[TowerTalk] Removing Tower Paint From Galvanized Tower Sections

[Bob Shohet, KQ2M]

Many years ago when I was getting ready to put up my 100’ and 130’ of Rohn 45, I used paint gloves and lots of dark gray outdoor latex.  First you scrape off any rust and lightly sand over it and wipe away any debris and loose “stuff”.  Make sure that it is clean and dry before painting it.  This will ensure that the paint has the best chance of adhering properly and drying evenly – which will ensure that it stays on that much longer.

I went through at least 3 pairs of paint gloves.  It is quite labor intensive and they get really soaked and worn down.   So make sure that you have spares on hand.  Also, make sure that you have some dry wood 4” x 4” or similar material to hold the tower sections off the ground while they dry.  Likewise make sure that you do the painting in an area where you don’t care what it looks like when the paint drips off.  Use crappy clothes and sneakers that you don’t care about because the dripping paint will get them guaranteed, even in places you didn’t think possible.

I know that this last part seems obvious but you would be amazed at just how surprised people are by their messiness especially when they get tired and start paying less attention to all the wet and dripping paint around them as well as on the ground that they forget about and then step on!   :-)

I used an extra long sleeved shirt over a long sleeved shirt and it was a good thing because the inner shirt still got some paint on it.

It was very long and hard work to do all 23 sections, but it was well worth it.  I would do it again without hesitation.

GL!

73 

Bob KQ2M

From: Adam WJ4X 
Sent: Wednesday, August 02, 2017 5:46 AM
To: towertalk at contesting.com 
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Removing Tower Paint From Galvanized Tower Sections

I think you'd be better painting it grey. Add another layer of
protection to the thing and most likely less effort / cheaper.

-Adam
WJ4X

On 8/2/2017 5:14 AM, Allan W Schlaugat wrote:
> I will be undertaking a major tower project next year with gently used Rohn
> 55 tower sections. I bought 18 sections for a insanely great price and they
> were in almost new condition. The only issue is they are all painted red or
> white.
> The wife would like to see the new tower (180ft tall) not painted and
> returned to its deep gray galvanization. I tested the paint on the tower
> sections and it does *not* contain lead paint. 
> What is the best way to remove this paint and leave the zinc galvanizing
> intact? My crazy idea is to build a 'tub' that will hold a section,
> submerge it in the tub filled with chemical paint stripper and use a broom
> to brush off the paint. Or am I over thinking this.  :-)
> 
> Thoughts?
> 
> Thanks  73        Al  N9ISN
>  
> 
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