How to paint/clean your Primestar

[Anole]

How to clean & paint your Primestar

Painting dishes is a question that comes up from time to time.

Here's the cleaning and painting rules for all those old crusty Primestar, Channel Master, & Andrew molded dishes out there.
Primestar bought Channel Master dishes, then Channel Master was bought by Andrew.

Recommended Procedure to Re-paint Channel Master SMC/TMC Reflectors


Cleaning Process:

The cleaning process will depend on the degree of contamination.
You will need the following materials:

• Chlorine Bleach (Clorox or equivalent)
• TSP-PF All Purpose Heavy Duty Cleaner (Savorgran or Equivalent)
• Rubber gloves
• Heavy duty sponges
• Soft bristled brush
• Bucket
• Hose or source of water

Mildew and Dirt Removal:

• Remove by washing with a solution of ½ cup of TSP-PF dissolved in 3 quarts of warm water and add 1 quart of chlorine bleach. Use solution to scrub area thoroughly using brush or sponges.
• For uniform results, treat entire area not just contaminated area. The bleach should kill the fungus growth and remove stains. TSP-PF removes dirt and grime and wets the surface so that the bleach can work.
• If stains remain, use second application.
• When mildew is gone, rinse thoroughly with clean, warm water and dry surface completely if painting is required.
• The solution will NOT prevent mildew growth.

Repaint Process:

• Scuff the face of the dish lightly with an abrasive pad or sandpaper to improve adhesion. Mask the logo or scuff it to paint over it.
• A new logo can be applied over the painted logo.
• Wipe the face of the dish with a dry rag to remove dust.
• Apply an even coat 1.0-1.5 mils (.0010-.0015 inch, .025-.040mm) of water-based acrylic paint to the reflector.
• Allow to cure.
• Apply a second even coat 1.0-1.5 mils if necessary.

Notes:

• The choice of color is up to the user.
• Channel Master standard light gray color is Pantone Matching System (PMS) #428C
• This process is not for hydrophobic coated reflectors
• Be careful not to remove the existing surface finish, only scuff lightly and clean thoroughly.
• The procedure can be used to paint the back of reflectors as well. In this case there is no existing finish to consider.

ref: Andrew: Satellite Broadband Products

 

[ChuckBoozer]

I kinda like my Primestar to be a little grimy - adds character and the neighbors love it!

 

[stogie5150]

Here's my method:

Got to your local discount store. Get you some 99 cents-a-can flat black. Get about three cans, heck they're 99 cents!

Take your dish, wash it well with soap and water and a scrubbrush. Rinse well, let dry. Rough it up a bit with sandpaper, blow off the dust with shop air, or dust with a clean rag.

Put dish on saw horses once dry, paint with paint. Keep putting paint on it until its uniform color that you like.

Install your dish and enjoy.