aluminum tent poles

[mbuckner]

Hello,

I have a Eureka Equinox 6 tent .... each time
I set it up I get an aluminum residue on my hands
from the tent poles and have to wash them before
I finish setting up the tent ....

Can clear coat be applied or some other product that
will help with the residue?

Best regards,

Mike

 

[HenryJ]

What about 3M protective film tape?

I have been using a similar product on smooth aluminum hand rails. I cleaned them with alcohol first and then applied the tape. I had a couple small bubbles, but it really turned out pretty invisible.

I may have to try it on my tent poles too.

 

[crusader]

You could go to your local electrical supply place and get some lengths of heat shrink tubing--they make it in various sizes.

I don't know if this is economical or not--I get mine at my local electronics surplus place for about a buck for each 3-foot length.

 

[xtatik]

Spray it with clear acrylic. It's used on aluminum antenna parts all the time. It will stop that gray aluminum oxide from developing in the surface.

 

[rusty_tlc]

Anodizing is surprisingly inexpensive.
Look in the yellow pages for electroplating places, make a few calls and they will hook you up.