I will be getting my new tank later this week, need some advise how to paint the back?
I plan to get some of that blue painter tape to cover up sides and trim, and then use spray paint.
Suggestions what paint to buy? Brand? Flat?
I assume very thin layer each coat to avoid those little drops of paint?
I used Rustoleum because I am in Canada but I know people have lots of success with Krylon Fusion in the US.
It is really very easy. Tape up the trim and sides (or tape pieces of paper to protect sides) and you put 4-6 very thin even coats. Turn the aquarium front facing down to avoid runs. Make sure to let the paint dry before applying the next coat.
I think I used semi-gloss on mine but I can't recall. I don't think it matters in the long run for gloss to semi-gloss to matte when it comes to aquariums. If you go planted I doubt you will see the back all that much anyways!
I used this exact method this weekend with great results! Black acrylic paint with a typical wall/ceiling roller.
Did 3 1/2coats, 1st went left to right, 2nd top to bottom, 3rd left to right, last little touch up in a few spots. The back look liked a chalk board when it was completely dry, it blended so well. I would recommend it especially if you don't have an easy way to get your tank outside.
i used fusion myself
i layed down 2 light coats within 30 minutes, and 2 medium coats within another 30 minutes on my 75 gallon. i used gloss, but that's irrelevant
I have been painting the backs of my tanks for over 10 yrs. I have done both blue & black but i prefer black, a lot cleaner looking. It doesnt matter what finish u use as glass is shiney so no matter what u use it will be gloss outside looking in. I have used everything from $1 to $8 a can. No difference. Just tape up the trim, sides & i also tape & paper the top just incase any suspended over spray n the air doesnt settle inside the tank... Hope this helps...
What is easier is to buy some 1/2" insulation board and cut it to fit the back of the glass and paint one side of it. Works great, looks great and provides some insulation to the tank. And, if you want to change it, no need to pull out the tank to scrape the back, just pull off some tape, slide it out and slide a new one into place.
That not a bad idea, assume I could use any old spray paint? The thought of having to paint the pack of my brand new tank is bit of a concern. I painted a tank several years ago and every time I moved hose or something you could tell with the paint.
How do you attach the insulation board? so no light escapes and to make it so tape not seen all over the tank?
The paint he uses in the youtube video in post above can be found at most craft stores such as Michael's, JoAnn Fabrics, etc.
I use a flat black latex paint from Home Depot. They sell small sample sizes right at the paint desk for roughly $2.50. They can mix any color. Pick up a foam roller for another $3 and you're in business. Works well if you are painting an already established tank AND you have enough room to reach behind with the roller. Take it slowly and do at least two coats.
I used insulation board also and it works very well. I cut it to fit exactly between the trim and used a few dabs of silicone caulk to attach it to the tank. Since it's so light, it doesn't take much to keep it in place. I used some flat black latex paint from a can and brushed it on.
One thing about latex paint is that it takes about a month to fully cure, so I waited a few weeks before attaching. I'm not sure it really matters, but I wasn't in a hurry and figured better safe than sorry.
I used to use the spray paint method, and more recently tried brush-on latex.
I found the spray paint method easier, I just followed whatever directions were on the can, gave several light coats until light wouldn't show through. -and mask the sides, covered the top with a sheet of newspaper taped down to prevent overspray contamination, etc.
The brush-on latex is a better choice if you don't have a backyard or a garage or something, and need to work in your living quarters. It took me several coats, and I recently noticed a bubble where the heater cord stuck to the paint and pulled it away.
I'll touch up that spot one of these nights, so it shouldn't be a big deal, and it doesn't show too bad. I'll probably attach something to the top trim to keep cords from contacting the back of the tank as well. I used one of those sample-sized latex paint bottles in Home Depot, and got it tinted to black.
I think a painted back looks far superior to most of the other types, since it's uniform, and right on the glass, so you don't get gaps/dust/bubbles (with the exception of my heater cord issue...). And the black helps hide equipment/cords within the tank - they just blend into shadow, and make your plants/fish/hardscape the focus.
I used spray paint except I kind of didn't. I sprayed it into a paint pan and I used a roller. You should really use a roller it's really the easiest way if you think about it. Spraying it on takes much more work because you're trying to completely fill in a flat surface.
Instead of painting, try Limo window tint. You can pick some up at a Walmart. You can apply the window tint and be up and running in no time.
Good luck
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
The Planted Tank Forum
3.5M posts
130.6K members
Since 2002
A forum community dedicated to Aquatic tank owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about flora, fauna, health, housing, filters, care, classifieds, and more!