I would like to hear what everyones opinion is on the best product for simulating Zimmerit is.

I've used Squadrons Green Putty and am pretty satisfied with it but am interested to here what others think.

Also the best tool/tools for producing the pattern on the AFV.


Cheers Russ

Milliput is great for this.... Here's a link to a technique that turned me on to this product...

https://members.ozemail.com.au/~firestorm1/How%20To/zimmerit.htm

I think it works a lot better than the green stuff because it doesn't stick like crazy and takes awhile to completely harden. Hope that helps.
Moville.

Oops

try this, it should work.

http://members.ozemail.com.au/~firestorm1/How%20To/zimmerit.htm

Thanks Moville,
Looks alot less messy than the green putty method for sure.

Cheers Russ

I heard the best material is Zimm-it-rite (there's an article in an FineScale magazine as well as in this site regarding Zimmerit).
For my Tiger I, I used Milliput which works great! (I found it a superior material over ordinary model putty as milliput dries longer and can be washed off with water)

I've used Tamiya putty with decent results. It dries very fast like squadron green putty, but doesn't attack the plastic quite as much. I thinned it with rubbing alchohol to keep it workable for long enough to engrave with tamiya's PE zimmerit tools.

I've only done one model with zimmerit and I used Tamiya putty which worked very well for me. On my next model with zimmerit, I plan to try a method that a member of my modeling club (whose models are some of the best that I have ever seen) swears by. He uses DAP drywall spackle. The advantages of this are that it doesn't react with the plastic like putty does, it can easily be removed with water if you don't like the way it works, it is extremely cheap (a large tub at Home Depot costs about $3), it spreads on very thin (my biggest complaint with Miliput was that I couldn't get it thin enough), it doesn't dry quite as fast as putty so you have a bit more time to work with it, and it can be textured the same ways that putty can be. I have tried it out on plasticard and it worked great. I would highly recommend giving it a try. What is there to lose it is only $3.

Avukich

I`m using the wallspackle too for my zimmerit. one of the biggest advantages is that it takes longer to dry so you have more time to work with it. It`s also a lot more fluid so you can make a thinner layer of it
I started to experiment with this and I swear by it too

I highly suggest you use Cavalier zimmerit. This product is realistic looking and easy to apply.

Andrew

someone showed me several methods :

- for simple patterns like those on PZ IVs and panthers : wallspackle and tamiya tools

- for some complicated patterns like the "waffle" one : milliput

I would suggest using Cavalier (yes I know some think it's a wimp-out ) It looks great, and is easy to apply. There is also a new product out made by a company called Attak that is like Cavalier. I just bought their set for the "Porsche" Tiger II and it is really nice, they include a complete molded turrett.
My 2 cents,
Mike

cavilier is awesome but for 1/25 scale( academy panthers i have) i have used the wash it with liquid glue and scribe method for the panther tile type

I have only use wall spackle. Of course, I am yet to try the waffle pattern!

I use the blade of a an exacto brand hobby saw. For small dimensions I use a corrugated material found in HO scale train hobby. It is used in HO trains for corrugated roof. Sorry but I don't know the manufacturer. It is easily avail at Train Hobby shops and you get a ton of it in each packge.

I spent a long, long time trying all sorts of mediums to complete the zimmerite on my 1:8 Panther Ausf. A. These ranged through milliput, model filler, model putty, DAS clay and numerous others.

The best in my experience without doubt is Zimm-it-Rite. Streets ahead of everything else. I also learnt the hard way how to work in properly. Any advice I can give just e-mail.

Good luck.

Peter Mealing (Trackpins)

I'm not sure how you guys can use DAP (or any other) spackle.

I tried it and got a very nice thickness and pattern but, the stuff comes off very easliy when dry. You can hardly handle the model.

For me, it was just too fragile. Are you mixing an adhesive with it?

Steve

I kinda thought the minor chipping and falling off before painting kinda enhanced the over all weathering effect.

I have not added adhesive and not experienced any major problems with large sections falling off. #:-)

Hi

I have used Tamiya Putty and Squadron green. The former worked better. I 'refreshed' it with liquid cement when necessary. I used the filed piece of sprue method for making the ridges. It takes a long time, but looks great when done. Squadron Green was harder to use, and attacked the sprue tool I'd made.

I have zimm-it-rite, and will try that on my next zim project. I've done two PzIV based kits with zim (Stug IV and Brumbarr) thus far.

Cavalier zim looks nice, but I don't think I'll use it - Not unique, and hey, resin zim is for wimps!! :-) :-) :-)


Andy

Thanks guys, I'll give some of these suggestions a go one day.

Cheers Russ