Finally, a background that works!

Thanks Raithan Ellis,
Boy do I feel Dumb. I did a search and came up blank but never thought about just punching in the name. (I'm new at this internet stuff)
 
Yesterday, I was able to stop over at TFP while on break. Upon checking out Oceanvisions, it is nearly identicle to vinyl used in plotters at sign shops. It is noticably thicker (5-6mil) than everyday sign vinyl (2mil & 3mil). The adhesive is identicle in all respects, same old 'Rapid Tack' solutions are to be used for application carefully... (if you don't have Rapid Tack you can always revert to soap and water as they suggest).

Looks like a good option for those unfamiliar with wet application as the thickness allows for slight clumsiness during installation. They also have a fair assortment of colors and faded backgrounds (You'd be hard pressed to find a graduated color vinyl at a sign shop). But, if you have a taste for solid colors or a need to put backgrounds on mutiple tanks, I highly recommend checking out a sign shop and giving a shot at DIY to save a few beans.

Cheers,
Raithan O. Ellis
 
Just an FYI for those of you in Central Ohio, Aquarium adventures carries this product in a few colors, not the full range, but they had Black Blue and I think Green. I bought some for the tank I'm setting up. Looks like it will work well I'll know in 6 days when I get my Tank home.
 
Wow!!!!!!!!!!!! This stuff is awesome, I had a little trouble getting all of the air bubbles out from under it, but I applied it with glass cleaner (Old trick I learned doing semi trailer decals) when I got it all smoothed out and dried the look is unbelievable. I like it better than a painted tank. The tank looks 15 feet deep, and ther isn't a single blemish in the background anywhere.
 
Ok how did you get it to stick? I got mine last week. I used glass cleaner and it looked pretty good at first. Then after a few days it started to come loose in places. Can I take it off and try again? Also getting all the bubbles out whew what a pain.
 
Mine stuck like glue once it was in place, I just peeled the backing, I sprayed it with windex, and put it in place with masking tape. I then carefully squeegied (sp?) out the bubles. This took some time, but the finished project was great. I think it looks as good as paint, maybe better, and was no where near the work. I am not sure if you can re-try it, it would depend on why it came un-stuck to begin with. If you bought it at an LFS they may give you a new piece if you explain your problems. If you used soap and water, you might try re-wetting with water only, and re-applying. the soap may have left a residue which kept it from adhereing. I'm really guessing here though.
 
Mix a mild solution of kitchen soap (ie... Joy) with water and using your hands only (after washing the oils from your hands), wipe down the sticky side with the solution and apply to the glass. Soap and water is neigh the solution that is RapidTac, and is often used in the vinyl sign/tinting buisnesses to save on costs. Results are the same, and you can always re-wet if the adhesive has not pulled from the vinyl. I wouldn't bother trying to reapply after a week has passed, or even after a day or two in direct sunlight.

Anyone remember those spider things in (Kellogg's?) cereals, you would wash them with soap and water then dry to renew the sticky ability. Then you threw them against the walls and watched them slowly flop and crawl down?

Cheers,
Raithan O. Ellis
 
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