Let's get INDUSTRIAL! 🛠 Using real METAL in my Miniature Building (Captains Quarters)

[@KitD2365]

I have to say this project has become my favorite. It's got so much going on. I love the mix of antique and futuristic styles. I'm always impressed by your courage and willingness to experiment with materials on a project that already has so much time invested into it. It's inspiring. Thank you for sharing your creative journey with us.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you so much Kit!! I just keep my fingers and toes crossed while doing it, just hoping I don't mess it up lol!! (maybe that's why I bunched up the vinyl😄)

[@thcusandsunny]

Same here!!

[@DanceswithDustBunnies]

The plastic grid is not for cross-stitch, it’s needlepoint canvas. A lot of terrain builders call it ‘granny grating’ which I find to be rather grating. Wah-wah-wah-waaaaa 🤪

[@Minecraft-uf2zv]

Woahhhh that's some real building ❤️ I absolutely love your dedication to your work! It shows clearly how invested you are in making these amazing miniatures! (P.s I hope you found that video!)

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you!! I think this is the video you are looking for: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHfGXn6tp9ZpoZI Check out around the 35 minute mark for your castle! ;)

[@Minecraft-uf2zv]

@@BentleyHouseMinis thanks so much! ❤️

[@dougsundseth6904]

For the places that the vinyl is popping out, you might want to try heat (heat gun or perhaps a hair dryer on high). I wouldn't do it on the model itself to start with, since I don't know for sure how it might affect either the vinyl or the substrate, but it might be worth testing to see if you can get a more permanent stretch/form. You might also want to take a look at Loot Studios' STL collections. They have a pirate ship collection as well as quite a bit of SF stuff. While they don't do 1:12 scale for most of their stuff, they do have 75mm scale stuff, which is 1:24 (1/2" scale) that you should be able to print at 200% to fit in with this build. The sets have both figures and objects that might be useful. Not sure whether you will find anything you have to have, but I thought it worth a mention.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Great tips! Thank you Doug!

[@JustCallMeMeghan]

Johnny #5!!!! Love it!!!!

[@Zoe-Eves]

Love Short circuit too! Great video, useful to know how different materials work together. Those robots make cool additions, you have some awesome people following you.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I agree!! There is so much talent out there and I am so honored they share some of it with me!

[@teddybeeandme]

Another great video! Love how the metal looks (well done Mr. Technology for suggesting it) and the plastic canvas is the perfect scale. I'm excited to see more ❤️ Also thanks you for showing my little books 😊 it was a lovely surprise at the end.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you for sending the books in! I can't wait to get all the books back up on the shelf soon!

[@sierralapierre9717]

It might help to put a tiny pin prick in the sections of vinyl that won’t stay down to get the air bubble out from under it

[@Dregg13]

Nothing like kicking off the weekend with a live stream and waking up Saturday to have coffee with a new Captain Quarters video. Absolutely love seeing you try a new medium, the aluminum beams! So happy to see the inspiration is back on this project!!!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I am so glad you enjoyed it!! I was having coffee when it uploaded too! Cheers ;)

[@queencityminis]

The robots are amazing, and I absolutely love the stories that go along with them. Monkey Bot was my favorite, but now it's Geeves. Idk what it is about robots, but they pull at my heartstrings. My fiance got a Roomba and I named Wall-E. I thank him for cleaning and apologize if I bump into him 😆

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Same here lol! Our roomba is named Rosie like the robot maid in the Jetsons. Why are they so sweet?

[@megwilcox2878]

I love the wild rides! Creativity, problem-solving, even problem-accepting all on display. I love how the project is evolving, and the real metal is very exciting!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Love the term problem-accepting!! A lot of that happens in this art form lol! Thank you Meg😊

[@mercurybard9794]

I'm glad the inspiration struck so hard, because it really does look completely different

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you!! I can finally see what the finish line might look like👀

[@brikhouse22]

If you use a blow dryer or heat gun to heat up the vinyl you might be able to stick it down in the small holes and corners better

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

ooooh good idea! I will test that out!

[@heatherdee8043]

@@BentleyHouseMinis also, sometimes a well-placed pinhole in the vinyl will release the air underneath/tension in the sheet so that you can get it to lay into tiny areas - like inner corners or those divets that ended up popping out. If the edges of the hole show, you can usually burnish them back down with your ball stylus.

[@agneschrismer9946]

The patience you have amazes me. This is really coming along. Cant wait to see the finished piece.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you Agnes! Sometimes I don't feel very patient lol! So I was really glad that the metal beams helped me leap forward in this project a bit!

[@rachaelkasper5445]

This is inspiring! Using mixed media in projects on a larger scale really fuels creativity. I'm excited to go through my own stash of odd bits and bobs to repurpose them in some way for my French Chateau. Thank you for these tips and techniques and creative ways to mix things into a cohesive project. This is coming together so beautifully!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I totally agree! I didn't expect a whole new material to bring such inspiration! Especially something as intimidating as metal lol👀 Thank you Rachael!

[@chrissychris1360]

For some reason, I thought about the Winchester house with all the stairs, hallways, and doors. Just a thought for your next project😁

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

That house would be amazing and mind boggling to build one day!

[@chrissychris1360]

@Bentley House Minis Mind boggling is right, I can imagine.

[@lyndiutter4519]

That would be quite the challenge since I think Mrs. Winchester created plans for additions up until her last days and construction is even active at the current time:) Seems like she shared your habit of "never 100% finished" concerning projects! Haha

[@thisbeem2714]

@@BentleyHouseMinis I saw it once when I was about 12. She never stopped adding on, and she didn't seem to plan either. I think planning the unplanned would be an intimidating undertaking.

[@CreateOneDay]

I just love your videos and how wildly creative you and many of your viewers are. I'm always so inspired! Your ship is looking so good. And those robots are amazing!!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you!! I am constantly surprised and honored to own the masterpieces that are sent in for my projects. There are just so many talented people out there!

[@margoreppert8241]

The mesh stairs and flooring turned out amazing. Thanks for all the tips when using metallic vinyl.

[@nikkimatthys1995]

That plastic you used for the floor is called plastic canvas

[@kat3910]

I am sooooo loving this journey!! (See? I did watch your goals video and have adopted the mantra for myself!!). I loved the project originally because I enjoy history and things from the past. I created a song book (I think the only one you have) for the Captain, and created original art for the cover (never had done THAT before), and was excited to see the 17th century come alive. When the project shifted and went into the future, I was not quite as "on board" (I HAD to use a ship phrase ;) ) because it wasn't the direction I thought the project would go in. HOWEVER - I absolutely LOVE where it is heading now!! I like seeing the metal pieces coming into play, and the use of scraps. And OMG I LOVE THE ROBOTS!!! The very first thought I had was "Johnny five ALIVE!!!" (great movie). Geeves and the others are AWESOME. This project is inspiring me to create create create. Have a great day!!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I am so glad you are still enjoying the project as it is a really big tone shift! But I am hoping it will be more highlight the 17th century portion with all the industrial surrounding it! I loved your song book and I am getting the itch to put all the books back up on the shelf so I can marvel at them again!

[@cathyblount6497]

I love how you show when things go wrong 😂makes me feel I am not the only one, the project is looking great I love the stairs.

[@heatherburke1860]

Try using a heat gun to heat the vinyl while you push it into the small detailed areas. The heat should reset the glue and give the vinyl alittle more give. You can use a blow dryer for this too. That will make it cooler on your hand while you work the details in.

[@geoffbutler7739]

hi you may want to use a hair dryer to stretch the vinyl when putting it on to any reliefs. also may help with the holes and once cold will probably stay indented

[@lycidoll5670]

If you get bubbles in the Vinyl, would it help to use a thin pin to make a tiny hole so you can push the air out?

[@DollhouseTutorials]

You did a great job Ara. Also, I use sick pins for rivets or puffy paint dots.

[@MercedesWoodall]

It's looking great! Beautifully done as per usual 👏

[@edwinacoffman6429]

That stuff is called plastic canvas

[@brindacoble8817]

I am loving this so much! I have been wondering how I could incorporate vinyl into a project, but without a true visual, it was hard to imagine or figure out how it would actually work. You did such an amazing job! Thank you so much for sharing your creativity!

[@thatoldbiddy2]

I love your designs. This one seemed weird to me. Only in respect to the placement of the figurehead and crows nest. Crows nests seem like they should be higher than the figurehead that is normally on the bow of the vessel. Anyway.- sure there is a reason you did it that way. Love your ideas... thanks for sharing.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I guess I didn't explain that very well so I can see why it was confusing. The idea is that the pieces fell off the ship at varying times in its life and the pieces were kept and then repurposed in different areas in this cargo bay. The crows nest would possibly be integrated with some control panels and then the figure head is more just 'preserved' looking over the ship. Hopefully I can explain it a bit better in the video where I finalize their position and build them. Thank you for watching😊

[@thatoldbiddy2]

@@BentleyHouseMinis Thank you!! Perfect placement with that in mind.

[@thatoldbiddy2]

@@BentleyHouseMinis Love the mail time earrings- made me laugh.

[@MachinaGirlRobots]

Ok, random comment but every single pair of earrings are awesome! Loved the Rubik's cubes!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

😄 Thank you! I get a lot of joy picking out the right earrings for the day lol!

[@DandelyonDawn]

Just a few ideas.. any wrinkled vinyl can be your points of rust/aging.. also for the vinyl that's causing your issue at 26:50 you could use an exacto and carefully cut small 'X' holes to stretch it out enough with a ball stylus that it adheres or cut out the vinyl and fill it in with a contrasting metallic paint to add extra visual interest..

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I will be trying that for sure to see how I can fix it! Thank you!

[@sketchbookscheming]

So fun to see all these new ideas being added to this project! I absolutely love the crow's nest and figurehead ideas! And metal 😃!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you!! Shout out to the live stream chat for their awesome ideas!

[@brindacoble8817]

s quarters! OMG! I am enjoying this project and your videos so much! Love those robots! I'm so excited about watching and joining in your journey with the Captain's quarters! You are awesome! Thanks again for the videos.

[@rexgrl3]

You are the epitome of RRR reduce/reuse/recycle. Well done! OMG It's Johnny 5..."Yo Mama was a snowblower!"

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

😄 He has some of the best come backs

[@andreavictoriaparadiso47]

As always, I so thoroughly enjoyed going on this adventure with you! Mr Technology deserves a hand 👏 for his contribution. And Matthew's bots are absolutely astounding! Just adore how this project is taking shape.

[@philt.d.1508]

I absolutely love the idea of the staircases coming out of the project, hinting to it's larger actual size. And they look sooo good! Great use of the mesh! And man, you have some truly talented watches. Those bots and books look great! And the aluminum track system looks awesome inside the spaceship!

[@JustMe-vt6ie]

What an exciting project! My goodness metal, vinyl, wow. I don't know if it's the same thing because I've never worked with that vinyl , but I've used some heavy-duty contact paper and my heat gun really helps get it in all those little places and smooth it out why don't you experiment with the vinyl and see if it works better with the heat gun when you're placing it?

[@c-nads]

have you ever used aluminum tape? Its basically aluminum foil with adhesive backing. Could come in handy if you're trying to make things look like metal without paint.

[@eshbena]

I have a creative Brian too, everyone needs one. XD But, seriously, I love this project and you give me so many ideas! Thank you!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Agreed! Creative Brian's for everyone! Thank you BJ ;)

[@Vagabondwitchh]

Maybe this is a silly idea, but a fish tank with aliens would be cool. Either the fish tank is super modern and has sunken ships for decor.....or it has antique wood framing and the inside has a space helmet as decor.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

No idea is silly on this channel!! Alien fish would be so fun to figure out how to make!

[@hsmichael]

The screwdriver is called a hex screwdriver, and the material you used for the floors is called plastic canvas. I use another type of hex screwdriver (also known as a hex wrench) for work all the time, and have used plastic canvas for craft projects.

[@cindyfinn4845]

Ara your passive aggressive sarcasm cracks me up lol

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

😄

[@Sandy--hq5ws]

Maybe it will work if you put a needle through these holes that don't stick, so that air comes in. The metal looks really great. 👏🏼

[@Terahnee]

I didn't see this in the comments, but the plastic mesh is just called "plastic canvas" for if people are trying to find it online.

[@MichaelaShadow]

may suggest: use a heat gun on the vynil, it will bend in to the lazercut holes.... be carefull not to burn it

[@mooneflowerz]

Hint for working with Vinyl…try parchment paper while placing it for the first time.

[@yungzubass9648]

Omg love those stairways. Is getting looking real ship now. Holy moly ❤

[@donnacameron4515]

What a fabulous post, so cool watching your ideas evolving as you go. 👏👏

[@teresahickey4380]

How perfect was that metal your husband gave you ❣️❣️

[@moldandfxshop7819]

Use a blow dryer to make the vinyl softer and it will be easier while applying and it will attach better in smaller detail

[@jaysona6562]

The vinyl looks great and agree it would work great in the beetlejuice kitchen. Really enjoy your builds and look forward to starting my own project some day

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you Jayson! I can't wait to try it out on the kitchen appliances😊I hope you do start your own project too!

[@dkp7073]

The crows nest would look cool with a bubble, so being up there feels like your in open space.

[@VitaPlastica]

Is this basically like contact paper? I used to us that a lot and the best advice/tool is to use a credit card or any plastic card to smooth as you go. It can help get into some corners too but using it to smooth instead of my hands made a HUGE difference in bubbles and wrinkles.

[@denisethurman7678]

The tool is called a Allen

[@kevincoon1809]

Those little squares have air trapped poke a tiny hole to let it out and it should stick better

[@renees766]

Vinyl popping out of holes: pin prick a tiny hole in the corner, then repress so air can escape.

[@jacopodani2434]

Your creativity is always inspiring! I'm loving every single one of your projects

[@DiannelLaird]

I love everything you added to the Captain’s Quarters. The vinyl sheets turned out really well. I really like the effect it gives to the space ship, it looks real. It’s really taking on a life of its own. I love the donation of the robots, “number five, is alive!” They are fantastic additions to the new Captains family. Thank you for sharing your talents with us all. I need to add how hilarious your bloopers are. You make me laugh every time.🥰

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

😊 I am always happy to hear that my videos could bring a smile!! I heard Number Fives voice shout that as soon as I saw Geeves lol! Thank you Dianne!

[@lindacsmith13]

wow, that is really coming along. I love the robots!

[@TakeItSlowMo]

Looking incredible 😍😍

[@karsynrasmussen]

Use heat to soften the vinyl and remove the wrinkles!

[@DannyBeckerFilms]

Babe wake up. Bentley House Minis posted.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

😄😊

[@saragoff9065]

Mathews robots are so cool! Well done! 💚💚💚

[@yocampout]

The project and robots are amazing

[@patstoughton]

I love the staircases. They are totally awesome. I'm insanely jealous. Love everything about this project. But then, I love all of your projects. Your humor just cracks me up and I find that I'm often laughing out loud! Thank you.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

💖😊 Thank you Pat! I am always glad to hear my videos could bring some joy!

[@ElizabethMatter]

I'm obsessed with those robots! I really think the Captain's Quarters are starting to come together now. Excited to see what you do next. On the wrinkled vinyl area: could you cover it with some extra greebles maybe, or move the junk pile there? If you're applying again in the future, you can get a tool to help smooth it down (or use a credit card) which I think makes application a bit easier and reduces air bubbles etc.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

We are thinking along the same lines... junk piles in front of the mess-ups lol! Thank you Elizabeth!

[@candiciesinski]

Your live steam sparked a memory for me, When you are talking about liking Casper the movie because your a Christina Ricci fan. I was like me too! Lol. I watched that movie so much when I was younger. It would be so cool if you created a diarama of Cat's room like you did for the movie "The Shining"

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I always immediately think of her ceiling in that room!! I was mesmerized! And if I did that I would HAVE to do part of the hallway outside too. That whole house is amazing!

[@wernersgren5157]

Fabulous work as always, Ara. I adore your videos, and always learn a lot. If you could avoid having music compete with your voice, that would be very helpful from an access standpoint. Perhaps you could keep the music only for the sections when you are not speaking. Thanks!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you! I try to keep it low and not too often in the videos. I am sorry if it was distracting in this one, I will work on that💖

[@PhoenyxAshe]

If no one else has mentioned it, that black mesh stuff is called plastic canvas, which is used with plastic canvas needlework. Plastic canvas needlepoint was one of my earlier forays into structural crafts. I used it to make boxes (functional and attractive), doll furniture, little castles, and so on. I'm seen some of the gaming miniaturists use it as well... though since I started with it in my late teens, I tend to cringe every time one of them calls it "granny grid". It was pretty popular in the late '80s - early '90s, and you could find in the translucent that was the original default plus a wide range of colors. If you needed a florescent green that looked like it would glow in the dark, you could find it. It's a bit harder to come across, and I haven't seen the 10 count grid in ages. Quick tip: if it seems a little ... floppy... for a project, a double layer adds a lot of stability. I've done some pretty big projects using double layers. And given that I still have a few items scattered about the house, it's a pretty durable material.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you for the info and tips to make it stronger!

[@robinoleary7099]

Thank you for always making me smile. You are such a creative role model. I love what you have done to the Captains quarters. Thank you for always sharing you brian and laughter! lol

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

😄😄 Thank you Robin!! Brian is always happy to share!

[@yezzyjames]

We used to have vinyl like that to craft with, ours came with a squeegee like thing that you used to keep it smooth while applying it. I loved that stuff. And these made your Captain's Quarters look riveting. :}

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I need to get a dedicated vinyl squeegee that I keep paint and other gunk off of lol! Thank you Yezzy!

[@michaelholts1598]

Ara going in multiple directions and ending up creating something awesome, makes Ara our favorite KZbin presenter. Since iron isn’t really used in space and the main materials (aluminum, titanium, carbon) don’t rust, rust is at your option. What are those beads you are using for rivets and where did you find them?

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Lol thank you Michael! Rust is so fun to make though lol! The beads are called 'drills' and they are often used in Diamond painting. Whenever I hear someone is doing a diamond painting I make sure to ask for their extra drills! You may also be able to find some online but I am not sure.

[@argusfleibeit1165]

One thing I learned dealing with vinyl Contac material, and somewhat shockingly from my sheet-vinyl flooring installers, is that air bubbles are usually treated by poking pinholes into the bubble to let the air out. I didn't like the idea, but they insisted it's common practice. They claim the holes are small enough to be basically self-healing, and it doesn't weaken the flooring or let water through. You might try some pin-holes to get some of your rebellious vinyl to lie down and stick.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Interesting! I might try that in a hidden spot and see how it goes ;)

[@carmenflores4795]

The robots are absolutely amazing and the spaceship has a more polished appearance. Thank you, greetings from México.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you Carmen!

[@kaelbellchambers]

Well done, Ara. Love the stairs. That must have taken forever! But they look great. This project is looking amazing.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thanks so much! I might have to make a few more stairs too😳

[@Imnotthisnerd]

I love mini stuff

[@industrialtumbleweed3849]

This project is just so cool. I’m looking forward to the next video already, and please tell Mr. Technology we all appreciate his contributions as well!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Will do! ;)

[@LeeAnnH7878]

Oh I love this project! 24:54 my dad is a welder and i immediately thought you could slice out very visible or really prominent wrinkles and turn it into a headline of welding major cracks. P.S. so looking forward to more beetlejuice! 🖤💚🖤

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

OOoh my dad welds too! Great idea!

[@ZoeShears]

Got to love the community on live videos we just love to help 🐱. I'm loving the captain's quarters. I sat to scratch build something as hit a wall with my cottage but the scratch build went wrong so I gave up 🤣

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

It is helpful which is why I love this community! 100's of creative minds are better than one ;) It's always good to take a break from a project when you know you need one!

[@edwinacoffman6429]

I love this. The next time you use the vinyl put it on poster board then on to the surface of whatever so all the imperfections are hidden. I love the scaffolding you've created!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Adding it to the posterboard first is a great idea. It would probably be easier to apply flat on a table too. Thank you Edwina!

[@curtk8715]

The messed up pc of foamboard with the film looks like most fridges look in restaurants and industrial settings. you can wrap the mat board pcs. We make frame for cabinet doors wrapping the pc with a film for the finish and then mitering them together.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

😄 That's good to remember if I ever make an industrial scene with fridges. Sounds fun actually! Thanks for the tips!

[@possumface666]

The Captain's Quarters is coming along so well! All the metalwork looks so cool! I feel like you've gotten to the end of the awkward, in between, "is this thing gonna turn out how I want" stage, which is a pretty big deal. Great work once again. :)

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

It does feel like a big deal and a relief! Thank you! I was wondering around in uncertainty for a while lol!

[@DollySmalls]

WOW!!!! Awesome work! Love the additional resources used on this project!!! Especially the aluminum I beams!!! Thank you for firing up my imagination!!!! Fantastic Ara!!!!!!!!! Totally!!!

[@thisbeem2714]

I am heartened to see a professional creator who will experiment with something new on something that will be a finished project. I do that, and often feel kinda "less than" about it.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I don't have the patience to do testing off of a finished item most days. I only do that if I really know the damage will be irreversible or unhide-able lol! You do you and enjoy your projects Thisbee!!

[@airamsipuola5045]

I almost spit out my coffee with those Short Circuit/DeBarge clips -- SO cute!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

😄 I just had to!

[@The-farms-101]

Off subject bet I still think the little robot would make a cute servant or maintenance worker. I love all the ideas

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

The little one could definitely fit into all the tiny vents ;)

[@Mewtho9]

Were the foil isn’t sticking how you like, could you use sticky gems or resin to make it more a panel again?

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I am going to try some heat first I think but this is a great back up plan for it!

[@nathaliemercier1485]

Wow, wath can i say... it is so cool , i love it a lot like always i cant not waith to see the next step that you will take to make this project on another level, cant whait... have a great week Ara. :)

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you Nathalie!!💖

[@beckystewart8953]

I love the new additions! Have you thought about a catwalk across the back? I would love to see the new wheel in an elaborate crows nest

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

There will be stairs back there but a catwalk would be fun too! I will keep that in mind! 😉

[@MaryGatdula]

I think an astronaut/spaceman figurehead would be funny.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

😄 fun idea!

[@palomamiyaya]

So cool, like all you do. Have you think to work with aluminium paper, the one we use in the kitchen, sometimes is pretty good to give a metal look to projects, is easy to stick with pva glue or mod podge. I just only think that the vinyl will unstick if it gets too hot.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I have never tried Aluminum paper before! I will look out for it ;)

[@WillinrowArts]

I really enjoyed this video. Also big thanks to Brian ❤😂

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

😄😄

[@Strifeheart92]

I love seeing the creative inspiration back for this project!! It's got a fresh new vibe and it's wonderful to see you excited about it again 😍 I also think you're going to need a creative Brian robot 🤖

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

😄 Definitely!

[@patriciablue2739]

Just wonderful!

[@lynnettebelle3019]

Does anyone know Ara's PO Box or where I can find that info?

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Hi Lynnette! It is always in the 'about me' section on my main channel home page ;)

[@DRN]

This really did turne out so well, I love it ❤❤

[@lyndiutter4519]

Just a few ideas for working with vinyl: 1) prep surface before applying (clean, add texture, etc) 2) apply in sections gradually; just remove small area in backing while you attach section then move onto next area. 3) invest in a squeegee tool. Doesn't have to be expensive; gift cards or your driver license work great to smooth it flat and secure and the edges/corners can get into tight spaces for a clean look:) 4) vinyl sticks great to industrial materials (metal, glass, some concrete...) but I've never seen it on paper surfaces, which might account for your issue with card/matte board. I don't mean to come across like a bossy "know it all"; just thought I'd share some valuable lessons learned firsthand as a Graphic Artist that has worked in the vinyl/decal trade :)

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

No worries at all! I welcome knowledge being shared here because it really helps me in the long run! I am new to doing anything with vinyl so I appreciate the help and advice!

[@lyndiutter4519]

My college Graphics mentors taught me that are always learning and improving, just adding more knowledge and skill to our talent:) Even though they had 20+ year Graphic/ printing careers in addition to teaching, it was always amazing to watch them learn something new :) If you ever have any questions, feel free to ask me! I would love to help. I'm no expert by any means but I'm happy to share with you what I do know!

[@dolfinmagikpro]

Great job, my friend! Can't wait to hear more storyline. Those robots are great, I just hope that I can recreate them for the movie! Keep up the great work! As always ... Have a better day!

[@afroborilafemme]

Mr. Technology coming in clutch. Those metal pieces look like heavy duty gurters, something that Bender from Futurama would be bending, very futuristic looking. I’m so glad they cut time for you. I remember how much time it took to make triangle truces.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

😄 Lol Bender better stay away from my beams! Thank you, yeah those triangle trusses took foreeeeeever!

[@afroborilafemme]

@@BentleyHouseMinis They’re both great and add different textures to the project. It’s coming along beautifully.

[@releasingendorphins232]

This was so much fun. You are a Gem. You taught us so many things. I am IN LOVE with your gifted Robots. People are so creative. I can't imagine Artist's being so supportive of my Art Projects to add their own Art work. Who says our world is falling apart. You and yours followers give me great hope.