the past using tissue (kleenex). Make sure to use the basic tissue without any lotions or oils added for softness. Pre measure the tissue to slightly larger than the size you wish to use, attach it to your frame (small gauge wire bent to desired shape) and then paint with a 50/50 mixture of white glue and water. Once dry, just paint.

You may also want to try and use linen depending on your scale.

Doug

Tissue and glue has worked fine for me.

Since linen isnt very far from the thread count of canvas comparatively speaking I would think it would be to coarse for anything smaller than 1:2 scale. At any standard miniature scale the weave is all but invisible. Heck, even at 1:1 scale you cant see the weave from 10 feet away.

I brought up linen for the durability, not weave. Saturated in glue it would serve the same purpose as tissue, but be stronger and more durable over your years of use.

Ah, I see. I have seen tents and other such things made from fabric before and thought them too coarse. But I'm picky like that…
It would certainly be more durable, though I have tents from tissue I probably made 20 years ago. I have lost a few due to the balsa frames getting crushed though.

I've had success making silk flags with tracing paper and glue. It should work for awnings and you can go ahead and draw the design and color it on the paper before adding the glue.

I suggest tissue paper for wrapping gifts, not facial tissue. It's stronger and stiffer so it may be easier to form into some shapes. The tracing paper recommended by InconvenientQuestions would have similar properties.

Thanks for the suggestions.

CC