Dioramas Cheatsheet
Common Diorama Scales
| Scale | Ratio | Typical Use | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:12 | 1 inch = 1 foot | Dollhouses, furniture models | Detailed, easy to find materials |
| 1:24 | 1/2 inch = 1 foot | Miniature scenes, small figures | Balance detail & size |
| 1:35 | 1/35 scale | Military models, vehicles | Popular for military dioramas |
| 1:48 | 1/4 inch = 1 foot | Aircraft models, architectural | Compact yet detailed |
| 1:72 | Small aircraft & vehicles | Space-efficient, common in kits | |
| 1:87 (HO) | Model trains, railroad dioramas | Widely used in train modeling | |
| 1:144 | Miniature figures & vehicles | Small scale, less detail |
Essential Tools & Materials
| Tool/Material | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hobby Knife | Cutting, trimming | Sharp blade, various sizes |
| Tweezers | Handling small parts | Fine tips preferred |
| Cutting Mat | Protects work surface | Self-healing recommended |
| Paint Brushes | Detailing and painting | Various sizes, fine tips |
| Model Paints | Acrylics, enamels for colouring | Matte, gloss, weathering colours |
| Glue (PVA, super glue) | Assembly and bonding | Use as appropriate per material |
| Foam & Plaster | Base and terrain shaping | Lightweight and moldable |
| Static Grass/Foliage | Realistic grass and plants | Various colours and textures |
| Modeling Clay | Sculpting terrain or figures | Air-dry or oven-bake types |
| Airbrush | Smooth paint application | Optional, for advanced users |
Building Diorama Bases
| Base Type | Materials Used | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wooden Board | Plywood, MDF | Durable, sturdy | Heavier, needs sealing |
| Foam Board | Styrofoam, extruded foam | Lightweight, easy to shape | Fragile, paint needs sealing |
| Cardboard | Corrugated or thick paperboard | Cheap, easy to cut | Less durable, warps with moisture |
| Plastic Sheet | Acrylic, PVC | Smooth, waterproof | Harder to work with |
| Mixed Media | Combination of materials | Customizable | More complex to assemble |
Terrain & Scenery Techniques
| Technique | Description | Materials & Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Texturing | Creating ground surface textures | Plaster, spackle, sand |
| Painting Basecoat | Applying base colours | Acrylic paints, airbrush |
| Adding Vegetation | Grass, bushes, trees | Static grass, flocking, clump foliage |
| Water Effects | Simulate rivers, lakes | Resin, gloss medium |
| Rock Formations | Sculpting or using real rocks | Modeling clay, plaster, real stones |
| Weathering | Adding dirt, rust, and wear effects | Weathering powders, dry brushing |
Figure & Object Placement
| Consideration | Tips |
|---|---|
| Scale Accuracy | Match figures to base scale |
| Focal Point | Arrange figures to draw attention |
| Natural Poses | Pose figures realistically |
| Interaction | Create scenes that tell a story |
| Layering | Use depth for visual interest |
Painting & Detailing Tips
| Step | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Prime Figures | Use spray primer for paint adhesion |
| Layer Paints | Start with base coats, add highlights |
| Dry Brushing | Highlight raised details |
| Wash/Shading | Add shadows for depth |
| Sealing | Use matte or gloss varnish |
| Weathering | Use powders or paint for wear |
Diorama Lighting Ideas
| Lighting Type | Usage | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| LED Strips | Ambient lighting | Even illumination |
| Spotlights | Highlight focal points | Dramatic emphasis |
| Fiber Optics | Simulate stars or small lights | Realistic fine details |
| Natural Light | Daytime scenes | Soft, natural shadows |
Common Diorama Themes
| Theme | Popular Subjects | Typical Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Historical | Battles, ancient ruins | Plastic kits, terrain |
| Nature Scenes | Forests, rivers, wildlife | Foam, flocking, real moss |
| Urban/Modern | City streets, vehicles | Plastic, paper, paint |
| Fantasy/Sci-Fi | Aliens, robots, imaginary worlds | Custom parts, LEDs |
| Military | Tanks, soldiers, battlefields | Model kits, weathering powders |
Storage & Transport Tips
| Tip | Advice |
|---|---|
| Use sturdy boxes | Protect diorama during moves |
| Wrap delicate parts | Bubble wrap or foam |
| Keep assembled or disassembled | Depends on diorama complexity |
| Avoid moisture | Prevent warping and mold |
| Label parts | For easy reassembly |
Troubleshooting Common Problems
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Paint peeling | Poor surface prep or primer | Reprime and repaint |
| Fragile parts breaking | Thin or weak materials | Reinforce with glue or supports |
| Uneven terrain | Poor base shaping | Sand and reshape before painting |
| Foliage falling off | Weak glue or incorrect materials | Use stronger adhesives |
| Colour fading | Sunlight or harsh cleaning | Use UV-resistant sealants |