Re-coating fiberglass antenna

Discussion in 'CB Radio Forum' started by mike5511, Apr 2, 2016.

  1. mike5511

    mike5511 Road Train Member

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    We have some very knowledgeable people on here, so here is a question for them:

    What is the best thing to use to re-coat a fiberglass antenna? Is it even worth it? I've got an old 8ft Francis [CB-28] and an old Antron type base antenna that need a new coating. I understand whatever you use must be non-conductive. And, it would have to be flexible to hold up in the wind and not crack. Plus it needs some UV protection as well if I want it to last. So what say you..........?
     
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  3. rabbiporkchop

    rabbiporkchop Road Train Member

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    I think the proper term is gel coat. That's what they spray in the mold in the fiberglass industry to give you the nice smooth shiny surface
     
  4. mike5511

    mike5511 Road Train Member

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    I don't know how flexible the gel coat is that they use on cars and boats etc. I have found a few ideas on a google search, but the stuff is expensive that they say you should use. I was hoping some creative person had come up with something fairly inexpensive and simple to do. I saw one place where a guy put white heat shrink on his antenna!
     
  5. rabbiporkchop

    rabbiporkchop Road Train Member

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    What about automotive paint
     
  6. rabbiporkchop

    rabbiporkchop Road Train Member

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    Like a clear coat with hardener
     
  7. mike5511

    mike5511 Road Train Member

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    It's not flexible enough from what I've read. Sherwin-Williams makes something that should work the Ham guys say, but it ain't cheap. The prep work is the key. Probably better off to just buy a new antenna, but you can't buy the 8ft Francis anymore which is what got me started down this road. Russ had the Francis on his Navajo and it's a splintery mess and I thought I might try to save it. His old Solorcon, which is actually mine, is in the same condition so I thought I'd just do them both. Maybe not.
     
  8. Bout Z

    Bout Z Light Load Member

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    How bout "plasti dip". It dries to a flexible latex rubber coating. Available in spray, or brush applications, and an array of colors. I've never used it for an antenna, but I dont see why it wouldnt work. People are painting their cars with the stuff lol. You can get it at any hardware/ home improvement type store.
     
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  9. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    For the francis I would get shrink tubing which is made for antennas. I don't know the brand, I bought some a long time ago from a ham store in California but it would be a good thing just to use that and seal the end.

    I think it is UV resistant Polyolefin shrink tubing.
     
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  10. kc0iv

    kc0iv Light Load Member

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    Mike you might look at "Flex Seal" I'm sure you have seen it on TV. I've used it for water leaks and has work so far.

    leon
    kc0iv
     
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