OUR GUiDE TO How to Make Miniature Buildings from Scratch
Scratch‑building terrain is one of the most rewarding aspects of the hobby. It allows wargamers and miniaturists to create unique, immersive environments tailored to their armies and campaigns. The process combines structural design, material selection, and finishing techniques.
Core Materials
Foamboard: Lightweight, easy to cut, ideal for walls and structural cores.
XPS Insulation Foam: Dense, carvable material for stonework, ruins, and textured surfaces.
Cardboard & Chipboard: Affordable options for floors, roofs, and internal supports.
Plasticard (Styrene Sheets): Smooth surfaces for industrial or sci‑fi structures.
Balsa Wood: Perfect for beams, planks, and timber framing.
Cork: Natural texture for rubble, bricks, and stone walls.
Essential Tools
Hobby Knife & Cutting Mat: For precise cuts and safe workflow.
Steel Ruler & Square: Ensures straight edges and accurate angles.
Hot Glue Gun / PVA Glue: For fast bonding of foam and card.
Pin Vice & Drill Bits: For adding holes, rivets, and structural detail.
Texturing Tools: Ballpoint pens, sculpting tools, or rollers for brick and stone patterns.
Construction Workflow
Design & Scale: Sketch the building to match miniature scale (28mm heroic is standard).
Cut Structural Pieces: Foamboard or XPS for walls, card for floors and roofs.
Assemble Core: Glue walls and floors together, reinforcing corners with balsa wood.
Add Texture: Carve brickwork into foam, apply sand or grit for rough surfaces.
Detailing: Add doors, windows, beams, rubble, and roof tiles using plasticard or balsa.
Prime & Paint: Use acrylic primers, then layer paints for stone, wood, or metal effects.
Weathering: Apply washes, drybrush highlights, and effect paints (mud, rust, dust) for realism.
Advanced Techniques
Modularity: Build removable roofs and floors for playable interiors.
Magnetization: Use small magnets to hold modular sections together.
Lighting: Add LEDs for sci‑fi or fantasy ambience.
3D Printed Details: Combine scratch‑built cores with printed accessories for hybrid builds.
Seasonal & New Releases
Holiday Terrain Kits: Many suppliers release festive MDF or resin kits that can be combined with scratch builds.
Winter Scenic Packs: Snow scatter and icy tufts integrate naturally with scratch‑built buildings.
Maintenance Tips
Seal foam with PVA before painting to prevent warping.
Store buildings in padded boxes to avoid corner damage.
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