[CQ-Contest] Wearon F1 Icephobic Coating

[Robert Chudek - K0RC]

Stan,

I am curious about the Wearlon Super F1, icephobic paint and wonder whether
it would create a 'super slick' surface if it were applied to a tower? In 
other words,
create a climbing hazard if it were applied to keep ice buildup off a self 
supporting
aluminum tower.

I use a product called Cage Shield on my parrot cages and it creates an 
extremely
slippery surface, therefore nothing sticks to the bars. This spray product 
has to be
reapplied periodically as it is not weather proof. I'm thinking the 
principle is the same.
http://www.dogtrainingstore.com/cgi-bin/FULLPRES.exe?PARTNUM=KMCS8

73 de Bob - KØRC in MN


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Stan Stockton" <k5go at cox.net>
To: <cq-contest at contesting.com>
Sent: Monday, December 22, 2008 11:47 AM
Subject: [CQ-Contest] Wearon F1 Icephobic Coating


>I have been away from the internet for the last week and just now going
> through e-mails after returning home.  I know the sick feeling you have
> when something like this happens.  It has happened to me about four
> times in the last 20 years.
>
> Following is something I put on the Tower Talk Reflector about 9 months
> ago. I highly recommend that if you are interested you deal with Nick at
> Ecological Coatings.  You will get the same price and someone who will
> help you a lot when it is time to apply the coating. This stuff needs to
> go on about as thin as you can make it and get the aluminum covered.
> There is some prep work with skotchbrite pads or light sand paper.  It
> is sprayed with an airless sprayer.
>
> I thought I would share some information regarding a special paint I
> have been using for a couple of years.  It is Wearlon Super F1, icephobic
> paint.
>
> It is made specifically so that ice will not build up on the surface.
> My experience is that although I did not do the very best job of applying
> the paint, it works well.   It has a high content of silicone.  If ice
> starts to form, it slides off pretty quickly.
>
> The elements and the end pieces of the boom for my 40M yagi are painted
> with this stuff and this antenna accumulates very little ice as compared 
> to
> the rest of the yagi antennas.  Although my antennas are all designed to 
> take
> well over an inch of radial ice without trusses and wind, all it takes is 
> an inch
> of radial ice and a 60 MPH wind and there are few antennas that will
> survive.
>
> The Wearlon Super F1 costs $189.00 per gallon and a gallon would
> supposedly cover 220 SF (with no overspray).  I'll answer any questions 
> about it as
> best I can but if you are interested in buying some, you should call Nick
> Patenaude at Ecological Coatings in Clifton Park, NY.  His number is 
> 518-664-3468.
> He is a distributor and is very helpful.
>
> Stan, K5GO
> www.k5go.com