DIY: Painting tanks (how/what paint)

[Fishy Bits 0]

Is there any particular paint i need to paint the back of my glass? I couldn't find anything at the hardware store? What about acrilic? Found some frosted glass paint but it is transparent.

Thanks.

Fishy Bits

Edited February 28, 2005 by Willy Wombat

[EcHo2134 0]

hi

just use water based paint....blue or black..doesn't really matter

me...i used tamiya hobby spray paint on a 2 ft...but for large tanks..it might get a little expensive

cheers

Ernie

[Ash 0]

being on the outside I don't think it really matters so long as it sticks.

though of course painting an established tank with a pressure pack would be dangerous!

[trofius 0]

if it is an existing tank , ever thought of hanging some material behind it , its about $2 / meter at spotlight, can change it anytime, heaps of different colours.

[discusdude 0]

If you want to spray paint it, first put on a coat of ESP (easy surface protector), let it dry, and then u will be able to paint it.

Cheers

Alistair

[Citypainter 0]

Any waterbased will do. ESP is a good idea if you want it to stick hard and fast.

You can also buy sample pots for about $6.00 from most paint shops.

Any acrylic flat or low sheen will do.

You can also use the arosole cans but they really smell and they do block up but they are also a cheap alternative.

[Neil 1]

I bought two cheap aerosol cans and sprayed over aplant held against the glass with a blue then after allowing it to go off 5-10 mins sprayed over the sprayed silouete of the plant with a yellow .This ended looking like the dappled light you see in water whilst snorkeling and for 6$you cant go wrong.

Neil

[CThompson 3]

Neil,

I’d love to see the finished effect of what you described. Don’t suppose you can post a shot can you? I followed your link, and there was nothing there to see of your paint-job.

Craig

[Fishy Bits 0]

wow, thanks guys. Neil that does sound interesting. Do you mind posting some picks???

My problem is my tank is full at the moment. If i am going to spray paint it i will have to move the inhabbitants and empty the tank (4 footer).

[robfishfan 0]

yeah paint it black, you can use a brush and give it at least 5 to ten coats and it is better if it's empty..............

[Nigel 0]

All my tanks both at home and in the quarantine room are painted green on the back a one side. Its a water based paint and brushed on.

[parrdog 0]

I found that when I used a roller I got a flawless finish compared to using a brush, but hey maybe that's because my brush work is a bit dodgy. One thing for sure though as others have pointed out, do multiple thin coats allowing the paint to dry thoroughly between coats. I recently did about 10 coats on my tank over about a 5 day period and the results are great.

Jamie.

[roo 0]

Go to a paint shop/ hardware and ask if they have any mistinted paint. Normally $8 for a litre tin ( which will be heaps) If you find a colour close to what you want just ask them to darken it up. As for the type of paint, any will do as in reality no paint really sticks to glass and can be scratched off with a razor blade. As long as nothing rubs against the back of the tank the paint will be ok. I used satin enamal as that was what the store had cheap. Regardless of using satin, flat or gloss the result will be the same as the glass will give the appearance of gloss.

[pride 3]

I painted the back of my tank with about 4 coats of water based paint. Looked good so I moved it in up against the wall, filled the tank and like a careless idiot drop the aquaclears over the back of the glass and scraped a nice big streak out of the background . I now used a small block of foam to steady the AC on the glass.......

[Fishy Bits 0]

Pride: Thank you.. You just answered my next question. I will have to remember that. was worried about the filter scratichin off the paint.

Thank you all for your help and ideas.

[Mazimbwe 0]

Please don't paint the tank background Blue...I know it is popular but is just not good. Dark greens or a brown/red are the best.

[BlakeyBoyR 0]

Sooty helped me silicone one of those latex 3D rock backgrounds in my tank. Looked pretty sweet but I found that it took up a good 2" of my tank in bredth and made it impossible to use "hang-on" filters or mount my spray bar where I wanted it for that matter

[jebe 0]

try using shade cloth any colour, water proof, and and easy to get on and off when stuck on with blue tack

no mess no fuss

[graceless 0]

I have used a roller and sample tins of British Paints from Bunnings. it's like $4 or something as cheap for a sample pot that easily does 2 coats on 4 footer.

i use enamel paint - can peal it off easily if you decide you want to change AND doesn't streak when water is splashed on it.

I have gone for darker earthy colors - a slate grey/green on a couple of tanks, and a dark purple that looks almost brown on another.

i find i have happier fish with paint on the tank and a darker mood to the tank.

Grace

[Fishy Bits 0]

Hmmmn???

I was going to paint a really dark blue. I really don't like the tacky normal blue most people have. I am not really fond of green though. Originally i liked black??? but the misses doesn't like black (too boring)... Will have to look around and see what dark colours i can find. really getting excited about painting it. Have to wait until i move house in december because its too much effort moving the tank.

Thanks again guys.

[oakes 4]

i'm not sure why people bother fussing with paints. The local LFS will have thick plastic backgrounds in all sizes & patterns including plain dark blue & black. Simple to cut to size & sticky tape or blu-tack to the back of the tank.

Just gotta make sure it's tight & flat to the glass. An optional strip of tape long the top or silicone helps ensure no water gets between.