Best Paint for Background?

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Dan F

Dan F

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Dec 10, 2007
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Oregon
I recently bought a new 210 gallon (72x24x29) glass tank. I want to paint the back and one side black.

What is the best paint for the job? I want it to last the life of the tank. I prefer brush/roller paint, but I am open to all suggestions. :popcorn:
 
Use the backrounds made for fish tanks. Dirt doesnt show up as fast on them and it doesnt decrease the value of the tank. Plus if you dont like it, Just take it off. I like the faded blue ones.
 
On glass, just about any paint will work. I've used rollers and latex paint. I've used a cheap $1 can of spray paint. They all worked. it was a matter of going slow and being thorough. Fusion is specifically designed to bond to plastic, and runs a bit pricier than some other paints I've used. Don't get me wrong, it's good stuff, but for the outside of glass, it's not really any better than any other spray paint.
 
Clay;4302934; said:
On glass, just about any paint will work. I've used rollers and latex paint. I've used a cheap $1 can of spray paint. They all worked. it was a matter of going slow and being thorough. Fusion is specifically designed to bond to plastic, and runs a bit pricier than some other paints I've used. Don't get me wrong, it's good stuff, but for the outside of glass, it's not really any better than any other spray paint.
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Thanks, that's what I was thinking. Latex is much cheaper and easier to work with from my experience. You haven't had any issues with paint peeling off over time?

I had a can of Krylon flat black in the garage so I tested it out on a scrap of glass. I was surprised at how many coats it took to get an opaque finish, to do the tank would take $80.00 worth of paint!

As far as the aquarium backgrounds, I have the faded blue one on the tank this one is replacing. I like it well enough, but I want to do something a little different this time.
 
i'd go with spray paint if you want something tough and durable. i think the latex can be scaped off easily
 
FishingOut;4302891; said:
Use the backrounds made for fish tanks. Dirt doesnt show up as fast on them and it doesnt decrease the value of the tank. Plus if you dont like it, Just take it off. I like the faded blue ones.
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If you're going to use one of these cheap looking backgrounds, at least get yourself a piece of vinyl cut ( the stuff made to use decals, etc ) and use a credit card and some mineral oil to adhere it to the tank. "Squeegee" it on. Easily removable and available in many different colours.
 
jcardona1;4303137; said:
i'd go with spray paint if you want something tough and durable. i think the latex can be scaped off easily
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That's what I'm worried about - this thing is going to be tough to put in place and I would hate to scratch it while handling it.
 
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