Found this with google search
10/05/1998
Last updated on 20-Dec-2001
How to paint RFS / Celwave antenna radomes to match the surrounding
environment, while assuring good electrical performance
Written by Radio Frequency Systems
RFS receives requests for advice about refinishing weathered antenna radomes or
changing the radome color for aesthetic reasons such as camouflage. Any paint
selection should be compatible with radome materials and not interfere with the
antenna's electrical performance.
We do not take a position on any particular manufacturer's paint. However,
there are two primary considerations regarding the choice of paint.
The first one is adhesion. A variety of radome materials are used for
antenna construction so the surface texture will vary.
Some paints having the best durability here may be dangerous to work with
and require an EPA qualified application
facility. Preparation is important. All surface contamination must be
removed.
The second one is the choice of pigment. RF transparency is crucial, so
conductive coloring materials such as
carbonblack, lead, and metallic powders cannot be used. Lighter colors are
preferred where practicable to reduce
internal temperature extremes which could occur on hot, sunny days.
There are also some precautions one should take.
Mask all connectors and all labels before painting.
Maintain all DC ground paths during application.
Do not seal any drain or ventilation holes with paint..
We encourage you to contact our Applications Engineering for advice in these
matters. However, there is no substitute for detailed instructions and mix
ratios provided by the paint manufacturer.
RADOME MATERIAL (Standard Color) CELWAVE / RFS PRODUCT LINE
1. Spun Epoxy Fiberglass (Blue) Penetrator Antennas (AxR,
BxR Series)
2. Polyester Impregnated Fiberglass (White) Stationmaster Antennas (PDxx
Omni Series.)
3. Polyester Impregnated Fiberglass (Grey) FR CELlite Panel Antennas (AP18,
19 Series)
4. ASA (Grey) FR CELlite Panel
Antennas (AP90 Series)
5. AES/ABS (White or Grey) US Panel Antennas (Other
APxx Models)
6. Gel Coated Fiberglass Tubing (White) Marine Antennas (Cel-1,3 etc.)
7. Teflon Coated Fiberglass [Field Painting Not Possible] Planar Radomes
for Shrouded Microwave Antennas
8. Hypalon [Painting Optional] Planar Radomes for
Shrouded Microwave Antennas
Was at this RFS Site:
http://www.rfsworld.com/index.php?p=276&l=1&listName=applicationnotes&indexVal=1
>From: Ron Wright <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>Date: 2008/05/04 Sun PM 02:30:13 CDT
>To: [email protected]
>Subject: Re: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: antenna question - Dip It and Scotch
>Kote and Kry
>
>This painting of antennas seems to be on many of our minds.
>
>Wonder what the antenna manufactures would recommend or what they use if
>any??? After you get beyond the sales person who swears their products are
>rock solid and don't need painting or additional protection then you might get
>someone who would give some info.
>
>I would hope they would have done testing for anything they recommend, both
>SWR and pattern and signal.
>
>73, ron, n9ee/r
>
>>From: Chuck Kelsey <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>>Date: 2008/05/04 Sun AM 08:52:31 CDT
>>To: [email protected]
>>Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: antenna question - Dip It and Scotch Kote
>>and Krylon
>
>>
>>Funny you should mention Krylon... although I haven't done so in recent
>>years, I used to Krylon (clear) all antennas and never had a problem. I
>>forgot all about that until your mention of it. And they were mostly UHF
>>antennas - beams and folded dipoles. Go figure.
>>
>>Chuck
>>WB2EDV
>>
>>----- Original Message -----
>>From: "skipp025" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>>To: <[email protected]>
>>Sent: Sunday, May 04, 2008 9:44 AM
>>Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: antenna question - Dip It and Scotch Kote
>>
>>>I constructed a 6 meter beam some years back, worked like a bomb
>>> even at 25ft above ground elevation. To ensure my pride and joy
>>> would last a long time I sprayed it with clear Krylon brand spray
>>> paint.
>>>
>>> The antenna was instantly unusable regardless of my efforts to
>>> remove the paint, re-tune or otherwise modify the antenna. I later
>>> learned that type of paint contained materials with a horible
>>> D-Factor. I was never able to use the antenna again, although it
>>> remains in my back yard as a reminder.
>>>
>>> cheers,
>>> s.
>>>
>>
>>
>
>Ron Wright, N9EE
>727-376-6575
>MICRO COMPUTER CONCEPTS
>Owner 146.64 repeater Tampa Bay, FL
>No tone, all are welcome.
>
>
>
Ron Wright, N9EE
727-376-6575
MICRO COMPUTER CONCEPTS
Owner 146.64 repeater Tampa Bay, FL
No tone, all are welcome.
