painting tank background

[fernalfer]

I want to paint my tank black and roll it on. Is there any particular paint i should get? Eggshell, satin, gloss, semi gloss, matte. Any particular brand that works better for glass?

 

[kschweer]

Any reason for wanting to roll it? I have always used spray paint. Any brand works and I try to use flat black, I really don't know why but it seems to work best.

 

[fernalfer]

Any reason for wanting to roll it? I have always used spray paint. Any brand works and I try to use flat black, I really don't know why but it seems to work best.

Overspray, smell. coat goes on more evenly. Feel like less coats because you have to spray on thin layers to get good even coverage. about 5 rolls back and forth done.

 

[JACK50REEF]

Use flat black spray paint by plasti dip. The great thing about plasti dip is, you can peel it off. Make sure u mask everything really well. Doesnt matter if you use flat, or gloss. Your glass will make it look somewhat glossy.

 

[fernalfer]

Use flat black spray paint by plasti dip. The great thing about plasti dip is, you can peel it off. Make sure u mask everything really well. Doesnt matter if you use flat, or gloss. Your glass will make it look somewhat glossy.

if i were to spray it where do you get plasti dip. also is their any prep i need to do to the glass before painting besides making sure it is clean

 

[hybridazn]

I recommend using vinyl to use on the back glass. It goes on like window tint, cheap and if you get bored it peelse off and you can try a new color.

 

[fernalfer]

I recommend using vinyl to use on the back glass. It goes on like window tint, cheap and if you get bored it peelse off and you can try a new color.

I have heard nightmares of the stuff that goes on like window tint. Any brands besides plasti dip if i were to go the spray can route?

 

[hybridazn]

I have heard nightmares of the stuff that goes on like window tint. Any brands besides plasti dip if i were to go the spray can route?

What kind of "nightmares"? I use it on all my tanks and friends and never have a problem.

 

[fernalfer]

bubbles, lines you can't get out. water finding its way behind (salt creep)

 

[hybridazn]

Before installing the vinyl spray with a water bottle with a couple drops of baby shampoo. Then lightly spray the glass so this allows the vinyl to slide around a bit to get in place. Then use a squeegee to apply to the glass working out the bubbles and creases. It literally takes 10 minutes. Painting will take longer depending on coats.

 

[JakeAndAmanda]

This is what I used, works and looks great. I got it at Home Depot and put three rolled on coats on it.

 

[Fin]

Honestly, almost anything works. It is more of a personal preference. I have rolled it on, brushed it on and sprayed it on, even used the tint film. It all worked just fine.

 

[Waters]

Like fin stated, pretty much everything works. I always use a small roller and semi-gloss latex paint.

 

[fernalfer]

OK then which is easiest. Lol. Least time consuming and cost effective way

 

[JakeAndAmanda]

I think I spent around five bucks and each coat took about forty five seconds

 

[FeliciaLynn]

I prefer the Krylon Fusion spray paint which is supposed to stick well to a lot of different surfaces. A ton of people recommend that for painting tanks.

 

[JACK50REEF]

Plasti dip is great. You can find it at pepboys, or autozone. Its used for wheels and other trims. You want to completely tape the top so you dont get overspray. Inside. You want to do 5 coats. I have used it for my aquariums, aswell as a few friends and personal customers.

 

[fernalfer]

so i bought plasti dip. I have applied a second coat so far. Thanks for everyones input

 

[JACK50REEF]

Just a heads up. The more coats you have, the easier it is to peel off plasti dip. Goodluck!

 

[fernalfer]

Just a heads up. The more coats you have, the easier it is to peel off plasti dip. Goodluck!

Thanks. Picking up can #2