Custom painting background

[vwill279]

I am looking to custom paint a background for my 46 bowfront (36X30). I was wondering what kind of material to use. At first I was just going to use a canvas, but then I realized if it gets wet it will soak in and cause paint lift or mold. I usually work in acrylics and have no experience with any other type of paint. What could I use for both paint and surface?

I would also be willing to buy a poster (provided it is waterproof like most aquarium backgrounds) if I could find one in the design I am looking for (cherry blossom branches with flowers). Is there a website or something where you can custom design aquarium backgrounds?

 

[AquaticAustin]

Most aquarium backgrounds go on the outside of the tank on the back, so you could use/paint whatever you want and just put it outside. The only inside ones to my knowledge are those "3-D" backgrounds that are made of rocks or fake rocks etc or moss walls.

 

[vwill279]

Yes, I understand this. However, sometimes when I clean my filters and change my filter inserts, water will drip back there. I dont want to put a lot of effort into a painting to have it ruined by water drips. It wont be wet frequently, but until I get a canister filter for this tank, all I have are the two HOB's and will have to deal with occasional dripping.

 

[hadesnuggz]

If you use a good quality acrylic paint, and use it without diluting with water, you should be able to create a nice piece on the back of your aquarium without having to worry about paint being destroyed by water. It's water-resistant, being acrylic.

 

[vwill279]

I'm more worried about what I paint it ON, rather than the paint itself. I dont want anything that is going to warp, etc if it gets a little wet.

 

[hadesnuggz]

Yes. That is exactly what I mean. Acrylic paint is plastic. When dryed it is almost water-proof. It depends what quality of paint you use.

 

[vwill279]

The paint might not warp, but the posterboard, or paper, or whatever I paint it on might. I'm not going to paint the glass directly because I dont want this to be permanent in case I decide to change decor, need to sell the tank, etc. I was thinking of using clear plastic, but I'm worried the paint wont stick well without some texture.

 

[Jannika]

Maybe you could paint on the paper and then cover it with clear plastic of some kind, like visqueen?

 

[stephcps]

Why not paint on poster board or whatever and then have it laminated at kinkos? I just did some posters for my kids school....they are pretty sturdy and totally waterproof. It would be very similar to a commercial background.

 

[vwill279]

Maybe you could paint on the paper and then cover it with clear plastic of some kind, like visqueen?

Not sure what visqueen is, but I'll look into it, thanks!

Why not paint on poster board or whatever and then have it laminated at kinkos? I just did some posters for my kids school....they are pretty sturdy and totally waterproof. It would be very similar to a commercial background.

Great idea! I wonder though since the paint wont be completely flat if there will be air bubbles. I think I will go into the local kinkos and ask them if they think that would work.