STEP BY STEP
ASSEMBLE A PLASTER BUILDING KIT
1
This Townstreet Models stone farmhouse kit consists of walls, roof panels, a single-piece rear extension, plus a pair of chimney stacks. No special tools are required for assembly, just a knife, abrasive file and a setsquare.
2
The parts, as supplied, fit well. Letters had been pencilled onto the rear of each part to aid assembly. However, I did a little extra fettling with a coarse sanding stick to help the ‘teeth’ of the joint slot more easily into position.
3
After test-fitting each part, the main structure was split into two halves (a side and end each). A bead of Speed Bond adhesive (Deluxe Materials) was applied to one side of each joint and left for ten minutes to turn tacky.
4
The side and end were then mated-up, allowing the tacky glue to squeeze out of the joint. Leaving the glue to turn tacky first ensures a rapid ‘grab’, so the parts only need to be held for a minute or so.
5
With damp swabs, excess glue was wiped away from the exterior of the joint. Working on a mat with a grid pattern helps to check that the corner is set at a right-angle. The other side and end were then mated in the same way.
6
After a few hours, the two halves were bonded, following the same procedure, cleaning up excess glue with swabs. Check that the assembly is square, using a set square to check the verticals as well as the corners.
7
Leave the walls overnight for the glue to cure. Next, the roof panels need to be slotted into place, fettling the sides with coarse abrasive paper wrapped around a wood block. Be sure to wear a mask to avoid inhaling any dust.
8
Test the fit at regular intervals to avoid removing too much material. Once the parts fit neatly, they can be glued in position. Don’t worry about any minor gaps on the sides or ridge, as they will be dealt with shortly.
9
The rear kitchen extension is a single casting, which needed fettling on its mating face. Rubbing it over a sheet of coarse (40grit) sandpaper placed on the work surface took care of matters.
10
Once a good fit had been achieved, the extension was glued into position. The chimney stacks were also added, trimming the inner face of the lower ridges slightly to accommodate the roof. Allow the glue to cure overnight.
11
Mix up a little plaster (a small bag came with this Farmhouse kit), adding just enough clean water to create a thick, creamy consistency. Use a small artists’ trowel to spread the plaster to the inside joints to add strength.
12
The plaster can also be worked into any gaps in the corner joints, the sides of the roof panels and around the dormer windows. Use the edge of the mini trowel to work the plaster down into the gaps.
13
Dip an old toothbrush in warm water, shake away surplus moisture, then scrub away excess plaster from the textured surfaces. Work laterally and vertically to clear material from within the slate and stone detail.
14
Allow another overnight rest for the plaster to dry out before painting begins. If any of the stone or slate courses have become clogged, use a fine scriber tool to reinstate the detail, as shown on the facing page (step 4).