Scoring (Essential Step)

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Skill Level: Beginner–Advanced

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Scoring relieves paper tension and ensures straight, square folds.

• Use:

  • Dull hobby blade or back of a new blade

  • Metal ruler

  • Good lighting

• Score before cutting parts out

• One light pass is enough

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Unscored folds often result in:

• Rounded walls

• Warped panels

• Poor alignment

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Cutting

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Skill Level: Beginner–Advanced

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• Use a fresh hobby blade

• Use a ruler for straight edges

• Cut internal openings (marked areas or red asterisks) before outer outlines

• Take special care with thin or delicate sections

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Poor cutting is the most common cause of broken parts.

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Folding

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Skill Level: Beginner

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• Fold all scored lines fully before gluing

• Eliminate paper tension completely

• Do not worry about final shape yet

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Once fully folded, the model will feel fragile — this is normal.

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Gluing

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Skill Level: Beginner–Advanced

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Approved Glue Types (Short List)

✔ Gel-type paper glues
✔ Water-based scrapbook gel glues
✔ Precision-applied CA glue (advanced users only)

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❌ Avoid:

• White liquid glue

• Glue sticks

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Recommended for Most Builders

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Gel-type scrapbook glue

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Advantages:

• Immediate tack

• Repositioning time

• Dries clear

• Strong bond

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Example: Scotch Scrapbooker’s Glue (3M)
(Equivalent gel glues are acceptable.)

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CA (Super Glue) — Advanced Only

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• Use sparingly with a toothpick

• One-chance placement

• No repositioning

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Not recommended for beginners.

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Gluing Technique

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• Apply enough glue to cover tabs evenly

• Avoid excess glue squeeze-out

• Hold joints firmly for 2–3 seconds

• Full set occurs within 10–20 seconds

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Once glue touches printed surfaces, it cannot be removed without damage.

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Final Notes

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Your first model is a learning experience.
Every build improves technique, precision, and confidence.

Take your time.
Enjoy the process.