cold galvo compounds and a tv antenna revisited

[Challenge 27]

Some of you regular readers of the vintage windmillers forum will remember that about a year ago I submitted a post about my experience with a cold galvo compound (“Putting ZRC to the test” September 10, 2020) when refinishing a rusty old TV antenna tower. (Had bought a new single pole antenna tower, but I never used it; its for sale (read about it at the end of this post.)

Some windmillers have suggested that after using a cold galvo compound one ought to apply some Rustoleum Hammered stuff as a finish coat so that is what I did. This product now comes in a variety of colors, the only ones of any use to windmillers would be “Hammered Silver” or “Hammered Gray.” If I were redoing an old windmill or tower, and wanted the aged look, I would probably go ZRC alone or a finish coat of Hammered Gray, but since this is a tv antenna tower that was going to be attached to the house where I now live, I decided to use the Hammered Silver for the nice shiny new look. It says on the can not to apply to galvanized metal, but I reasoned that while the tower had been galvanized way back when, I was spraying the Hammered Silver onto what is actually a zinc-rich paint, not the true galvanizing underneath.

Me and a neighbor put the antenna and tower up shortly thereafter.

ztemp tv ariel 2021 10.jpg

One year later . . .

The adhesion so far has been very good. Climbed up and down the tower a bit when installing, and I climbed up it once since to adjust the antenna direction. Even where I trod on it, the ZRC and Hammered Silver combo has not flaked or come off. The hammered silver might not be quite as shiny as the day after I applied it, but it has held up well, and kept its color. I daresay that if a windmiller desired the silvery look of new galvo, this stuff would be as good as anything else. Be sure to put a coat or two of ZRC under it, as stated before, the instructions on the can of Hammered Silver says not to put it on galvanized metal.

ztemp tv ariel 2021 11.jpg

A closeup view. I tried putting a wheel section next to it for comparison, but the sun reflected off its aged galvo, and it did not photograph right. It is much more gray than this photo wold suggest. The silvery color of the tv antenna did photograph correctly.

Not sure about what the birds think of it, they have certainly **** upon it. Is that good or bad?

Of course, this is just one year after. What matters the most is the 5 year or 10 year "test." For that. we will just have to wait

Let those who have experimented with ZRC or similar compounds, or Hammered Gray, speak up or “post.” Would like see or read about what results others have had.

As I mentioned above, I had bought a new single post telescoping antenna tower or pole; that was before I found about the old 3 pole tower becoming available. Am convinced the old 3 pole types are better, even though the single pole types appear to be quite adequate. It certainly makes the world’s nicest ladder for climbing onto the roof if I desired or needed to do so.

So I have a new single pole tower for sale. Never been used. Could bring to the trade fair if anyone wants it. It is a Channel Master 1830 Antenna Mast in the 25 foot length. Also have a bracket (purchased separately) to help attach it to a wall; the antenna mast comes with collars for bracing cables for a freestanding application, if so desired. If you want to read more about it, you can "google" channel master 1830.

TV reception improved infinitely. Don’t know why my parents would never use an outdoor antenna. My mother suffered through years of bad tv reception for no good reason. I am getting more channels than before, but most commercial tv is so bad. But I got this antenna for the evening news, PBS specials, and football.

Challenge 27

P.S. Need to move some surprise lilies. When (and how) is the best time to dig up the bulbs and store them over the winter? Also when to plant in the spring.

[Wayne]

What part of the country do you hang your hat?

[Challenge 27]

In Southern Illinois, about 90 miles SE of Saint Louis

Challenge 27

[Mister Ed]

That hammered Rustoleum is pretty tough stuff. Several years back I freshened up an old Wells metal band saw. It has held up great to my usage, still looks great.

[Wayne]

I came through the area two weeks ago. Stopped and made a tour of Cairo, unusual place. Has a house built in 1872 I'm going to stop and take a tour of next time I'm up that way. My Grandpa was born in Carmi 1880.

[Kenneth]

I have used Rust-Oleum hammered on a few windmill helmets.
I found the use of a galvanized primer on top of the galvanized
and then spray it with hammered, seems to hold up better.

Kenneth