I finally need my paper shingling templates. First, I dry-fitted each paper template panel on the dollhouse roof to identify the front side. This step is crucial to avoid shingling the wrong side. I secured the templates with masking tape and labeled them "front" so I would remember which side to shingle.
Next, I drew guidelines on all the templates using a 1-inch ruler. This width ensures that the lines for the shingles overlap correctly. Once the guidelines were drawn, I began shingling. I decided to use diamond-shaped shingles for the second and third lines from the top of the panels, while the remaining lines would feature octagon shingles. I marked the lines for the diamond shingles with a pencil on the templates. I dry-fitted some completed panels to check their placement and made adjustments by trimming the edges as needed. Each panel requires this dry fit to ensure a perfect fit, especially since the templates were created before installing the roof panels.
After fitting all the panels, I started staining them. It’s important to apply the main roof panels first and leave the gables for last to make joints less visible, similar to wallpapering. When cutting shingles for the gable sides, I left a tiny bit of excess at the back edge to minimize overlap with the back roof, which helps conceal any gaps. I used tacky glue to attach the panels and clamped them down with binder clips while they dried.
For staining, I made a gray wash using varnish and acrylic paint. I placed the first shingle line on the turrets upside down so that its flat edge aligns with the turret edge. This prevents octagon overhangs from hiding turret trim.
I had to fix some awkward kitchen bay shingle templates after applying them. During construction, I encountered issues with this roof, which reminded me that any mistakes can resurface later. The original templates didn’t fit well, so I removed them and created new ones. Removing shingled paper templates is easy if you use a hammer and putty knife or ruler to lift them gently in sections. While they can break and may need replacing, mine only required minor repairs after removal. I reinstalled them and added more shingles along the edges until they looked right.
Finally, I glued on the chimney and painted the roof ridge and finials before adding them to the roof. Installing these was straightforward; just make sure all finials are straight.
