How to Cover a Balsa Model

Cover a balsa wood model for a finished appearance.

Creating an architectural model to capture all of a building’s elaborate details can be done easily with balsa wood. Once the model is built, however, capturing all the decorative details is extremely important for selling the concept of the building. By working with wallpaper, you can cover a balsa wood model completely through a short application process.

Things You'll Need

• Balsa model
• Flexible tape measure
• Wall paper
• Straight edge
• Craft knife
• Spray adhesive

Instructions

1. Measure around the base layer of the model. Use a flexible tape measure and wrap it around the entire perimeter. Measure the height of the base layer as well.

2. Cut a section of wallpaper that measures the height and perimeter of the base of the model. Use a straight edge and craft knife to cut a section of wall paper to size.

3. Spray the back side of the wallpaper with spray adhesive. Wrap the wallpaper around the base layer of the model.

4. Cut out window openings and doors with a crafting knife. Cut around the interior frame of the opening carefully to prevent tearing in the wallpaper. Discard all cutout sections.

5. Repeat Step 1 through 4 with each layer and separate area of the model until the entire model is covered.

References

• "Model Making: A Basic Guide"; Martha Sutherland; 1999
• "The Handbook of Model-Making for Set Designers"; Colin Winslow; 2008