File :-(, x, )
Anonymous
Hello again, /po/.
Like always, feel free to use this thread as an F.A.Q.

Where do you cut your crafts? On the lines? Outside? Inside? Why?
Do certain crafts require a specific one?
I've built all but the arms on the Cactuar craft, but the legs, torso, and head were a bitch to put together. Was it because I cut outside the lines, giving it a little bit more surface area? Or was it just due to my inexperience?

Also, how do you use clear coat on your crafts?
Piece by piece, when it's finished? Perhaps before you even build it?
How many coats do you prefer, if any?

There's no need to hold back, say what you think, any help I can get is appreciated.
In return, I offer you my color edit Carbon Kirby.
>> Psycomega
Oops, forgot to use my name...
>> Anonymous
I always cut ON the lines. No particular reason, except for the fact maybe the line is the guide, so I follow it. Others may say: if you cut inside the line, you won't have the lines showing on the finished model, but I don't mind that (there's usually fold lines showing anyway).
But all in all: the lines are so thin, that it shouldn't really make a difference for the fit. Paper/cardstock is a little flexible anyway, so you can always adjust it a little so it fits the way you want it to.
I haven't build the cactuar myself, it may be your inexperience, maybe it's just a difficult papercraft. Not all papercrafts are designed easy.
If people coat their papercrafts at all, it's usually down after building (otherwise, the coat won't be on the cut edges anyway). The number of coats: as many as you want/need. Several thin layers are better than one thick layer.

The best answer to all your questions: try the different techniques/blades/glues/paper/varnishes/etc yourself and see what works best for YOU. The techniques and tools I use give ME the results I want, but that may not be the results YOU want...
>> Jen
A user once decided to take 3 Krylon varnishes and try them out on papercraft. The matte finish will not change the sheen of the papercraft, but will just protect it a little better from the elements. The matte finish took 2 thin coats, I think. The shiny finish took 2 thin coats to get a shiny finish, as does the clear finish, which isn't as shiny. The glaze finish takes 3 coats to get a nice shine. But all of this can vary. Really, it is what works best for you.

I cut inside, outside, and on the lines, depending on what seems to work best for each line I'm cutting on or around. Sometimes I even import the papercraft into photoshop before printing it to modify a few things before I even begin working on one. I may go back after I make the first one and change the template to better fit my tastes and make a second one that looks more like I want it to.

Like it's already been said, it really is just personal taste. Now, if you want to know what users do to create certain effects with their finished papercrafts, then there's a subject I think we can have an open discussion on.

Clear coat the papercraft after it's finished and has been allowed to dry from all the gluing. Clear coat is usually used to protect your work after it's finished. On the other hand, Krylon's Workable Fixative can be used while drawing. Some charcoal artists use it to help build layers without having to worry about losing the extreme highlights and darks before the final coat of fixative. It also helps to keep the spray can from moving charcoal all over the drawing.