Painting an outdoor antenna

Post by Pj » Tue Mar 05, 2002 1:55 am

Ok, I am pretty good with most electronic stuff, but no one I have talked to yet has been able to give me an answer. This is from a buddy of mine, and I really don't know.

He has setup at his house a two-way antenna, and a scanenr antenna. However, the Mrs doesn't really like to see all the silver against the stained wood siding. So, can these antenna's be spray painted with Rustoluim? (sp) Would it affect any Tx or Rx performance?

Jim202 · Post by **Jim202** » Tue Mar 05, 2002 6:18 am

Go for it. Just keep in mind that not all paint will stay on the metal of the antenna. You should check into a primer for a long lasting paint job. As for the p[aint causing a problem. Just keep it off the RF connections and insulators. Most paint is not RF conductive when dry, but don't take the chance. The small area that the connections and insulators take should not hurt the overal view.

Jim

Will · Post by **Will** » Tue Mar 05, 2002 2:45 pm

Some antenna/radio sites required that we paint our antennas to reduce visability. One site was "Barbaque Black" flat. Another was a sort of sky blue.
I agree with Jim's post.
Test the VSWR before and after painting, and do not paint the cable(s),or feed point insulators. Use epoxy paint on the fiberglass antennas.
I have seen some antennas painted to match the roof color of the house. Makes it hard for the neighbors to see the antennas.

raymond345 · Post by **raymond345** » Tue Mar 05, 2002 2:49 pm

Painting is a very good idea. In the North
( CAnada) where we can get a lot of ice build-up on antennas like 4 bay vhf low band
etc. We like to use the color BLACK.
This color will aid the sun in melting the ice faster. So it is also better than use looks for mummy.

My two pennies from the COOOL Country of
CANADA .

Post by Pj » Tue Mar 05, 2002 4:06 pm

Sounds good. Its going to be a medium to dark brown, but the antenna's will be facing the sun all day where its going, so ice shouldn't be too much of a problem.

Also, does anyone have the link to the site that has the electrical grounding code? I used to have the sheets, but it seems to lost somewhere. Its the one with the outdoor antenna grounding suggestions etc

jim · Post by **jim** » Tue Mar 05, 2002 7:19 pm

Painting is a very good idea for a metal antenna if you're near the coast, too. Use a "flat" non-metallic paint. It won't affect the SWR of the antenna- at least, I've never had it happen.

EC-7 · Post by **EC-7** » Tue Mar 05, 2002 7:36 pm

I have painted many antennas without any problem. I live in an apartment where I had to paint them to hide it from the landlords. Nobody has said anything about it yet.