Tank and Pond Paint

[Olly613]

This project is likely still a year or more off from now, but can anyone recommend some types of paint/epoxy (aka not liner) that is suitable for fiberglass and/or concrete? Namely, I might look into a concrete & cinder-block pond in the basement next summer.

Last summer a built an indoor pond for my a snapping turtle, made out of fiberglass cloth (expected to paint it for sealing, hence why I didn't use mat, but might have been worthwhile) and bought two quarts of overly expensive Pond Armor paint. I say 'overly given that (1) I am a student on a budget, and more so (2) it was terrible...

I was very unhappy, it wasn't very nice to work with, the tan color looks way worse than on the site (wish I got black now) and worst of all - it leaks. It leaks after I applied 2 generous coats, and it is supposed to work in 1 according to the site.

So sufficed to say, I feel as though there must be a cheaper and better alternative that I haven't explored yet, and preferably one that I can get at a local hardware or pool store, rather than importing from another country. I'm relatively new here (at least posting), but I thought what better place to ask than a community of dedicated and experienced enthusiasts with a spark for creativity!

Thank you kindly in advance for any/all suggestions.

 

[pjsmetana]

Dude I don't know... if pond armor didn't work then maybe paint isn't the way for you to go.

 

[Olly613]

Haha, I take it pond armor is considered good stuff then Pete? Tbh, it was my first time fiberglassing by myself, so there is a good chance it leaked due to something related to that process. But I think more so I'm looking for some sort of cheaper alternative (again, importing was very expensive). That way, if it's inexpensive and locally available, I can always get more if I need additional coats/layers. For example: epoxies used for garage floors I have seen for about $50 for a gallon at local hardware stores and they are supposed to be quite waterproof, but I didn't want to risk that because I couldn't find any first hand experience to say that it wasn't toxic. Alternatively, are there not some types of pool paints/concrete pool sealants? (actual name of material & a brand if available?)

Again, I ask here because I have tried googling with mixed results, and also calling numerous hardware/fish/pool stores and none of them have had a clue what they are talking about sadly.

I'm looking for anything that can seal any of wood/concrete/fiberglass really, cause I can design for whatever structural material is likely to seal best, for the least cost incurred.

Thanks again.

 

[pjsmetana]

...For example: epoxies used for garage floors I have seen for about $50 for a gallon at local hardware stores and they are supposed to be quite waterproof, but I didn't want to risk that because I couldn't find any first hand experience to say that it wasn't toxic. Alternatively, are there not some types of pool paints/concrete pool sealants? (actual name of material & a brand if available?)

....

Ya, Pond Armor is supposed to be the 'bee's knees'.

Garage floor stuff, I'm almost entirely sure is toxic in submersible applications.

The pool stuff is known as Gel Coat. Never used the stuff for anything other than boats and corvette bodies myself, but most brands are pretty good and flex very well under pressure. http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=39&PHPSESSID=20110418164027964173201