they are unpainted with a clear cover coat and then the tampos are applied.

Interesting question. First I am not an expert. A quick Wikipedia check and I learned that Zamac (or Zamak) is "a family of alloys with a base metal of zinc and alloying elements of aluminium, magnesium, and copper." Therefore the name. It is commonly used for toy cars castings. Cool facts!

So, I believe that all HW are made of Zamac but the term is used by HW fans to refer to unpainted castings.

Out of curiosity, I retrieved the only "Zamac" models I have, a Sol-Aire, a Custom 67 Pontiac, and a 69 Camaro.




They all look unpainted to me. The Sol-Aire's hatch can be opened and the inside looks exactly the same as the outside. The Pontiac also looks unpainted. It is actually quite rough to the touch. The only thing I wonder is if they clear coated the tampos. It does not look as if they did it, but then again it would be risky as the tampos would be quite fragile.

So, in other words, I think you are right but I cannot be 100% sure. Now, let the experts talk

Wouldn't that expose the tampos to damage?

the tampos can suffer rubs and scratches like on normal paint jobs.they also can be removed like on the regular paint.

That's typical of tampos on mainline cars though, right?

I thought they were clear coated. I must be mistaken.

i believe if the clear coat was put over the tampos you would not be able to removed them.

I believe the tampos are applied last like a regular painted car, I think the clearcoating is just taking the place of paint, I suspect the finish is for a purpose, maybe to prevent blotching discolorations that may occur if left as bare metal, maybe from oils in fingers, would that happen, I don't know, but do wonder why they clearcoat it

Untreated metal in Florida humidity would quickly oxidize and eventually if not treated with something the model would disintegrate. I asked Tom Z regarding some "raw" JLs and he assured me they are painted with a clear coat. I have no reason to think Mattel and any other makers who dabble with raw zamac models do the same thing, for the same reason.