I’m ready to begin assembling my first laser-cut wood structure (a house). I recall reading that special care should be taken in painting the wooden parts before assembly else the wood will warp. Can someone please offer some guidance?
For reference I have an airbrush and would prefer to use acrylic paint.
Thanks in advance for your assistance.
Dwayne
I like to use double stick sctoch tape to hold the walls flat while painting with a spray can. The walls have a tendency to warp, due to painting only one side, the tape holds the walls flat till the paint dries.
The trim pieces, I prefer to brush paint while still in the sheets. This keeps them stable till the paint dries.
Painting before assembly is really the easiest way to go.All but one of the building on my layout are laser cut wood and most of those are from American Model Builders, of the four manufacturers i’ve tried, they are the best.
Painting both sides of your walls can help with the warping.
Dwayne,
I usually cut 1/8" or 1/4" strips of wood to length and glue to the inside walls to help prevent warping. Then I spray a coat of primer on both sides (inexpensive spray can primer - usually gray). Depending on the structure, I will finish brush-painting with an acryllic, sometimes before but usually after assembly. Tiny parts like windows, sills and add-on details get painted before attaching to the structure. I like to brush-paint because it seems to give it a more natural look; dry-brushing gives good results also.
I’ve built several Bar Mills, Branchline and AMB kits and I’m happy with the results. I think there are many methods that will work, you just have to find one that you’re comfortable with.