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.

Aluminum oxide is conductive?!

Ed
WB6WSN

Ed -

Good catch. Getting ahead of my fingers. To avoid seizing when assembling
the
telescoping elements of your Cushcraft antenna, you should coat the
inner element with PENTROX-A by Burndy. This can be found at any
electrical distributor.
Many Home Depot stores also carry the product.
It is conductive and will avoid seizing between these aluminum elements.

w9gb