painting a tank

[firethefish]

Anyone have any suggestions about painting the back panel of a tank? I was thinking of using some type of latex paint but was not sure if this would be compatible for marine life.

[redhdmedic]

I have always painted the backs of my tanks...looks great and doesn't seperate from the tank...I really like to use the "stone" sprays, they end up looking like sand into the distance.

[Blown 346]

Paint away, I suggest doing this with the tank empty for overspray if you use a rattle can. If you use a brush the fumes of the paint.

Otherwise make sure you have good ventilation.

[firethefish]

yeah, the tank is empty. It's a work in progress and I'm to the point where I need to paint it so I can place it against the wall and move on. Thanks for the suggestions.

[firethefish]

redhdmedic, I like your suggestion, it would probably look good. I was thinking of spraying the main area sort of dark blue and the outer edges fading to black. Trying to give it a depth effect.

[Conesus_Kid]

Krylon Fusion is a good brand to use.

It's also safe to use on PVC that's inside the tank.

DO NOT use it on glass that will be on the inside of the tank (ie. an overflow). It will eventually peel off.

DAMHIKT

[spider86]

My overflow is painted with fusion inside the tank and has not peeled, been a year now.

[blakesreefbruz]

so do you use krylon fusion on the inside back of the tank or outside back of the tank?

[Blown 346]

I would use it on the outside back of the tank.

[Conesus_Kid]

Originally posted by spider86
My overflow is painted with fusion inside the tank and has not peeled, been a year now.

Mine was fine until I upgraded my return pump. Having a LOT more flow go through the overflow is was caused it.

The paint on the outside of the tank has held up great.

[ALittleSalty]

I used a black latex based paint on the outside back of my tank. It was the stuff that you use for outdoor patio furniture. I used a foam roller to put on about 10 coats. The nice thing is that if you ever want to change it, you can just peel it right off the glass without it sticking to the glass at all. Jon

[DrBegalke]

Originally posted by blakesreefbruz
so do you use krylon fusion on the inside back of the tank or outside back of the tank?

Outside of the tank.

be sure to mask the sides so you don't get overspray.

and i agree, Krylon Fusion is the best to use.

[tqreefrookie]

Another alternative is using limo tint and tinting it black. it is less messy and looks pretty sharp. I did it on my 37 tank with no problem

[nukemdanno]

I also used Krylon. Sprayed on 6 coats which came out very nice. Just remember to spray at even distance so you don't get dark spots on the glass.

[shackscs]

I use the vinyl stuff that is used to make signs. It goes on like the limo tint stuff does and stays on. It will not peel, chip, or crack over time. You can go to sign store and ask if they will sell you a few yards of it. Or you can go to a professional art supply store and they wil sell it to you as well. It comes in plenty of different heights.

I have worked at plenty of pets stores and even owned one and I can tell you that at some point later on down the line, the paint will crack or chip. I have seen it first hand with all types of paints which is why I switched to vinyl.

[blakesreefbruz]

what do you guys do to prep the glass before painting? should i clean it with something?

[Snowboarda42]

Here's what a member of RF did on the back of his tank:

He used 4 or 5 different shades of Krylon

[blakesreefbruz]

that is stunning!

[sk8rreefgeek]

thats cool. I didn't like the way the basic backgrounds would wrinkle, or stick to the glass in certain spots. I went to tap plastics and bought a pc of 1/8" black sheet, cut to size for $15 or smthn.
It looks good, but I think the painting looks better.