I started sanding the parts for the foundation and first floor today. I want to mention that while these dollhouse kits come with sandpaper, it’s not sufficient and the grit is quite rough. Since you're working with small pieces, it's easy to sand too much, which can lead to improper fitting. That's why I prefer using a finer grade sandpaper, as it helps prevent damage. I use the finer sandpaper for smaller pieces and between paint coats, while the provided sandpaper works well for larger parts like walls and floors.
I also began assembling the base using wood glue and clamping it with masking tape. Small clamps are effective for this too. Building the foundation was straightforward and highlights the scale of the dollhouse. It's important to paint parts as you go; otherwise, you might regret it later.
After the glue dried, I painted the base. If you don’t wait long enough, the wood can warp and separate at the glued joints, so it's best to wait up to 24 hours. A fan can help speed up this process. When painting your components, make sure to cover all areas and edges. Otherwise, you'll end up with visible spots that are hard to reach later. Every detail matters. Take your time building the foundation to ensure it is securely glued, as it needs to support weight and provide a solid base for further assembly.
For the chimney, I used wood glue, which made assembly easy. Always use wood or tacky glue, preferably together, especially on load-bearing walls or main joints. Hot melt glue can be used temporarily while the main glue dries. I applied tacky glue for the small hearth walls because it holds pieces in place without allowing them to slide. It dries clear, making it ideal for small or finished parts, and clamping is straightforward in this process.
I painted the chimney the same color as the foundation and added a gray sponge technique to create a textured look that resembles stone or cement. Staining the bookcase was also an effective cosmetic choice.
This dollhouse assembly differs from a 1-inch scale assembly; I need to apply flooring before installing the walls since my hands won’t fit in later. I must proceed carefully with this dollhouse to finish each piece before gluing them on to avoid dead ends during assembly.
Lastly, I painted the ceilings before adding the second floor since that would be impossible afterward.
