I use the shiny one that you buy at petsmart, I don't like it much because the the reflection it causes.
If I could switch to paint I would.
If I could switch to paint I would.
Black background...Painted or stuck on?
- Thread starter Texs
- Start date
I have only used latex paint... and have used it with complete success on MANY tanks...
I have very little experience with oil based paints in general... and from what I've always heard/read about oil based paint is it's basically the old version of paint... and the only reason it is still around is you cannot paint over an oil based paint with latex...
Having said that... I do not know of any reason nor can I imagine any reason why oil based paint would be "bad" to use... but if you have the choice between the two, I do suggest latex for two reasons... A) I have used it and based on personal experience it works great... B) when I have engaged in painting projects (in general) and have consulted painting professionals they have always encouraged me to use latex paint, unless painting over an oil based paint...
If you are leaning toward oil based I would suggest you stop by a professional paint store (the real thing, not a hardware store that sells paint) and ask a professional for advice on painting a glass surface. They may not know "fish' as well as many of us, but they will know paint far better than the general fish forum person... so it's definitely an opinion worth hearing...
I have very little experience with oil based paints in general... and from what I've always heard/read about oil based paint is it's basically the old version of paint... and the only reason it is still around is you cannot paint over an oil based paint with latex...
Having said that... I do not know of any reason nor can I imagine any reason why oil based paint would be "bad" to use... but if you have the choice between the two, I do suggest latex for two reasons... A) I have used it and based on personal experience it works great... B) when I have engaged in painting projects (in general) and have consulted painting professionals they have always encouraged me to use latex paint, unless painting over an oil based paint...
If you are leaning toward oil based I would suggest you stop by a professional paint store (the real thing, not a hardware store that sells paint) and ask a professional for advice on painting a glass surface. They may not know "fish' as well as many of us, but they will know paint far better than the general fish forum person... so it's definitely an opinion worth hearing...
I painted one tank black and upon seeing it set up I have since shut down all my tanks except a 125 and painted their back grounds black.
The real reason oil base is still around is two fold. For weathered wood, oil based primer is still the best available. Latex can be painted over oil, it's the other way around that doesn't work. But the real reason oil based paint is still around, is pure economics: There's still a demand for it.
Well, this thread inspired me. The background that came on my tank when I got it was ugly...not to mention that some of it had peeled when it was being delivered so a corner of it looked like crap anyway.
This weekend was put to good use. Had to slide out a full 120g tank away from the wall...that took some muscle. Went to Home Depot and asked for black latex indoor paint. After an argument with the employee about how it won't stick to glass and wasting my time, he finally showed me this:
http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=96
Unfortunately, I used black, not candy pink (hahaha) and it worked great. I bought the smallest can, 8oz, and it covered the whole back...did about 4 coats as well as all the trim - no more cruddy fake wood grain trim. That includes the mess I made where a hose came lose running all over the back of the tank and getting black paint all over the floor. Luckily, it was easy to clean, wipe off, and redo.
While I had the tank out, I also restained it...darker to match the rest of the furniture. Looks awesome. Now I need to get a tank shot.
All I have left to do is paint the hood/light...which I think I'm going to just spray paint as it'll be easier and should cover better.
The black is great though, my intakes, spray bars (and heaters as soon as I grab some stealths) all blend right in. You don't even seem them with the way I have the light positioned. The back of the tank looks like it turns into the abyss. It also seems to have caused all my fish to color up a bit more.
This weekend was put to good use. Had to slide out a full 120g tank away from the wall...that took some muscle. Went to Home Depot and asked for black latex indoor paint. After an argument with the employee about how it won't stick to glass and wasting my time, he finally showed me this:
http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=96
Unfortunately, I used black, not candy pink (hahaha) and it worked great. I bought the smallest can, 8oz, and it covered the whole back...did about 4 coats as well as all the trim - no more cruddy fake wood grain trim. That includes the mess I made where a hose came lose running all over the back of the tank and getting black paint all over the floor. Luckily, it was easy to clean, wipe off, and redo.
While I had the tank out, I also restained it...darker to match the rest of the furniture. Looks awesome. Now I need to get a tank shot.
All I have left to do is paint the hood/light...which I think I'm going to just spray paint as it'll be easier and should cover better.
The black is great though, my intakes, spray bars (and heaters as soon as I grab some stealths) all blend right in. You don't even seem them with the way I have the light positioned. The back of the tank looks like it turns into the abyss. It also seems to have caused all my fish to color up a bit more.
