View Full Version : what kind of paint?
DeLgAdO
09-13-2005, 3:46 PM
this is from my last thread, thanks to kido :thumbsup:
now,
what kind of paint should be used when painting the back wall and bottom of a tank??
how long does it take do dry?
is it permanent, does it come off over time???
Copeina
09-13-2005, 9:31 PM
I use automotive "rocker panel" paint on the outsides of my (glass) tanks. Cheap and permanent. You can use cheap spraypaint as well, but it will peel in time.
If you mean to paint the inside of something like a plywood tank, go with a 2 part marine epoxy that the manufacturer states is for potable water.
Hope that helps,
/Kris
bluedempsey
09-13-2005, 9:39 PM
i use an oil based paint ;)
DeLgAdO
09-13-2005, 9:56 PM
what about paint for acrylic tanks???
mbierzyc
09-13-2005, 9:58 PM
I painted the back of my tanks with acrylic latex paint using a foam brush. I did a light coat the first layer, all in horizontal strokes. Let that dry for 24 hours, then did another light coat, this time with vertical strokes. It took about 4 coats but turned out really well. If I want to change things, I can just peel the paint off like a sheet of plastic. Too thick of a coat, or not enough time to dry will cause the paint to peel before it's dry, ruining the entire process.
joeytoe
09-14-2005, 7:01 PM
Ive only painted to outside bottom on my 20L I used regular Spray pain, an did a few diff colors for a lil contrast.
i just used ordinary lacquer spray paint for mine but that's mainly due to unavailability of specialized paints here in the Philippines.. i'd go for specialized paints for glass which i know are available there in the US so that it won't get easily chipped :)
Copeina
09-15-2005, 5:05 PM
what about paint for acrylic tanks???
I wouldn't paint acrylic - you just never know what chemical will react with it and make it soft!!! Especially do not use spray type paints.
Go with a tape-on backdrop.
/Kris
sharp tooth
09-17-2005, 4:13 PM
i used the normal backing you buy on a roll for my acrylic tank as i was advised not to use paint on acryil.
on my glasss tank i painted the back with black gloss (on the out side), this never peeled or cracked or anything in the time i used the tank but i wouldent like to think i was trying to get it back off again. i just pored the whole tin on the back and spread it across the back on a tick layer, it took 2 day to dry but i was very impressed with the finish when i looked threw the tank.
MossOnGrass
09-19-2005, 11:03 AM
you need to use an acrylic based paint , it works well
iloveplecos
09-23-2005, 4:42 PM
I just use Latex paint
I have an acrylic tank that I bought used. The previous owner had painted the back with chalkboard paint, i.e., the spray can stuff that is used to create a chalkboard finish. Apparently, you can find the stuff at Home Depot or hobby stores. At any rate, it looks great and is very durable.
Flexxxn
10-02-2005, 10:01 PM
Heres a helpful link i found:
http://www.midwestcustomaquariums.com/paintyourtank.html
rallysman
10-02-2005, 11:02 PM
I used regular enamel paint and had really good luck with it
Fish?
10-03-2005, 12:30 AM
Latex, just in case you ever need to remove the paint, it won't be impossible.
DeLgAdO
10-03-2005, 1:03 AM
Heres a helpful link i found:
http://www.midwestcustomaquariums.com/paintyourtank.html
is this how the companie like seaclear and tenecor do it?
would it cost anything to order a tank with a colored background i would think it would be free, even though it is a much larger tank.
viciouspisces
10-03-2005, 3:16 AM
for the back (outside of my tanks ) acrylic i use 'fusion" paint by krylon -its sticks to plastic and I love royal blue- my glass tanks I painted w/ just your standard acrylic latex enamel and foam brushes.Now painting inside a tank is another story -gotta use 2 part nfs safe epoxy -in other wordssomething a human could drink out of ;)