Tower Paint 101
Why paint my tower? How do I know I’m compliant? These are some of the common questions we get about tower painting. At GME supply we know that knowledge is power, and this week our Gear Experts® are going to answer some of the most popular questions we receive about tower paint and markings.
Why Paint Your Tower?
The FAA has established recommendations for antenna tower painting and lighting in the Federal Code Advisory Circular 47 CFR Part 17. While these are just recommendations the FCC has been given the authority by Congress to make them requirements. According to these requirements, a tower must be lighted or painted if its height exceeds 200 feet or if it is deemed an aviation hazard in any way. For example, short towers that are near airports must be painted or lighted.
Does Any Orange and White Paint Work?
In short, No. Your paint must meet specific specifications outlined in the federal standard 595 for international aviation colors. The approved colors are Aviation Orange #12197 and Outside White #17875. Color is not the only thing that you need to be aware of, though. Tower paint has to be 100% acrylic exterior latex, formulated specifically for application on galvanized steel.
Our TowerPlex Tower Paint is specifically designed for use on galvanized antenna towers and it meets federal standard for the correct white and aviation orange colors. These standards ensure consistency throughout the industry for proper color signaling and paint durability.
Do I Need to Use a Primer?
Using primer is not required, but it is recommended. Using the proper primer under your paint will help it achieve maximum bond to the steel. If you are planning on spraying your tower paint, a nice full coat of primer is highly recommended. If you are doing spot painting on an existing tower, maybe over some new cold galvanizing compound (cold galv)Â you will want to put some primer on before you put down the tower paint. Primer works, because the alkalinity in TowerPlex Primer bonds with the zinc layer of the galvanization.
How do I Apply the Paint?
Application can vary by brand, but with TowerPlex Tower Paint you can apply it between 50 and 110° Fahrenheit using a brush, mitt, or spray. Coverage can also vary by brand and situation, but TowerPlex is meant to cover 592 square feet per gallon at 1 mil dry. Ideally when painting a full wet coat is applied overlapping each pass 50% to avoid dusting. If a freeze or rain is possible in the next 24 hours we recommend postponing the painting. Dry time to re-coat typically takes between 4 and 18 hours depending on the outside temperature.
How Do I Know If I’m Compliant?
To find out if your paint is compliant you can use an FAA Color Chart.  With this chart, you will be able to match your tower to color swatches that meet FAA guidelines for aviation safe colors. If you have a question, or just need more information about tower paint, click here to connect with one of our Gear Experts®. **The content of this blog is not intended to replace proper, in-depth training. Manufacturer’s instructions must also be followed and reviewed before any equipment is used. →Click here to check out our full selection of tower painting gear. →Click here to check out our TowerPlex paint selection. →Click here to check out our FAA Color Chart.
Tower Paint 101 Video
Gear Up with Gear Experts: The Podcast
We're also proud to announce Gear Up with Gear Experts® - A podcast dedicated to at-height, industry, and construction. Gear Up with Gear Experts® is available via your podcast listening platform of choice and in each episode, the hosts (Alex Giddings & John Medina) bring in a gear expert or industry leader to talk about gear, gear safety, tips, and tricks. To find out more about the show and sign up for alerts, head on over to gearexperts.com.
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