Gesso is my friend

Yesterday I spackled the pieces that needed it and put a layer of gesso on every available surface. So much easier to work with! (This kit is at least 20 years old, so the wood is not in great shape. I brushed all the sheets in the kit with oil-based stain before I punched anything out, just to condition it. Still, some of the trim pieces crumbled--they didn't splinter, they actually crumbled--so I cut all new trim, windows, and porch pieces out of basswood. Since I got the kit for free, and had most of what I needed wood-wise on hand already, I'm still coming out on the cheap with this house.)