Card model

Card models, also sometimes called paper models, are models of real-world objects made usually of heavy paper or card stock as a hobby, or sometimes as a craft for children. It is generally more popular in Europe and Japan than in the United States.

Printed card models became common in magazines in the early part of the 20th century. The popularity of card modeling boomed during World War II, when paper was one of the few items whose use and production was not heavily regulated, but as plastic model kits became more commonly available, interest in paper decreased. The availability of numerous models on the Internet at little or no cost, which can then be downloaded and printed on inexpensive ink jet printers has caused its popularity to increase worldwide.

Kits can also be purchased inexpensively, and experienced hobbyists often scratchbuild, either by drawing their models by hand, or, increasingly, with software such as Adobe Illustrator. Software also exists to convert 3D computer models into two-dimensional printable models that can then be cut out and assembled. Because of this, there is no practical limit to the variety of models available. Automobiles, aircraft, spacecraft (both real and fictional), buildings, and animals are common.

Sometimes the models can be punched out, but more frequently must be cut out with a hobby knife. Experienced hobbyists recommend cutting models out on a cutting mat and guiding the knife with a cork-backed ruler, scoring any edges to be folded with a blunt instrument such as the non-cutting edge of the hobby knife, and then gluing the pieces together with a thin coat of PVA glue applied with a small paint brush.

To combat paper's tendency to warp, card modelers may seal the finished model. Reinforcing corners and long straight edges with pieces of wood is also common practice.