How to Make an Arab Dhow

Purchase an Arabian dhow model kit from an online retailer or a hobby store. These kits will come in varying degrees of difficulty and detail, so pick an appropriate model. If this is your first time, you might want to settle for an easier kit and work your way up to harder ones.

Lay out all the building materials in a clean and organized work spot. Count all the pieces and compare it to the materials list in the guide. This will prevent you from making it halfway through the model only to discover that you are missing some of the pieces.

Use the modelling knife to cut out all of the pieces and the sanding paper to smooth out any rough edges or mold lines. Your kit is likely to be made out of wood, so sanding will help remove any mold lines or excess pieces of material. You do not need to sand each piece thoroughly, as the entire dhow will need to be sanded before the end.

Insert each of the pieces into the appropriate spot. Fix them in place using a small amount of modelling glue. Ensure that the piece is perfectly in place before gluing, or the dhow may be uneven, and you will have trouble completing it.

Sand the entire model once it has been constructed. This will help the paint and varnish stick to the model much more uniformly than if you attempted to apply it without first sanding.

Paint your model. Dhows did not traditionally have bright colors, so a simple white or black border or small details should suffice. Use tape to ensure that you don't paint outside of the border. Once the paint has dried, apply a layer of varnish to model. This will make your dhow look more authentic. Let the model dry.

Once the dhow is completed, slip the triangular sail over the dhow's mast. If you are using a large kit, there may be two sails.