How To Make Zimmerit: 1/35 Panther Zimmerit Tutorial
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 พ.ย. 2015
- This is a video tutorial of my take and interpretation of one of the many styles and patterns of zimmerit commonly found on German Panther tanks of World War 2. I am no master at zimmerit and the whole intent of the video is to show how easily realistic effects can be made with these tools and materials. The turret is from Tamiya's older 1/35 Panther model kit. The zimmerit coating applicator tools are also from Tamiya. The compound I use to create the zimmerit is Elmer's brand acrylic wood filler found at most home improvement stores.
In addition to this TH-cam channel, I have created a Facebook group page dedicated solely to 1/35 model and diorama building. Please follow the link below to join and share the hobby!
LINK: / 426035791264804 - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
Thanks for the video. It's great. A tried this and have a couple of observations. The tub of Elmer's wood filler I bought was a little too stiff out of the box. The Tamiya zimmerit tool would just wipe all of it off. I added a little water and got the same result that you did. But you only need a very tiny amount of water. I added about 3 drips of water from the faucet to about 2 tablespoons (sorry for the old measurements) of putty, mixed it up with a cocktail stick, and it was perfect. I added just a little more than this in my first attempt and it was too liquidy - so that the Tamiya tool again just wiped it all off. I just wipe the tool off with toilet paper after each swipe and only wash it after a session. But you do need to wash it then because otherwise putty will build up between the teeth and wipe everything off.
Best tutorial on zimmerit I've ever seen. Great video mate! Thank you very much.
Thanks Tom. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I have recently started a Facebook group dedicated to armor modelling if you'd like to join. Here is the link: facebook.com/groups/426035791264804/ Hope to see you there.
Obsessed With Armor ill join right now! My name is thomas John ok Facebook :)
I just tried this tool with Vallejo plastic putty and it works like a charm
Great video and tutorial. I built this same kit 36 years ago. I applied zimmerit using dry wall Spackle (the standard for that time) and applied it using a small strip of corrugated steel. All was well until a couple of years ago, the zimmerit started flaking and pealing away in spots. I've done some mods and repainting and it now has a nice battle worn look! All was not lost!
Tad Ulrich p
I give the plastic a rough sand before adding wood filler. Gives it more to grab onto. Nice vid.
Always a great idea to rough up the plastic. Thanks for the comment and I'm glad you enjoyed the video.
Great How to video! This method that you show is much cheaper than buying photo etch zimmerit sheets. Bravo!!!
Thank you for the awesome tutorial. Best I've seen yet.
+Jeff Beltran Thank you sir. I really appreciate the positive comments. Just a quick and simple demonstration of one of many ways to try to replicate zim. I am no expert but if someone can take away something from the video then it was worth making. Again, thank you and good luck with your projects!
Your tutorial helped a lot. I'm going to pick up a couple of the old Tamiya Panther A and try this on.
Awesome video, great job with the end result too! Glad I'm not the only person who sees German armor models and thinks they need Zimmerit
Just purchased this kit then found your video excellent would of liked to of seen the whole turret done it looked great thanks for taking the time and for sharing
When you were washing it off I was like NOOOO! Great video thanks for posting.
Nice job. Years ago I used the Squadron Green putty to make the square zimmeritt pattern on a Panther and it came out well. I will definitely be using this in the future. Great video!
Awesome looking job!
Great tutorial also! You made it look super easy to do!
I’m not afraid of the Z monster anymore!
Thanks for the demo, really enjoyed watching it.
+Clem OMM Absolutely! Thanks for the positive comment and I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Happy modelling!
I used to use modeling putty and a very small flat screw driver. It worked well for me. I wish I still had the models to show off. Many of my models were lost in my moves from state to state and city to city. It's time to try it again.
This is an excellent video! Thanks for sharing it! I plan on giving this technique a try on the Dragon King Tiger that I will be working on in the future.
+beuford1982 You are very welcome and I'm super glad you found the video useful! As a younger modeler (many moons ago) I used to struggle and get so frustrated trying to do zimmerit. Now, trying different combinations of materials and techniques, I've found that this gives satisfactory results. Atleast for me anyways. Thanks again for the positive comments and good luck with your project!
Thank you for this practical and economical technique.
Super tutorial. !!!!! I to time future building Panther Ausf. A, Meng 1:35 TS-035 and Befel. Panther Ausf.A late, No. 35011 Das werk. Nice job !!!. Edward, Czech Republic.
Thanks for a great "how to" video... I've struggled with zimmerit in the past and am looking forward to give it another go... this time with Elmer's wood filler!
+Quixotic Modeler Thanks for the comment and I'm glad you enjoyed the video. The Elmer's wood filler works pretty good when using the Tamiya photo etched zimmerit tools. I haven't yet, but would like to try either drywall compound or wall spackle in place of the wood filler, just to see how it would work. Just have to make sure to keep it water soluble so it's easy clean up of the teeth of the applicators and also be able to wash the model off if I don't like the pattern. Sometimes I have to remind myself that zimmerit jobs were not perfect in real life. Again, thanks for commenting and good luck on your project.
***** I was sorry to see you wash off for demo purpose that perfect zimmerit job on the Panther turret. Appreciate your in-depth research with historic photos revealing the various patterns used. Looking forward to your future posts.
Very well done. Clear and concise. Thank you.
+Robert Hanson Thank you very much sir for the positive comment and I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
I am so doing this! thanks for the video.
thanks dude! I actually have the same kit and just got tool from tamyia in the mail. The wood putty is what I was not sure of. Now I know!!!!
I stumbled upon a book in the library "The Panther Tank. Hilter's T-34 Killer", an Images of War Special, by Anthony Tucker Jones. It reminded me (actually I never forgot) that I have that exact same Tamiya Panther model in my stash! I'm not so knowledgeable on WW2 armour, and always thought the Zimmerit coating was field-applied. The book mentioned though for the Ausf. A, Zimmerit starting being applied in the factory. Therefore, when I finally get down to picking up where I left off, I'm going to have to try out the technique demonstrated in this video. I really like the part about using Elmer's Wood Putty. I little personal history trivia; I picked this Panther model to use my Tamiya prize voucher on, after I'd won a consolation prize submitting a Tamiya 1/48 A6M5c Zero. BTW that Zero kit (way back in 1989) was a real joy to assemble. I could not believe how well the parts fit! Glad to be able to say they've kept up the good engineering in their molds. Yeah, so I'm actually more of an aircraft guy :> hee hee. Oh, no, I don't work for Tamiya or anything like that. They've just earned my regard. Thanks for sharing in this video. I'm way more confident to try out being a MAN (German tank factory) worker on my Panther now.
Nice technique! I'm going to use that method with my Meng Panther A.👍
Thanks for this video, and great work!. I just bought this kit on my honeymoon in Branson and was hoping to learn how to do a zimmerit coating. Guess il have to order that tool now, looks pretty simple to use
+kse1948 That kit would be a very good one to start with and practice on. Lots of flat surfaces without much obstructions which makes it easier to apply. I recently bought some joint compound and would like to try that in place of the wood filler. I really like the wood filler's texture and appearance but sometimes it seems like it pulls too much when going through the paces and you lose some of the detail. Just remember whatever type of putty you use, make sure it's water based so you can clean up your tools easily and often throughout your applications. I bet I zimmed the turret a half a dozen times or more per side just to get it just right. I think I'm a little too finicky sometimes but that's ok because the wood filler just washes right off and you can start over. Good luck on your panther, thanks for commenting, and glad the video was helpful.
Hi there!
Great idea and good demonstration. I’m looking to use this technique on a 1/16th Panther.
What I like about your method is the fact that if you mess it up or just don’t like the pattern / effect, then its easy to wash off.
You have a like and a new subscriber.
Greetings from the UK!
Maybe you could show the turret with the dried wood putty and painted? I would really enjoy seeing how this looks on a finished model!! Great video, Thank you!
This excellent. Next German tank will be done this way.
Very thanks to share!!!.. Awsome tutorial... On the other hand I used those tools with modeling artist paste of Amsterdam. That paste is very different to milliput, tamiya or another epoxie putties. Amsterdam parte it's an acrylic paste and very easy to use..
+Ivan C Thank you and I'm glad you enjoyed the video. The wood filler works well however I would like to experiment with other types of acrylic paste. I will have to see what other choices in acrylics I have. I really like the zimmerit tools as they are very fast and easy to use. I do kind of wish the pattern was a bit taller, like maybe .9 or 1.0 to give just a bit thicker appearance. Maybe a smoother type of acrylic paste would give better results for me. Thank you again for commenting and good luck with your modelling.
Awesome ,the perfect Zimmerit
Very good video! Thank you.
Great video!
Very good tutorial, some very interesting patterns!!
I agree! Really interesting how the styles differed from manufacturer to manufacture through out the zimmerit period. Always a challenge (but that's part of the fun) trying knew methods to replicate the different patterns. Thanks for the positive comments and good luck with your channel and future projects.
Simpel and verry effective ! certenly gona juse this some day thx alot
Super tutorial. My try at zimmerit was using the Tamiya sticker type stuff on a late model tiger... I will definitely give this a try next time.
+sorichar Thank you very much for your positive comments and I'm glad the video has inspired you to try a new approach at making zimmerit! With the water soluble wood filler (or similar waterbased product, you can practice as much as you want until it's perfect. Thanks again and much appreciated!
+daytonaturbofreak the research you did was excellent too. I had no idea the styles of zimmerit varied so much.
Great video! Thank you very much for showing us. /Erik
Thank you for sharing us.
That filler looks like peanut flavor ice cream. Nice job!!
nice tutorial. Even with one hand I think I can do this
Fantastic demo. Thank you. Could you show how to apply on sides where the tools etc need adding?
Great Video!!! Thanks man!
+Michael Gershon Not a problem. I'm happy so many people have found the video helpful and the overwhelming positive responses. Thanks for commenting and glad you enjoyed the video!
Great video, plan on trying this on some Tiger and Panther builds later. Quick question though, could you use this wood filler for filling gaps as an alternative to putty? Thanks in advanced!
Well I wish I saw this video before I used used the zimmerit decals that came with my Trumpeter kit. How do you do the compound curves for the machine gun?
nice vdie on making the zimmerit! For information purposes - the Zimmerit was only applied to the German tanks from about mid-1943 to about October 1944. During this time period, all German tanks at the factory, and those being over-hauled in the field were supposed to be covered with the zimmerit. After late '44 they stopped applying the zimmerit.
That is a very good job.
+steve walker Thank you sir! Practice makes perfect and that's the beauty of using a water soluble putty such as that Elmer's wood filler. If you don't like it, just wash it off and start over. Even if it's completely dry for a week, you can still wash it off with some warm water no harm no foul. Thank you again for the positive comment and glad you enjoyed the video!
***** You are welcome.
Congratulations ! I like so much! I try to do in the same way, but i think very difficult found the Elmer's wood filler here in Brazil. I try with a local brand. Thank you Daytona!
+fidinboca If I can do it, I know you can too! I'm glad the video helped you out and good luck with your project!
Awesome! Thank you very much from Russia!
Thanks for the tutorial!, it's interesting that you are using wood filler as the real thing contained wood byproduct.
Thank you and I’m glad you enjoyed the video. I think the color (light yellow) also would mimic real scraped, scratched, or otherwise somehow damaged zimmerit!
Awesome work! I hope to find the wood filler here in Brazil!!!
+Carlos Eduardo Souza Thank you for the kind comment. I too hope you can find some wood filler or something similar in Brazil! Good luck with your project and I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
Excellent video! Thank you! I'll sub
Thank you so much for your subscription and I'm glad you enjoyed the video.
What can you recommend? I'm thinking of applying zimmerit first (with the wood filler you exactly have) then painting it with red oxide, first layer and so on and so forth. Is it advisable to paint the red oxide first or is it okay if I apply the zimmerit first?
A thread gauge set does the job too, since i'm a metric guy i use my imperal kit for this ; )
THANKS :D BRILLANTE SALUDOS DESDE MEXICO
Thank you for the tutorial my good sir! If I may ask (since I'm new to making scale models) the wood filler/putty is paintable, right?
nice good job
+redegeldunit420 Thank you very much for the kind words and glad you found the video helpful!
I remember building that kit in '95. I always used an old piece of a hacksaw blade to apply my Zimmerit with the good old Squadron green putty. Good memories!
I messed up a few models with that Sqaudron green putty back in the day. Still haunts me!
I use this technique in my 40K armies :D But with Milliput White
this was impressive.
+Adam Mann Thank you. It's not a perfect job by any means but if the video inspires someone to give zimmerit a shot, then it was worth the effort of making the video. Zimmerit was not even in my vocabulary when I was younger as it scared me to death. So worried about ruining a model kit (which I did on more than one occasion). That's the beauty and the power of the internet, all kinds of information right at your finger tips! Thanks again for commenting and I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
how well does the elmer wood filler stick to the plastic ,does it improve the bond if you rough sand the area to receive zimmerit , also how well does it stay bonded thru painting and weathering ? thanks for the information
+Bryan Hall Hello. The wood filler actually sticks really well. I would definitely sand any areas that are to be zimm'd with 220 grit as it will promote better adhesion. It stays perfectly bonded through painting and weathering and I think the only way you'd have a problem with it is if you intentionally tried to scratch through the wood filler. I dabbed on Tamiya thin cement over the wood filler to help form a hard protective shell over the zimmerit for more durability for handling the model, etc. Thanks for commenting and I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
This technique works very well. I'm just having some trouble applying it to the top section of my jagdtigers hull, there's a lot of obstacles such as a gun port and the gun travel lock and i can't seem to get around them without screwing up. Any suggestions? Thanks
About the only suggestion I can make is maybe try working smaller sections first. I have been trying to figure out the best way to do this type of zimmerit on a Brummbar. There are so many angles and "obstacles" to try to zimmerit around, especially circular areas such as around the howitzer collar and pistol port holes. I think I'm going to just try to do the smaller, trickier areas first, then fill in the larger, easier areas last. If you do mess up, or something doesn't look right, you can easily was it off and try it again. Eventually you will be happy with the job you did. That's how I think I'm going to approach my Brummbar in the future.
+daytonaturbofreak thanks for the tip. I'll take your idea and only do little sections at a time
If you want cheaper version of this tool, or with different spacings, go look for jigsaw blades. They have variety of tooth sizes you can choose from. Only downside is that you have to grind them down to a point - they are usually 0.5-1mm thick with wavy cutting edge, so you need to make it straight by grinding - few minute job with dremel, or other grinder, and you have tool just as good.
I have loved your job sir! I'm trying zimmerit for the first time. I took the same materials but i'm so far from your goal. I have tried different attempts, with the applicator in the vertical way, at 45° , with a very thin lay of putty also with too much putty. The result it is the same, the putty stops on the applicator, any suggestions?
Perhaps the putty is just a bit too thick in consistency. Try adding just a drop or two of water to thin it up a bit. But not too much, it can get runny in a hurry!
I have the same tool from tamiya and i bought elmers wood filler tube for interior, but its so tick that when using the tool all come off...what should be the consistency ?
I did have to add a little water to it and whip it up with a spatula tool. just add a little water at a time until it doesn't come off.
Great
How does it work when it comes time to apply the decals on the zimerrit?
Is it going to stick good or? I;d imagine decals are going to have a hard time staying put on the zimm
I think people use a product called Microsol. It is supposed to help decals "melt" and conform to rough surfaces. Almost gives it a "painted on" appearance when finished. Sometimes needing multiple coats. I usually airbrush my turret numbers and balkenkreuz using stencils so it has never been an issue for me personally.
Paint them.
thanks a lot
I really enjoyed your video. I have these Zimm Applicators from Tamiya, but put them away after what I considered disastrous results. LOL!! I also have this kit, (never opened), but I've built a few of them long ago, a few times. My question is, how long does the Elmers take to dry, and how durable is it to paint and weathering techniques? Once again, great video.
Hi Christopher! I know what you mean about disastrous results. I usually let the Elmers wood filler dry over night. Once the wood filler is fully dry, I would coat it with an application of Tamiya's thin cement. This will create a hard "shell" over the putty plus somewhat penetrate it as well making a quite durable finish to prime. I've never had a problem with wood filler lifting after going through these steps. I would recommend lightly sanding the areas to be zimmerited with some 220 sandpaper. It will give the paste a little extra rough surface to grab on to. Thanks for commenting and I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
Just wondering if I would be able to use any filler to make the zimmerit it coating? Thanks.
yep, approximately half a millimetre thick coating, then use a zimmeritt applicator.
I cried a little when you wiped it off!
Great job DTF! How well does this wood filler hold? It's been more than six months, is it still holding up without flicking? I was almost n tears when you washed it off at the end just to show us it can be done. Did you seal it before applying paint? I wonder how well it hold up against dry brush.
I recommend brushing on some Tamiya thin glue over the wood filler to create a more durable crust, then prime and paint. I have not had any problems with dry brushing or handling of the model. So far so good! Thanks for the positive comments and I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
wow, 1st time I've ever seen zim that looks right. I'll have to do this. thanks. everyone I've ever seen, that makes zim, is always way to thick.
+Clayton McClain Thanks for commenting and I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Zimmerit was definitely not as thick as most people think!
may i ask, since you say this putty is solutable in water, . So does it affect you cleaning it later.. say a end year cleaning where you clean the model with wet towel or hold it directly under a steaming water , just curious
I believe it would still come off just the same. However, if you are satisfied with the zimmerit job, I recommend coating the wood filler with a coat of Tamiya thin cement to "harden" the putty and make it a more durable finish for priming, painting, weathering, etc. Once the putty has Tamiya thin cement on it, it would definitely be a little harder to remove.
finally you post a video again
nice tutorial btw
+Alvin Reyhan Yeah, sometimes life gets in the way of things! Should have more time for videos now over the winter!
+Alvin Reyhan Thanks! This was definitely a fun tutorial to do. Thanks for commenting and glad you enjoyed the video!
Did it dry and finish well?
Absolutely great Video. But that old tamiya kit is a real pain to get it to look good. Do you have a video or pic of your finished kit? Or did you abandon it again.
Thanks for the comment and glad you enjoyed the video. I did have plans for it to be a dug in defense Panther but that kit really is a dog. I figured if I was going to go through the time and energy on a diorama like that I should probably use a more detailed kit. If you'd like to join my Facebook group Obsessed With Armor, the link is at the bottom of the video description. I still have that Tamiya Panther and can upload a few pictures of it. Thanks again for the comments.
Really enjoyed your tutorial. I tried the wood filler and it comes up with the zimmerit tool. Does it need to dry a little before using the tool? If so, how long? Great videos on your channel.
+KEITH SCOTT Hello and thanks for commenting. I'm thinking if the zimmerit tool is pulling up the wood filler then maybe the consistency of wood filler may be a little on the dry side. I've experienced the zimmerit tool pulling the wood filler before too, but not too bad. Try wetting the wood filler (in a separate container) with A FEW drops of water. Just be careful when adding water because too much will make really runny in a hurry. Also, try roughing up the plastic with a little bit of 220 sand paper to take the shine off the plastic where you want to add zimmerit texture. This will help the the wood filler hold on (mechanical bonding) to the plastic better rather than sliding off a smooth surface with the zimmerit tool. I hope some of these tips help you achieve more satisfactory results. Any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Again, thank you for the positive comments and I'm glad you enjoy the videos!
+daytonaturbofreak Thank you so much. I will try that. I was practicing on a scrap piece of plastic. Keep up the great tutorials. LOL.
Awesome Video. I learned a lot. But I've got one question. Is the Woodputty waterproof once it has dried.
No. It's not waterproof. I went over the wood putty with Tamiya thin glue which makes a hard shell and waterproof.
@@daytonaturbofreak Thank you very much.
How much Tamiya thin glue did it take to cover the zimmerit over the entire model?
Not too much. That stuff goes a long way.
Is that smooth putty? All I can get here is gritty and it makes a mess.
17:43 pain
edit: once you apply the zimmerit and then paint over it and everything, if it gets wet will it still come off?
great video btw
If not treated with thin CA or primer/paint, it may soften the detail a bit.
Wish TH-cam would allow picture to be posted, I'd love to show Zimmerit on my Elefant with 2 part Tamiya polyester putty and Tamiya zimmerit tools
I would love to see them. Why not clink the link at the bottom of the video description and join my very new Facebook group "Obsessed With Armor" and share them!
You'd be the very first new member!
wher do you get zimmerts to 1/76 ?
With the Tamiya zimmerit tools, you get two different size applicators. One is for 1/35 and the other is 1/48 or 1/72. i'm not sure which. Good tools though none the less.
Have not problems to fix the filler over the plastic? I mean, you use a wood filler as zimmerit base but I suppose that the filler has a water base, something that could do, when you paint touch the kit or do the weathering that the filler peel off.
I would recommend coating wood filler with Tamiya Thin Adhesive to create a hard outer shell or prime with an oil based primer.
I can’t find your Facebook page, it’s not a normal page, unable to join
Huh, interesting. I tried the link just now and it took me directly to the page. I have it set up as soon as you ask to join it'll ask you 3 questions, then you need admin approval. I literally just made the group page over the weekend and had a little trouble setting it up. I'll have to mess with it more. Apparently I do not have all the bugs worked out. Sorry about that. I'm really anxious to get this group started.
Silly question. Once dried and painted over, will it stay on the model for a long time?
Yes, for sure. I would recommend going over the zimmerit with Tamiya thin cement to “harden” the wood filler. Prime, paint, and good to go!
@@daytonaturbofreak Awesome. I'm going to start practicing on some scrap plastic real soon.
So as with German camo there is no real wrong way to apply it.
+Da-Mad Modler Exactly! No two are alike and just about anything goes! Thanks for the comment and glad you enjoyed the video!
wher do you get the zimmareit ciment?
Just about any hardware store should carry it. I got mine from Menard's. It was back in the paint department near the stains and polyurethanes.
***** im from sweden and its like inpposible to find anithing like that
I dont understand why there are so many different zimmerit patterns. Wouldnt a smooth zimmerit coating be easier and faster to apply?
I think the patterns are more for damage control when taking a hit. Smaller sections will break off with scribed patterns vs. larger sheets if left smooth and unbroken. Think of relief cuts in a sidewalk or driveway to stop the spread of cracks and damage.
@@daytonaturbofreak that makes sense, thanks for the explanation:)
Also the more uneven the surface is, the less likely a magnetic mine would be able to stick to it as well.
*PULL DOWN, SLIDE*
Works the best that way!
I can say that this is a little bit wrong the size of the applicator should be 0.5 and if you look veeeeeery carefully you might realize that the zimmerit was not apply this way .Something like that but not quite .I think that horizontal lines are made later with some instrument
You can make your own zem. It's made of saw dust and pva glue. They put a couple additives for vibration resistance Barium sulfate which is used in dental fillings and zinc which was used for uv resistance to stop bleaching in the sun. They put it on in 2 coats, 1st 5mm with a checkerboard pattern to hold the second coat better. And 2nd was a skim wavy coat with irregular patterns cut in it to keep flat anti tank charges from sticking....the ones you see in pics either never had their 2nd coat added or it has been shot off (when shot with an mg the top coat flaked off most of the time) shooting your own tanks with mgs happened as a regular practice and still does today...it was called removing fleas. I did a series of interviews in college with ex German tankers. I also trained with the German military during my career and hold a German rifleman and paratrooper qualification.
You can’t go to Facebook and find it in the search bar
Oh, ok, sorry for the confusion. There is a link at the bottom of the description area on this video. Click on that link and it should take you to the group page.
Anybody who even thinks of using squadron green putty is out of their mind. I really recommend apoxy sculpt for zimmerit. AFV Club makes an excellent zimmerit tool.
i'm no expert but all the pics i've seen of zimmerit, the pattern is vertical not horizontal. Every single German WWII tank i've seen the pattern goes in the opposite direction of yours. It should be a ladder, not a side ladder.
Disappointing. I want to make the real stuff and apply it to my pickup truck for, uh... research purposes.