??? on how to change color of antenna

[chucky]

Any ideas on how to A color/stain a 102 in whip stainless to the color black and B how to change aluminum antenna from silver to flat black ?

 

[M35fan]

I'm not a painter, but I'm assuming that the issue is, 1 the flex will cause paint to crack and flake. And 2 the type of metal won't allow adhesion. If it were me, I would try either a bed liner, or a long shrink sleeve. Just sharing ideas.

 

[antennaclimber]

I have used KBS products on antennas, so far no issues. Painted 102" and many other smaller antenna whips with this:
KBS Top Coat

It is available in Flat Black, OD green, Camo Brown and Desert Tan. I have painted 2 vehicles with it as well. So far it has been a good choice.

I prepped the whips with a wire wheel, removed any dirt and contamination the entire length. After that, wipe it off several times with MEK removing the remaining residue. A couple of light coats seem to be better than a single heavy coat.

 

[chucky]

I have used KBS products on antennas, so far no issues. Painted 102" and many other smaller antenna whips with this:
KBS Top Coat

It is available in Flat Black, OD green, Camo Brown and Desert Tan. I have painted 2 vehicles with it as well. So far it has been a good choice.

I prepped the whips with a wire wheel, removed any dirt and contamination the entire length. After that, wipe it off several times with MEK removing the remaining residue. A couple of light coats seem to be better than a single heavy coat.

Thanks i was thinking maybe some type of oxide some form of rub on blueing /blackening and thought someone might have been down this rabbit hole before ! Trying to not effect the signal in or out at all .

 

[papakb]

Brownells sells bottles of bluing agents that will chemically stain different metals different colors. Usually the depth of the color is due to the time the agent is left on the metal. Birchwood Casey is another company that offers chemicals to do this.

search "metals bluing" and you'll find all kinds of materials to do this.

 

[chucky]

Well i went with 383 green and shot the whole antenna and base waited a few days mounted it and radio in the truck . Got my swr down to1.1 on both ends 1/40 so im stoked about that then switched over to the 1729 i think it is and couldnt get swrs lower than 3.0 on 1 and 40 even up around 30 mg so im thinking maybe try an antenna tuner to dial down the swr hopfully