Painting tank back

[79Yota]

I am setting up my new tank, and am planning on painting the back, and the bottom so the sump ligh does not shine up. What is the right paint to use, or should I just use a sheet and put that on the back and under.

 

[jakano]

if you paint it use an oil based paint. i tried to use a latex base and it will not stick to glass. i didnt know that and just made a big mess.

 

[Gooli]

krylon Black Spray - works great..do 3-4 coats

 

[Treg]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7053957#post7053957 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gooliver
krylon Black Spray - works great..do 3-4 coats

Thats what I used on mine but about 6-7 coats.
It looks great but it will scratch off fairly easy. I've got a few spots I need to touch up...

 

[radone]

I used Rustoelum semi gloss black but used two coats to cover.
Would probably recommend an enamel paint though, oil based needs to absorb. But I think many ways can be done.

Good Luck

 

[Hormigaquatica]

I painted mine with black acrylic paint. 2 coats and I was done; real easy.

 

[cfishrun]

I'd recommend using some type of spray paint so that you get even distribution and no brush strokes. Just be aware... If you use spray paint, make sure you cover whatever sides of the aquarium that you dont want paint on, including the inside. I did this 10 gal. with two different colors of blue paint and it turned out real nice, however I didnt put anything over the top and some kickback got on the inside. With a 10 gal. it was easy enough to take a razor to it and scrape off the excess paint, but it could have easily been avoided if I forsaw that in advance. Here are some pics:

Inside Views:

Outside View:

 

[phljess]

I painted my tank with acrylic but it took four coats and was a pain. After I finished, I thought it would be very easy to get some window tinting and put it on the back instead of painting it, what do you guys think?

 

[Jordan55]

I just used a black aquarium backgrounds you can find at the pet store.

Works good enough for me atleast.

 

[CaveManNOhio]

I've heard that some people feel the oil based paint will actually damage the silicone over time. I have no opinion either way on that.
I'm usingGlidden Evermore Latex Enamel Semi Gloss rolled on with 1/4" nap roller. So far I have 2 coats on and plan to do at least 2 more. Look's great. IMO

 

[szwab]

spray paint and forget about it

 

[verper]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7067545#post7067545 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by szwab
spray paint and forget about it

Only if you can move the *$%@# thing back up from the basement! Guess I'll have to roll some paint on

 

[solo99]

paint isn't going to last it doe's not stick that good to glass , plus with being exposed to moister and salt . you'll be alot better off with a background . remember if it bubbles up or peels will you be able to fix it .

 

[cfishrun]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7070059#post7070059 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by solo99
paint isn't going to last it doe's not stick that good to glass , plus with being exposed to moister and salt .

It'll be fine as long as you don't scratch it (which you shouldn't if it's the back of the tank). Latex-based paint won't stick to glass as well as oil-based, but either way, it's not like the paint will start flaking off on it's own. And even if you do happen to have some paint scratch off, you can always touch it back up. Like all things in this hobby, it really comes down to a personal preference and practicality of application. And IMO, this whole debate seems rather trivial; if you're planning to have a mature reef tank, the entire back will get covered with calcareous algae and sponges anyways. So pick whatever method you want, after a few months, you won't even be able to see it.

 

[thebrian]

I've heard of people using dark card window tint sheets and having a good effect. Don't know how expensive they are though.