[TowerTalk] Painting Antennas

[Jim Hargrave]

Dick,

I don't see why it would not work. It is a Lacquer based primer and should
not contain any lead products. However, I would query the SteppIR folks to
be safe.

The primer I use is: "Dupli-Color"  P/N   LMEDAP 1690 in a 12 oz spray can.
It is a pale green: typical camouflage color. It should be available at any
auto parts that carry Dupli-Color paint products.

It works great on any metal and fiberglass, including Gel-Coat surfaces. I
usually clean the surface with a brillo pad or similar scrubber and water to
make sure it is dulled a little and clean from handling greases, butterflies
etc..


     73's Jim
      W5IFP

  -----Original Message-----
  From: RLVZ at aol.com [mailto:RLVZ at aol.com]
  Sent: Tuesday, October 26, 2010 11:52 PM
  To: w5ifp at gvtc.com; towertalk at contesting.com
  Subject: Painting Antennas


  Sounds like Jim has a great idea on the self-etching automotive primer.
Do you think this same technique would work on SteppIR elements?  (I've got
some that are all faded out and could use a paint job)

  73,
  Dick- K9OM


  In a message dated 10/26/2010 11:26:52 P.M. Central Daylight Time,
w5ifp at gvtc.com writes:
    Bob,

    The secret is a good primer. I use a self-etching automotive primer
    formulated for Aluminum and fiberglass. You can cover it with Enamel,
    Lacquer or Latex based paints. Its available at automotive paint stores
and
    most auto parts. I get mine from NAPA.

    I would not recommend applying any paint directly to aluminum. It will
peel
    off in short order.

         73's Jim
          W5IFP

    > -----Original Message-----
    > From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
    > [mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of Robert Harmon
    > Sent: Tuesday, October 26, 2010 9:35 PM
    > To: towertalk at contesting.com
    > Subject: [TowerTalk] Painting Antennas
    >
    >
    > This week I am in the process of taking down  antennas from my
    > tower and replacing with
    > new ones.  In the San Francisco Bay area the aluminum doesn't
    > take very long to corrode and the old ones are in pretty bad condx.
    > I'm thinking about painting the new antennas this time and see
    > how they hold up.
    > I read in the Force 12 assembly instructions for their C3 they
    > mention painting the antenna and it shouldn't affect the tuning.
    > I have considered this before and remember discussions about it
    > but I am wondering if anyone
    > could give feedback on a particular paint that has worked well for
this.
    > Krylon has a latex, gray aluminum primer that looks interesting.
    >
    > Bob
    > K6UJ
    >
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