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Author Topic: Non Metallic Paint Suggestions  (Read 330 times)

W2ECK

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Non Metallic Paint Suggestions
« on: January 05, 2020, 07:44:56 AM »

Live in an HOA and want to camo paint a new Rx only loop I just acquired. Looking for suggestions of spray paint that is completely Non Metallic. Have heard Krylon paints are but have also heard that they have some metallic ingredients. Can anyone recommend a brand that is truly "non metallic" ?

73 Paul w2eck
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K6AER

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Re: Non Metallic Paint Suggestions
« Reply #1 on: January 05, 2020, 09:02:35 AM »

Any acrylic, lacquer or enamel base paint will be impervious to HF RF. Unless you are going to put the antenna in a tree or something, no matter what you put on for a paint scheme, in the open the antenna will still stand out.
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W8LV

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Re: Non Metallic Paint Suggestions
« Reply #2 on: January 05, 2020, 01:56:39 PM »

Look at the MSDS for whatever product you might want to use.

You can also "paint" some Saran Wrap with whatever your product of interest is, let that dry and then drape the antenna with the painted Saran Wrap, and check the SWR this way.before you apply product.

73 DE W8LV BILL
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W2ECK

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Re: Non Metallic Paint Suggestions
« Reply #3 on: January 05, 2020, 02:16:59 PM »

K6AER- thanks for the reply and suggestion. Not sure I agree with you opinion about not being able to hide the antenna - have seen and done some pretty creative setups that don't stand out.

W8LV- had to look up the term MSDS. Guessing you can find them online or do they come with the product?
The Saran Wrap method seems a bit tricky for me to try. Will stick with finding and using the correct paint. But thanks for suggestions

Paul w2eck
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VE7VJ

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Re: Non Metallic Paint Suggestions
« Reply #4 on: January 05, 2020, 03:05:32 PM »

I have read somewhere that automotive primer is good to use for antennas, but I would still read the label or contact the manufacturer.  Maybe some of the repeater owners have some ideas? I'm sure its a topic they have to deal with.
I am thinking of doing the same thing here. No strata concerns but just don't want it to be too noticeable to neighbours and passersby.
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N8AUC

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Re: Non Metallic Paint Suggestions
« Reply #5 on: January 05, 2020, 03:46:49 PM »

K6AER- thanks for the reply and suggestion. Not sure I agree with you opinion about not being able to hide the antenna - have seen and done some pretty creative setups that don't stand out.

W8LV- had to look up the term MSDS. Guessing you can find them online or do they come with the product?
The Saran Wrap method seems a bit tricky for me to try. Will stick with finding and using the correct paint. But thanks for suggestions

Paul w2eck

MSDS = Material Safety Data Sheet.
You should be able to find them online.
If not, a request to the product manufacturer should get one for you.
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W2ECK

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Re: Non Metallic Paint Suggestions
« Reply #6 on: January 06, 2020, 12:01:06 PM »

OK Gents a follow up questions - I found the MSDS for Krylon Camouflage and the ingredients are listed below. Lot's of chemicals but other than carbon which wikipedia says is non metallic,  looks to me like all are non metallic. Agree it's safe to use on the loop?
Acetone
Propane
Butane
toluene
Isobutyl Acetate
Ethyl 3-Ethoxypropionate
Carbon Black
Methyl Ethyl Ketoxime
Propane
Butane
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W6QW

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Re: Non Metallic Paint Suggestions
« Reply #7 on: January 06, 2020, 02:03:23 PM »

I've used the Krylon Camouflage spray paint for years for a myriad of antenna projects.  No issues what so ever. You can check the Krylon spec sheet to validate that the metallic content is minuscule.
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K1VSK

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Re: Non Metallic Paint Suggestions
« Reply #8 on: January 06, 2020, 04:58:42 PM »

OK Gents a follow up questions - I found the MSDS for Krylon Camouflage and the ingredients are listed below. Lot's of chemicals but other than carbon which wikipedia says is non metallic,  looks to me like all are non metallic. Agree it's safe to use on the loop?
Acetone
Propane
Butane
toluene
Isobutyl Acetate
Ethyl 3-Ethoxypropionate
Carbon Black
Methyl Ethyl Ketoxime
Propane
Butane


No metallic or conductive components present not do most other brands. If you are still worried about it, use insulated wire and you could use copper anti-fouling boat bottom paint on it with no effect.
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KB8VUL

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Re: Non Metallic Paint Suggestions
« Reply #9 on: January 13, 2020, 08:48:26 PM »

You need to be careful with that list of stuff and plastic parts. 
Most of it will degrade plastics.  What little advice I have is this, mask off anything plastic before painting it.
Most any of the flat colors are going to be non-metallic.  But your camo pattern needs to be adjusted for your environment.
And any darks will stand out as the snow flies. 
Another option is to get some burlap and nylon netting and build your antenna a ghillie suit of sorts.  and make one for each season you have.
 With proper antenna placement and proper camo, it will disappear into the back ground

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WA9AFM

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Re: Non Metallic Paint Suggestions
« Reply #10 on: January 14, 2020, 08:51:35 AM »

Hobby Lobby has a great item to create a Ghillie suite for antennas.  It's an electrical cord cover which is comes in a variety of materials and colors.  They're used to 'hide' electrical cords and hanging lamp chains.  One of the available materials is burlap which would slip over most dual band base antennas quite nicely.  I'm not sure they would handle weather much more than one season, but it worth a shot.
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