Painting the Plastic Trim on an Aquarium

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Anyone ever try it?

My wife would prefer the aquarium that I won at MACNA to be a color other than black.

 

[Crusty Old Shellback]

I haven't done it but picked up one that was done. It looked ok. Since it's plastic, I would think all you need to do is sand it some to rough it up, then use any good quality paint. Make sure to let it dry good before using it. I've painted other things that were made of the same type of plastic with this method with no problems. Good luck.

 

[Zigzag Man]

Krylon just came out with a new paint that bonds with plastic... I'm not sure what kind of chemicals are in it, but I wouldn't think it would be too much of a problem since the trim is on the outside of the tank.
Might be something to look into.

 

[Jeremy Blaze]

I would lightly sand it, prime it, then paint. Never used the new krylon, but, I've built a lot of model cars in my youth, and they were all plastic. Never had any problems with any rattle can paints sticking.

And let me be the first to say, Congrats on winning the Tank!!

 

[jay24k]

I have! This is what I did. Sand the trim some. Mine was plastic but it roughed itup a bit. I rolled primer on it. Used 2 coats. Then I used black spray paint. I newspapered and taped up the tank. Sprayed it on and good to go. I recommend a good week to cure as it will cheap easy if you don't. My canopy goes over mine now but still doing good. I had that ugly brown color and wife hated it too.

 

[Bamm Bamm]

I've done it I've even done it with fish in the tank(freshwater-Cichlids). I just use a scotch brite pad to rough up the platic and then tape everything I don't want sprayed off with tape and newspaper(if I don't have painters paper) and I spray it. No need to prime it or any of that.. Lasts for a few years at least..

 

[jay24k]

If it is a plastic trim, primer will help adhere the paint to it. It might work well with just paint, but I like the added strength to it.

 

[tygger]

The new paint by Krylon is called Fusion. Not really sure how new it is, but it is designed specifically for plastic. No primer needed and it also bonds well to glass and other surfaces.

I used it to spray the background for my tank. Turned out really well...

 

[wildcats]

I've done it, buy the plastic primer, give it a couple of light coats, then spray on whatever finish you prefer. No problems

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Thanks very much, everyone!

 

[musicsmaker]

I would build a stand and/or hood that covers the trim personally.

 

[lalc]

I have used fusion plastic paint works great

 

[Jeremy Blaze]

Boy, dug this thread up from a long time ago! I would bet Randy has already taken care of it, or at least I hope so!