Making Zimmerit coating on German tanks

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Putty method

I prefer this method which is achieved by smearing one compound Tamiya putty onto the plastic kit´s surface with an X-Acto knife. The blade is frequently sucked into solvent.

The putty was attached in sectors and after a short curing time - till the putty-surface turns to a still flexible membrane - textured with a small screwdriver (~ 0,15 inch). One has to be aware, that the rims have to "look down" (see sketch).

Voilą, the next sector can be coated with putty! To make chipped coating, seal spots with masking tape or masking liquid. To mark places, where tools have to be fixed, previously to coating drill small holes and insert wire or toothpicks. Tip: if the layers are curing too quickly, apply turpentine with the soaked blade again.

You can also make stamps to simulate different patterns like the "Waffel-pattern" on assault guns. Instead of pressing the screwdriver into the putty, this time you use the stamp. Here you can see the effects of the first method:

After market products

As the big companies like Tamiya seldom provide kits with Zimmerit coating, the after market products get more and more interesting for those, who want to safe time but spend money.

There are several materials at hand as for instance using photo etched metal plate, as it is supplied by the Eduard company.

This material is best applied by means of an instant super glue like caynoacrylate or two compound super glue. The edges have to be sealed with putty.

Another solution is to take very thin resin plates from the Cavalier or ATAK company. I consider these as the best material for resembling this paste because it is not as even, as the photo etched metal plates.

One has to carefully cut out the resin foliage. For attaching it to the model use super glue. The edges should be coated with putty, to hide the plate-effect.

The risky method

In former times I practised this method also, but since at about 23 years i omitted it. Maybe I should give it a new try (and new, smaller tools)?

I´m talking about using a soldering tool for burning the Zimmerit pattern into the plastic´s surface of the kit. So you can imagine, why I call this the risky method: one has only one try. If you are doing wrong, you have to buy another kit...

To the right you can see such a product from my youth modellers period: