Have noticed alot of you guys paint the backs of your aquairums. I wanted to do this to mine but not sure how to go about it. What type of paint should I use? Do I use a roller ? How many coats ? etc etc. Does anyone have any suggestions for me?
Painting the back of a tank?
- Thread starter ftech69
- Start date
A sponge roller is the easiest way to do it. Any kind of paint will work. If you use latex, it will be very easy to remove if you decide you want to change it. It peels right off. Put on enough coats so you can't see through. 3 or 4 is usually plenty. Rolling is easier because all you have to do it tape of the edges. I brushed one on once, it worked fine, but took more coats and did not go on as easily or evenly. Spraying works too,but you need to cover everything but the back. On a big tank,this is a pain. But not too bad on smaller ones.
I usually use black latex, about 4 coats just to insure there are no spots missed. I have used a roller and a brush, I think the roller was a little smoother going on but still took a few coats. The latex paint comes off really easily, so be careful even moving it and attaching filters that may rub the paint. I just about a hour ago spray painted the side of one tank with car paint too (I liked the color, emerald green). If I want to remove that paint, it will take some type of paint thinner. Latex is always easiest/best.
I just painted the back of my 55gal. I used black satin enamel, Valspar - Lowes house brand similar to Rustoleum. I used a foam brush to put on 4 coats. I went on pretty good. Looks great from the front, from the back you can see the brush strokes, but they don't show from the front. Just be careful when you remove the masking tape, make sure you run a razor along the edge of the tape to avoid pulling up the paint (Don't ask me how I know this.) 
I cleaned the back of the tank with some isopropyl alcohol first, masked the edges and just painted away. Don't sweat it too much. go with 4 or so light coats. Worst case scenario, you scrape it off - gently - and try again.