"blair thompson" wrote in message
...
I'm certain this question must have been dealt with before,
but I recently acquired a Cushcraft R5 vertical which looks a bit
weather-beaten.

I was wondering whether, if I aerosol-sprayed the aluminum,
elements, with an appropriate color, it might impair the performance
of what is already a compromise antenna. I know radio waves don't care
about appearance, but I would like to "tart it up" a bit.

Thanks for any information.
73
Blair VE7HHH

Blair,

John Tait, EI7BA has a good web page on the Cushcraft R5/R7 antenna
http://www.iol.ie/~bravo/r7_vertical.htm

My preference for aluminum is NOT to paint it. Shiny aluminum can not exist
long in an
oxygen environment without developing a dull gray patina (reaction of AL
with O2).
This patina is conductive.

I do not like to use steel wool (dissimilar metal abrasives) and any small
iron/steel particles
left on the antenna will rust (brown).

I usually use a scotchbrite-type pad ... a very mild lye (sodium hydroxide)
in a well ventilated area AND plenty of water.
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemi...basic_sod.html
CAS Registry Number for sodium hydroxide is 1310-73-2. This number is
assigned by the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) in the United States and is
used as a unique identifier number world-wide.

Once the aluminum is shiny, wash the aluminum well to remove remaining NaOH.

Dry and then apply a clear finish to preserve the shiny. The clear finish
can not be used electrical and RF conductivity is desired (inside
compression fittings of sections).

IF you desire to paint any fiberglass on the antenna, there are a number of
products for the auto and marine industry for

that application.

Greg, w9gb