The popularity of model building has stayed fairly consistent over decades. Model builders can hone their crafts using a variety of techniques and materials, so a person new to the hobby may want to consider focusing on one type of model building to start. Plastic model kits are perhaps the most popular because they are generally easy to work with, inexpensive, and readily available for purchase. A trip to a hobby shop will give the new modeler an idea of what supplies are necessary to complete the job, and the supplies should be purchased before the building process begins.
Most new hobbyists have a significant amount of difficulty with painting, and since painting is such a big part of model building, the new builder may want to consider getting advice from an experienced hobbyist. Hobby clubs and other groups may meet regularly, and the new builder might benefit from finding such a club meeting locally to get tips and support when building the model. Painting techniques in particular are valuable bits of information one might glean from such a meeting — some models don’t require paint at all, but rather other materials or substances that can enhance the look of the model.
It is advisable to work only with quality tools when model building. Working with flimsy or cheap tools can quickly ruin a project or make it much more difficult to complete. Hobby knives should be sturdy and sharp, and the blades should be easy to change out quickly. Paintbrushes should be high quality, and the fibers should not splay easily or otherwise detach from the brush. Be sure to buy the appropriate paints for the model, as some materials require certain types of paints that will adhere better than others. Primers may be necessary as well.
Gluing and filling are perhaps the two most common actions one will undertake during model building. If the builder is building a plastic model, the plastic pieces should be washed lightly with soap and water to remove oils and films that will prevent glue and putty from adhering properly. Glue should not be applied straight from the tube; the builder should instead place a dollop of glue on a piece of cardboard and apply a thin bead to the model using a toothpick or other small piece of scrap material. Putty can be applied the same way, though more putty may be necessary, as it needs to be pressed into cracks and holes.