How to Build Model Dioramas

Paint scenes on your diorama to make it look more realistic.

Display your model ship or plane in a diorama to maximize the impact of all of your hard work. Build a diorama that is simple, or add elements to it to make it as elaborate as you want. Research and then draw scenes on the diorama in which you will place your model.

Things You'll Need

• Wooden, plastic, tile or rock base
• Acrylic or oil paint
• Small stones
• Clay

Instructions

1. Sketch several designs of scenes in which you want to display your model. For instance, a model ship can be displayed on a base that appears to be rolling ocean waves, with the sky, clouds and birds in the distance. For a warship, you may want to include an enemy ship and a background painted like a war scene. If your model is a rusty, old pickup truck, draw a bait shop and a lake or a farm behind it in your diorama.

2. Place the base you have chosen on your work surface. Try putting the model on it at different angles until you find the place you want to mount it permanently.

3. Mark the area where the model will be. Remove the model and set it aside.

4. Cover the base of the diorama with Celluclay, mixed according to product directions, clay or plaster. Let it dry thoroughly.

5. Paint the base with acrylic paints.

6. Glue items to the scene base for a finished, realistic look. For example, glue small stones and miniature trees to the diorama base for a woodsy look. A small twig or stick will look like a log if glued to the diorama. Paint whitecaps in an ocean scene.

References

• Blick Art Materials: Activa Celluclay Instant Papier Mache