Diorama Wood Veneer Fascia

In two previous videos, we looked at tools and techniques to get a very presentable finish on small diorama scenes, using Mod Podge Hard Coat and also making our own sanding boards to keep things nice and square.
This time out we went full woodworker. Well, more like a hobby crafter, but I think it worked! We bought some thin red oak wood veneer and covered our XPS foam with it. I think the results are terrific and as important, it's a pretty easy process.
Once you get the hang of this, it's really not much more involved that gluing thick paper stock to foam. We all tend to put a lot of time into our scenes, why not give them an elegant base for display?
Raildig Mod Podge Hard Coat video
• Mod Podge Hard Coat | ...
Raildig DIY Sanding Boards
• DIY Hobby Sanding Boar...
Rad Oak Veneer
www.amazon.com...

[@itcamefromthenerdcave1669]

Great video! My 17 year old has caught the diorama bug (like his dad) and we are definitely going to use this technique.

[@Raildig]

That's great to hear, thanks for commenting on this. And also, this diorama veneer has now come through a hot, humid summer here in NY and shows no signs at all of the veneer coming away from the foam!

[@philRminiatures]

Creative and nice job, lovely dio!👍

[@Raildig]

Thank you!

[@rudiloof7064]

Looks great! Thanks for this video!

[@Raildig]

Thank you for the nice comment! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@rudiloof7064]

@@Raildig Your step-by-step explanation really helps my out as a beginner. Love your humor. You really make it fun.

[@bazman4186]

John, nice descriptions and cautions, while you are doing each step.
The dowel sanding sticks are a great idea! You could wrap 2 grits, to allow a mild and finish.
Notes:
Cut the Veneer Left, Front & Right out of the longest side, starting on the Left, so the grain follows around. ;) The back doesn’t matter.
Sand into the Veneer edges. If you sand ‘off’, you splinter the edge.
Same for paint, brushing off the edge. You can also tap the edge with the flat side. That will usually give you enough paint to assure complete coverage.
Keep the ideas following :)

[@Raildig]

All good stuff there Jeff! This is definitely a new favorite of mine, good notes from you here, thanks!

[@paveloleynikov4715]

Trying to protect sides with paint remind me of old joke about poorly built house "Don't peel the wallpaper, it is load bearing element". I suspect, you could get more... Rigid result with old school alkydic enamel paint... To the time when it decide to chip itself off:)

[@Raildig]

I threw in the primer / paint as I mainly used that as a barrier for the other two paints, wasn't sure if they'd melt the foam or not. Plus, I have the little label maker and who doesn't like a good label :)
I think the veneer (or similar) is the best way to go for me for now as it gives the piece a solid feel. And I DO remember my first apartment by the water... the wallpaper was load bearing!!!