So I just finished this prototype Tomb Spider (attached). It is made of cardstock, and comically fragile. I would like a way to harden it before I gesso it. I have been thinking about superglue, but have no real experience using it to do more than just reinforce a weak point on a figure.

So, any ideas for hardening it?

what about PVA glue? it works on paper and dries quite hard, I'd be tempted to water some down, then dip your creation in it, allow excess to run off, then leave to dry and see....

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Spray glue might do it. Of course it will stick to the surface where you are spraying, so it may be good to account for that possibility.

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author of Syncing Forward and other stories...

It's a dog-eat-dog world, and I've got my Milkbone underwear on.

Superglue will be very expensive. I'd try PVA, but watch out for it warping and de-laminating the cardstock. I don't think spray mount will harden it, could try a spray of clear coat.

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AFK with real life, still checking PMs

Thanks for the suggestions! In the end, I got impatient and just gesso'd it twice in black. Worked well enough: it survived the spray intact.

I'm going a little papercraft crazy, actually: I found a Monolith online and scaled it down to 25%. The gem is drying right now. It is certainly the most absurd thing I have ever glued together.

Ahh, gesso is a much better idea.
Monolith sounds fun.

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AFK with real life, still checking PMs

Alright, here it is all ready to defend its ancient relics. Looks viable enough, and didn't take too long.

Very effective, great detail on the back and eyes.

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AFK with real life, still checking PMs

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Nice one!
The eyes are great and the detail on its back brings it to life!

Have you thought about using plasticard rather then card stock to gain more stability (pre-sprayed)?

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Definitely. In fact its flying stand is plasticard, basically a pedestal made from a sprue column and two bits of plasticard.

But for something this tiny, I like printing a numerically controlled pattern. And I worry about bending the plasticard. It would be more solid, but less resilient. I expect a leg or two would snap off during play if it were plasticard, since the joints would already be so stressed.

The Monolith has similar problems: plasticard would obviously be better, but joining separate thin pieces at angles is a pain, as is transferring a printed design onto the plastic for cutting.

Monolith main structure done, just needs details. Expect pics in 24 h.

You could print onto paper and then spray mount the paper on plasticard. After cutting the parts out just peel the paper template off.

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AFK with real life, still checking PMs

very nice and innovative!!

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I see your point.

Looking forward to the Monolith!

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How dare you make your own miniatures without giving money to GW?!