i want to paint the outside (back) of my new tank. any tips or advice? im think of using spray paint, would it be better than using a brush? (wouldnt want stroke marks) any help would be app.
tips on painting a tank
- Thread starter smbjedi
- Start date
I have painted the backs of most of my tanks,
the larger ones(6' or more) I roll on,the smaller tanks I spray.
If spraying,mask off everything you dont want painted.
Make sure to cover the inside of the tank.
After painting,cover the cured paint with masking tape to protect it,it will chip & scratch very easy.
the larger ones(6' or more) I roll on,the smaller tanks I spray.
If spraying,mask off everything you dont want painted.
Make sure to cover the inside of the tank.
After painting,cover the cured paint with masking tape to protect it,it will chip & scratch very easy.
I actually used finger paint.:grinyes:
a murky blend of green blue and black. Needed to be pretty thick to no longer be translucent. I then took craft paper (like a brown paper bag) , crumpled it, then stuck it right to the wet paint. Created a nice subtle impression of depth. Completely different effect than rolling or spraying. just an option
a murky blend of green blue and black. Needed to be pretty thick to no longer be translucent. I then took craft paper (like a brown paper bag) , crumpled it, then stuck it right to the wet paint. Created a nice subtle impression of depth. Completely different effect than rolling or spraying. just an option
On the one tank I have painted (which is my biggest tank) I used cheap black spray paint from wal-mart. 97 cents a can.
Let the paint dry before putting HOB filters on. I scratched mine a bit...
Let the paint dry before putting HOB filters on. I scratched mine a bit...
I've always rolled paint on. 3 coats. Quick and easy and less messy than spraying. I also prefer to use flat enamel paint.
The finger paint is a great idea. You can get great textures , color mixes, etc., and it washes or scrapes off easily. And you can do it indoors.
If you use a solvent based spray (like the person above said - 99cents at WalMart or Rustoleum at Home Depot), do it outside and wear a respirator.
On another aquarium forum site today a person wanted to do the same thing while they were doing water changes and I was strongly against that. I have been in industrial trades for a long time and when you find out what all those paint solvents can do it aint pretty.
Your lungs, liver, fish and water heater pilot light will thank you.
If you use a solvent based spray (like the person above said - 99cents at WalMart or Rustoleum at Home Depot), do it outside and wear a respirator.
On another aquarium forum site today a person wanted to do the same thing while they were doing water changes and I was strongly against that. I have been in industrial trades for a long time and when you find out what all those paint solvents can do it aint pretty.
Your lungs, liver, fish and water heater pilot light will thank you.
thanks for all the tips, just finished the 3rd coat!(rolled on). looks great, thanks again for the tips! 
OKAY, Ill try.
Buckdog, you're not kidding about the H2O heater.
I once redid wood floors using WATERBASED polyeurathane. The next day I ended up calling the firedept because I couldn't trace that burning smell.
just from fumes burned by the pilot light. nasty. Good thing I didn't have fishtanks. there was black soot settig here and there for days.
smbjedi - congrats!
