PanzerKote Zimmerit Creation Tools

from AMMO by Mig

In August 2025, I was provided with samples of the new PanzerKote tools from AMMO by Mig along with the companion book Zimmerit: The Ultimate Modeling Guide.  To see my review of that excellent book, click HERE.  

This review will be of the tools themselves and the new paste designed for creating zimmerit on your WW2 German armor models.  The book covers several methods of creating zimmerit but the tools provided focus on two: ArmorFx zimmerit paste and comb tools, and 3D printed tools to make impressions using epoxy putties.  I used both methods in my reviews.  

I wanted to be able to test the new paste and tools on an actual model so I broke out Border Models Panzer IV H in 1:35 scale to test these.  An upcoming AMPS show also motivated me to create a German example with zimmerit.  

The ArmorFx zimmerit paste has a consistency similar to yogurt and has a slightly gritty texture.  Its water soluble and its color is perfect to represent the pale ochre color of the actual material.  The putty is best applied with a small spatula to make a thin layer.  I found that creating a thin layer is key when using this as you are representing approximately a half inch layer in 1:35 scale.  Once spread in a thin layer, the zimmerit tools that are thick photo etch sheet, must be removed from the fret and can be used as combs.  The companion book gives clear instructions on how to apply the paste and use the tools. Depending on the model, some areas will be harder to reach than others.  Small details can be tough to work around, but AMMO provides small versions of the combs to get around these.  Overall, I thought the paste was very easy to use, and created an excellent representation of the real version.  Once it's dry, you can create chips in areas to represent zimmerit that's been damaged and after it's painted, it gives a very good impression of zimmerit.  

Below are some photos of my completed model.  

Next I tested the method for applying epoxy putty and using the 3D printed tools to roll and stamp the putty.  I began by selecting several varieties of epoxy putty to test their suitability.  I chose Tamiya Quick Type Epoxy Putty, Infini Models Magic Putty and Aves Apoxie Sculp.  Again, the companion book gives clear instructions on how to apply the putty and use the PanzerKote tools. 

To use these tools, the modeler must assemble the roller tool.  Pro tip.... be careful not to tighten the screw too much.  It IS sensitive.  When assembling mine, I gave it one quarter turn too much and cracked the head.  I was able to continue using it, but best not to break it in the first place.  So remember that this is not your Chevy, it's a modeling tool.  I don't fault AMMO for this as it was my own fault, but this might be an area to improve and make 'modeler proof' in the next version.  The interchangeable heads of the tools are really clever and a solution might be to include a second roller head to prevent the need to tighten screws when the modeler wishes to use the smaller or larger roller.  The other tools included are used to stamp areas where the rollers cannot be used, and also to create other patterns such as the squares seen on Panthers and the 'waffle' pattern seen on Sturmgeshütz.  

After assembling my tools, I looked to a Rye Field Models Tiger which comes with extra parts to use as test pieces.  I chose a rear plate and a mantlet.  I then looked at RFM's instructions that explain where zimmerit was applied on a Tiger.

The modeler should then roll out a thin layer of putty on a surface using a rolling tool to flatten it out.  The companion book suggests a thickness of no more than 0.7 millimeters thickness to represent scale zimmerit.  Rolling out a thin layer, the modeler then applies this to the surface to be covered and pressed slightly to help it adhere to the surface.  The book shows putty being applied to both bare plastic and plastic that has a coating of primer or Mr. Surfacer.  After these tests, I would recommend using a thin coat of Mr. Surfacer to prime the surface and help the putty adhere.  One of the issues I ran into was the putty lifting from the surface when the tools were used.  

The modeler can then use the roller tool to lightly roll over the putty to create the texture of zimmerit.  

The putty can be trimmed and damage created afterwards with a hobby knife which is a great benefit of creating your own zimmerit versus the molded in type.  This is the final result with paint.

Tips for the modeler include using a light type enamel thinner or odorless white spirit to dip the tools into before using them on the putty.  This prevents the tool from sticking.  Previously, I had used water for this, and learned this from the companion book.  Thinner evaporates faster and makes less of a mess.  Also, after using the three types of epoxy putty, I found I liked the Infini Magic Putty the best as it adhered to the plastic best, but was not so sticky it was hard to work with.  I was wearing latex gloves for this process and the Tamiya putty was soft, but too sticky to my gloves so it would constantly pull off the model.  Aves Apoxie Sculpt was a close second and I would be tempted to use this also.  I was able to create very thin layers with it but the brown color that I had on hand made it harder to see what work you had done.  When I do another model with zimmerit I will be sure to buy a lighter color.  

I did use the other stamps and found them very useful even if they will take longer than the rollers to apply to a full model.  That's the price for modeling a Panther or Stug!  The samples below have had a coat of red primer over them.

Overall, I was very happy with the products that AMMO has provided to help us with zimmerit on our models.  I think both methods will allow the modeler to create very convincing zimmerit when used along with the companion book.  While they can all be purchased separately,  I would recommend buying and reading the book before doing another model as it provides some great historical photos and also has instructions for using the tools most effectively.  

Highly Recommended for Intermediate to Advanced builders due to the creative skills needed to use these tools.

Thanks goes out to AMMO by Mig Jimenez for these review supplies.

Reviewed by Ron Hoague

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