How do you start modeling? 11 tips!

You are tremendously excited to start modeling, but where do you start? That modeling is for you, you often notice very quickly. If you find joy in creating something yourself then it is for you. Most choose this hobby because they want to put their own creativity into something. But sometimes it is hard to decide where to start and how to get a good start in modeling. That’s why we want to give you a good insight into this. Here you will learn a step-by-step introduction to the hobby and know the best way to get started.

1. Start with something within modeling that you really enjoy

It may be a simple tip, but certainly worth mentioning. Start with something within modeling that you really enjoy. The first reaction to seeing a model kit should be “Yes, I want to build that too!”. With the wide choice you have, there should always be something you are passionate about.

Whether it’s vehicles, landscapes or figures, the important thing is that you can fully immerse yourself in them. With a hobby like modeling, it’s all about the inner motivation to take on a project. When you’ve found something you can’t wait to move forward with each time, you know you’ve found something that suits you.

2. Get to know the community

Starting with modeling is best done by also getting to know the community right away. There are many communities on the Internet that are active in various forums. But you can also visit your local hobby store to meet like-minded people. The advantage of this is that everyone can share experience with each other. That way you don’t have to figure out how to fix common problems yourself.

They can give you tips on what tools work well, what paints you need, and they can share pictures of what they have made. Not only is this good to see what such a modeling kit will look like in real life, but you can also learn from the color schemes they use which in turn motivates you. Ask the business owner if you can be added to the group app to get to know the community.

3. Choose a model kit for beginners

There is a difficulty level for each model kit. This has to do with the amount of parts in it, as well as the size of the parts, the material and the techniques you need to build it. One reason people quit the hobby anyway is because they started with too difficult a modeling kit at the beginning.

In terms of convenience, we recommend a pre-cut wooden kit. These are sturdy and easy to put together. You also need few materials to work with it.

Halfway through building the project, they find out that they still need to purchase all kinds of materials and tools to get anything done. Or they glued it wrong and it is now impossible to disassemble it without damaging it.

Ask us which wooden model kits we can recommend for you to start with.

4. No distractions, plenty of space

Especially when you start modeling, you want to be able to keep your concentration. You have to keep your attention to choose the colors, prepare the paint, cut out the parts and glue it correctly.

Make sure you are in a space where you have no distractions. Also make sure, for example, that if you have pets or children, that they don’t bump into your modeling object. Moreover, keep in mind that you will not be ready in one day. There are frequent occasions when you have to put it away or push it aside because you need to do something else in between. Keep in mind that you have enough space to do this. Ideally, you have your own hobby room where you can leave everything as is.

5. Use the right tools and supplies

There are some parts you really need if you want to start modeling, and some things that are very handy to have on hand. In terms of tools and supplies, you will need at least the following:

• brush or brush
• precision knife
• glue
• paint
• thinner
• water

In addition, the following items are certainly useful. Even if you do not know how to apply everything, it is good to practice now, so you will only get better. Remember: only by doing will you learn fastest with modeling.

• cutting mat
• toothpicks to mix paint with
• cutter
• pliers
• clamps
• rubber bands
• sandpaper
• airbrush

6. Review the construction drawing in advance

A good start is half the battle. Therefore, read the construction drawing carefully beforehand. In this, it will soon become clear what the intention is. The reason why this is important is because the order of gluing and cutting is sometimes counterintuitive. If you just start cutting and pasting, chances are you’ll overlook a part and have to tear down your structure again.

7. Be careful when cutting and trimming

Most model kits have parts made of plastic. This is fairly vulnerable to metal tools. You soon put too much force on a piece that can cause it to break. Engage with mastery when you cut or trim something. You can quickly tell if you apply too much pressure, as the plastic can turn white if it bends too much. In the case of wood, you can apply a little more force usually, but still have to pay attention to the details as in Robotime’s packages.

Cut the parts loose from the grids with space between the actual object and the attachment to the grid. By trimming or cutting an extra piece with it, you can be sure you won’t cut it too short. When you have the part loose in your hands, you can always carefully cut or file away the extra piece.

8. Check in advance to make sure it fits

Since the glue permanently glues the pieces together, it is good to know that everything will fit. Therefore, check in advance to make sure it fits. First experiment without glue what position you want everything to have. Does everything fit properly in place and do you know how you want it? Then you can feel free to glue everything together.

Once you’ve practiced it a few times, you’ll also know if you need certain tools to dry the glue such as rubber bands or specific holders. These ensure that the parts stay tight how you want them to. After all, fresh glue is sometimes not strong enough to hold something in place. Gravity will cause a part to shift and then you end up with a different position. You solve this by fixing them.

9. How do I prepare for painting?

Once you start painting within modeling, you need to be well prepared. The foundation is a clean workplace with everything at your fingertips. You don’t want dust particles mixing with the paint when it is drying. You also want to be able to wash your brush quickly to prevent the paint from drying in the brush. In addition, you must have all the colors and the necessary thinners or lacquer to act quickly.

Make sure everything is thoroughly dry before you apply another coat of paint. If you’re not sure how it looks, try the color on something else. This can be the inside of the model or a piece of newspaper. Something many beginners mistake is that primer (primer) is really necessary for a nice result. You want the lighter paint to stay on well.

10. Buy a starter kit

A starter kit is ideal for getting started with modeling right away. This usually already includes everything you need: the model, tools and paint. Look for these packages to have a fun first experience. The advantage is that you know immediately that it is suitable for building at the beginner level. There is often a certain discount on these because you buy everything at once. It forms the basis of your future work, and after this you only need to add a few things to start more construction projects. In our web shop you will find plenty of options to get started, including modeling for children.

11. Tips for storage

One last piece of advice the specialists at Speedcube.co.uk can give you if you want to start modeling is to have something to store your final results. A display case is perfect for this purpose. It is a dust-free place where you have enough space to place it. Moreover, a storage space made of glass is suitable because you can see through it. You can also choose to store your artwork on display. So you can always admire your structures while they are in a safe place.