Stargrave Skymine Scenario Set: Full Colour Build Guide

Quick answer

Treat the Stargrave Skymine Scenario Set as a finishing job, not a painting project. Separate the laser-cut templates carefully, seal the printed faces before handling, and paint only the exposed MDF edges so the full-colour artwork stays sharp.

Step-by-step build sequence

1. Unpack flat and keep the film on: Lay the sheets on a clean, flat surface and leave any protective film in place until you have checked every template against the scenario layout. Common mistake: peeling the film off first and then discovering you need to reorder pieces, which leaves the printed faces exposed to scratches during sorting. Photograph the sheets before separating anything so you can match pieces later.
2. Separate the templates with a fresh blade: Cut along the connecting tabs rather than snapping the pieces out. A sharp hobby knife and light pressure keep the satin faces from tearing. Checkpoint: test-fit each piece dry before committing to glue, because a tab cut too close can leave a visible gap in the finished platform.
3. Seal the printed faces before assembly: Apply a thin coat of matte or satin varnish to the artwork side only and let it cure fully. This protects the printed surface from fingerprints and glue smears during handling. Common mistake: using a gloss varnish, which changes the intended satin look and can make the artwork harder to read under lights. Test the varnish on an offcut first if you are unsure how it reacts to the printed surface.
4. Paint the exposed MDF edges: Use a dark grey or black acrylic on the cut rims and any structural supports, keeping paint off the printed faces. This hides the raw MDF and makes the artwork edges look intentional. Checkpoint: run a fingernail along each edge after painting to catch drips before they harden.
5. Assemble in sub-sections, not all at once: Build the flat platforms first, then add the raised or jagged aperture pieces once the base is stable. Dry-fit each sub-section, then glue with PVA and hold until the joint grabs. Common mistake: gluing every joint in one pass, which makes it impossible to correct a twisted platform before the glue sets. Check the whole structure sits flat on the table before the final glue-up.
6. Finish with a protective coat on the edges only: Once the glue is fully cured, brush a thin varnish over the painted MDF rims to seal them against handling. Leave the printed faces as they are if you already sealed them in step three. Checkpoint: confirm no varnish has pooled on the satin artwork before storing the set.

Product facts

• Stargrave Skymine Scenario Set - Full Colour: Laser-cut MDF topped with a smooth satin finish. The satin surface is the finished look, so sanding or priming it will dull the artwork rather than improve it.