i had a bunch of 20gals that i painted all different colors so my wife could identify the aquarium when i leave her intructions when i was not around. it seemed like all colors even orange, purple, neon lime, and whatever i could find in spray can came out looking weird...but kind of cool. it was amazing how fish looked against different colored backgrounds. RUSTOLEUM and KRYLON brands both worked, the latter seeming to adhere better on the first coat. it took about five coats and finished smooth. i tried brushing initially, but you end up with a lumpy finish. i also tried with roller, but it did not stick well.
I did the same thing, got rid of the backing and painted my glass. I used flat black latex paint and a fine roller. Took a number of coats (I let it dry a bit before each coat...otherwise it wasn't sticking the best), but it turned out pretty good.
Here's another thread where we were talking about this subject too.
If you click my Sig, I have a before paint and after paint pic of my tank on the page. I need to add more pics I have of the tank....but that is for another day.
Just make sure the glass is clean before you start painting.
__________________ Tank setup 8-5-05
26 gal bowfront
i've heard from numerous people that krylon spray paint is the best. a few coats, i mean whenever you think is sufficent enough. and spray paint will be the easiest to put on. nice slow strokes across laterally. and if it's your first time just practice on some cardboard.
that would be the best way to go. with so many people doing that way, you shouldn't be disappointed.
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Thanks for the feedback. The trouble I see with spray paint is the overspray and access to the tank.
I have a 46g bowfront and the tank is in my home office. I obviously can get at the back of my tank but I have two walls that are in close proximity. Moving the tank i snot an option because of weight of tank.
Any best practice stuuf on how to accomplish spray painting without the mess?
there are colored films you can use, same effect, no mess, and not permanent
there was a thread about it not to long ago, but i dont rememebr the name of that thread
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my lfs has a film material marketed for fish tanks. i comes in assorted colors and with a squeegee and soapy water. its from new company called BLUE WATER.
yea you could use window tint (from cars) to do it. it's very inexpensive and easy to do. just go to your local car supply store and grab something there.
or if you want to try the spray paint. what i could say is use big plastic sheets to cover the walls. tape the big sheets to the walls and any near by furniture. then do the same with the whole tank. except for the back which you will be painting. the most important part is to cover the inside of the tank. cover it with plastic on the inside and tape. then use cardboard to cover the top (like a lid). then cover that again with tape. the last ting you want is paint inside of your tank. and then kind of make a wall of cardboard around the tank.
2 walls and a top. and paint. this will keep alot of the spray dust from getting onto other things. yea you might get a little dirty yourself but you have to with DIY jobs. i mean you kinda get what i'm saying. it's a little more precaution but you want to paint it right? or go with the window tint.
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I used interior latex semi-gloss from Olympic that I bought at Lowes for about $6. I had them make it a green/blue from a paint chip I liked. Just rolled on with a small roller, It took two coats.
It's worked out well, Rachel
i used glass paint from the craft store. did the cleaner bit, then about a dozen coats of the navy blue paint. i was impatient in the drying process and so i'd scrunch the paint up and then have to reapply to cover that spot... overall i'm happy with the turnout though.
whatever you use, just take your time and you'll be alright.
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