Hi everyone,

I am thinking of building a Tiger I with zimmerit and curious to know if it will cause any issues with decals that will put on later ? With the surface not being flat and smooth, i wonder how decals will stick ? Thanks.

Thanh.

Usual process applies. Add a gloss coat so they can stick without silvering, use setting solutions like Microsol/Microset to help the decal conform, and be sure to push the decal into the recesses. It may take several applications of setting solution to get a good fit - be patient.

Tom

Thanh;

Hi!

Decals over zimm? I think you get much better results much easier using a spray stencil. Numbers, crosses and most unit emblems are available as AM stencils and give fantastic results. It's just like the real article, where markings were generally stencil-painted either with spray or brush.

The issue with decals on zimmerit is that zimm is a landscape of little hills and valleys... IF you apply a decal AND the decal conforms to those hills and valleys, just like a properly - seated decal should (and as Tom has emphasized), the dimensions of the emblem or number are distorted! IF the decal does NOT conform to those hills and valleys, it will retain its original X by Y dimensions, but will "bridge" the valleys and "silver". It's that, or you have filled those valleys with Future or whatever and created a true flat spot on your zimm! And will have lost that "painted over zimm" look.

The dimension-effect is pretty tiny on 1/72 scale zimm - but will be more evident in larger scale kits.

I like the stencil as it keeps the size and dimensions correct and completely mimics the original painted emblems. Sprayed-on markings "fill" the zimm, whereas brushed-on may only cover the outer ridges (war pics show both effects) - and both are easily doable with the stencil. Stencils are very very easy and quick to use and (my opine, of course) lots of fun. No Future coats, no extra dull-coat, no solvaset, water spots on kits, etc. And the stencil NEVER gives you any silvering problems (unless of course you managed to get some silver paint into the mix ).

Of course, stencils do cost - but if you are going to do even a few builds, the cost starts to become way less per ...

Just my opinion and an alternative suggestion!

Cheers!

Bob

I built that Tiger I with zimm,the decals are pretty good,they go down easily with microst+micro-sol,just take your time and let them work in.mine came as good as paint,check pics in my gallery.

Thanks for all the reply. I will give it a try with decals and the solution to soften the decal and to set it in place. If that does not work then i will look into the stencil options. Thanks again.

Archer makes dry transfers intended to go over Zimmerit. They have a slightly jagged look so they give the appearance of being sprayed on over Zim. Archer guarantees them, so don't worry about messing up.