Revised 14 June 2003
F-2
has some very nice attributes. Among them are that it can easily be removed with
acetone, even after it is dry, and that it is very easy to touch up, while wet, after it's
dry, or days later. It will oxidize a bit after years in the sun; even then, it can be
cleaned with an MEK-dampened rag, just enough to remove dirt and some of the
oxidized paint, and then repainted. We recommend two coats, at least 15 minutes
time between coats.
NOTE: If the background for the antenna will be land or foliage, we recommend “Krylon
Olive Drab Camouflage Paint”, number 8143, over the primer.
SURFACE PREPARATION:
1. In this case, the surfaces to be painted are new plated steel hardware, stainless
steel, and aluminum plate and tubing.
2. The hardware can just be wiped down with MEK and allowed to dry before painting.
3. The aluminum plates should be cleaned with Scotch-Brite to a dull, uniform finish, then
washed with MEK until no more aluminum residue shows on the cleaning towel. Then
hang the plate using a piece of wire and paint it.
4. The elements are prepared for painting after assembly. A complete element may be
prepared for painting and then painted before attachment to the boom. Balance it on
a stepladder step so that it is about chest high. Wipe the element down with a rag
dampened with MEK. Be sure to remove any silicone grease residue. Be careful not
to let the MEK drain into the joints. Clean the exposed surfaces of the entire element
using a Scotch-Brite pad. Clean to produce a uniform, matte finish. Then wipe down
with MEK until no more aluminum residue shows on the cleaning towel.
5. The boom and all its parts, including brackets and matching lines, are cleaned in the
same manner as the elements. Mask the feed point connector and the matching lines.
No paint should touch the metal where the sliding short will be used for adjustments.
PAINTING:
1. Follow the instructions (other than for surface preparation) on the can. Be sure to
use several even, light sprays, close enough to produce a wet (shiny) coat, but not so
thick that it runs. Touch-up can be at any time. A second coat is recommended at
least 15 minutes after the first.
2. For elements, a good approach is to spray one side, then the other. When dry
enough to handle, rotate the element 90 degrees and spray each side in the new
position (what were the top and the bottom).
3.
Paint the boom in a manner similar to the elements, however, mask off any
connections that will be made after the elements are attached, as well as the feed
point connector and the tuning stub tubes.
