Paint diy stand black or stain it natural?

[R2D2-15]

So this is with a clear coat already on, I can’t decide if I want to leave it like this or paint it black. Pics included, you can see with the lid the color difference between the rest of the aquarium and the center (I didn’t coat the lid yet. So the clear coat did make it slightly darker, but

 

[Redfoxtang]

If you didn’t clear coat the top rim I’m sure you could probably find a stain at Lowe’s/HD to almost match the stand. With that said I like the look of it and would leave it. But the black and white stand is definitely in style right now.

 

[AltitudeAquarium]

So this is with a clear coat already on, I can’t decide if I want to leave it like this or paint it black. Pics included, you can see with the lid the color difference between the rest of the aquarium and the center (I didn’t coat the lid yet. So the clear coat did make it slightly darker, but

You could sand it and stain it with another color. Or the other suggestion would work as well. I like it as it is because the grain of the wood is good looking. Attached is my attempt at two colors

.

 

[Jon Fishman]

My black stand shows salt splatter like crazy

 

[BornHandy]

Different types of wood takes stain differently, so if you stain it, and want it all to look even, you'll have to jump through a few extra hoops. For that reason alone, I would lean toward the paint side, but maybe not black...

Black hides details, and shows salt, so I went with the "antique" look.

It hides salt, emphasizes the details, and matches the fish fossils.

 

[motortrendz]

I'd go with whatever matches your decor. Me personally I think stain and seal would look awesome. But it's up to you. Maybe a weathered white/grey would look really good.

 

[RocketEngineer]

I used a black polyurethane for the panels of my metal stand. You might look into something like that. Effectively a stain and sealer in one product. I used two coats and it came out great.

 

[R2D2-15]

it’s been a while but the stand is done and I’m starting the aquarium setup. I thought I’d post some final pics of it with the tank on it.

 

[Peace River]

it’s been a while but the stand is done and I’m starting the aquarium setup. I thought I’d post some final pics of it with the tank on it.

Beautiful! Nice work!

 

[Bigtrout]

it’s been a while but the stand is done and I’m starting the aquarium setup. I thought I’d post some final pics of it with the tank on it.

Im glad you DIDNT paint that beautiful wood...great job!