Do you paint aircraft antenna?

For 1/48 scale aircraft I use 2lb. Trilene fishing leader for antenna wires, manufactured by Berkley. You get 110 yds. for $3.00 so it's economical and stronger and more uniform than stretched sprue. It's clear, but does have a silver sheen than looks OK unpainted. If I want a little more visibility, I "paint" the leader before application to the model. The technique I use is to wet a portion of heavy duty paper towel with paint (usually Steel) and then fold it over the leader and then pull the leader through. The leader will pick up enough of the color without getting a heavy paint build up.

Rick

I use clear fly fishing tippet material and don't paint it. The goal is a scale look. I find that leaving it clear gives just the right look. If you look at an aircraft photo, or the real thing from a distance, the antenna wire is hardly noticeable. That's what you want to replicate. Keep in mind that some fishing lines are tinted. Some are blue, green, yellow, etc. Look for a clear line.
Good luck!
Dave

I too use 2lb. fish line, but I paint it with Testors Model Master Burnt Metal. It's a dark steel color that looks just right to me.