14 replies to this topic

[CICH-BRO]

A question for those of you with painted tanks,
what is the best way to go about painting? Spray/roller/brush, type of paint, surface preparation etc.?
Any things to look out for, avoid?
Anybody with some rock solid advice Id like to hear it.

Yes I have done a search, Id like to hear people's opinions who have actually done it with sucess.
Thanks.

[dazzabozza]

I've done a couple of my tanks based on instructions from google searches.

Had to clean the glass using turps or meth spirits (can't remember which).
Then used ESP (Bunnings) - http://www.floodaust...roducts/esp.htm which provides a bonding surface for the paint.
Then used an acrylic paint (3-4 coats) using a roller. Research this a bit further though as enamel paint may be stronger.



Daz

[CICH-BRO]

I was at Bunnings yesterday and the paint guy said I should use that ESP stuff. At the time I didnt buy as I was concerned if it would affect the look of the glass once painted, as it gives a similar result to lightly sanding.

Another thing I was unsure about it is if it were to come in contact with the silicone joins. Although if using it Id be careful to keep it away from the corners.

So you used ESP and it gave a good result? no chipping etc?

[dazzabozza]

Gday.

Yep used ESP and had no issues. Didn't notice any affect on the viewing side of things, once it's painted it's quite a smooth finish. My tanks have the silicon on the side panels so the ESP didn't come in contact with it. I did keep a couple of minor peels after bumping the tank which is why I suggested going for enamel-based paint.


Dazza

[Neakit]

there is nothing that can disolve silicon that i know of so i wouldn't worry about that. another quick thought is that paint wont stick to silicon no matter what you try.

[OrangeBemba]

Have you tried contact.

The stuff people wrap there school books with at the start of every year.

They should have black or blue stuff available, it's quicker and maybe even cheaper.

[CICH-BRO]

Dazza- Yeah my tank has the seals on the sides aswell I actually didnt check before thinking of that, theres actually about an inch off the edge that I dont need to touch because the tank has black silicone, Id just mask it off.
I have a flat black enamel paint, only in the form of a few spray cans, Im aware of how to spray in light coats so it doesnt peel.

Neakit- Acetone will dossolve silicon but Im not sure if its an ingredient in ESP.

OrangeBemba- This tank is 6ftx2.5ft so thats alot of contact, yes it may be easier but Im sure with my skills at covering schoolbooks with the stuff back in the day Id have a heap of air bubbles and it would like dog-doos.
Im not looking for the easiest way Im looking for the best way, I hope it to be my display tank so I want it to look good. Thanks for the suggestion though.

Looks like Im gonna get some of that ESP stuff next time Im at Bunnanzas

Thanks for everyones help.

[CICH-BRO]

Another question for Dazza, did you use a flat/matte black or gloss black? Which looks better, Id imagine being on a glass surface there wouldnt be much difference between them?

[JimmyTheFish]

Hey Cich-Bro,

I just saw your thread. I have painted all my tanks with a black background as I reckon it contrasts well with the Tangs I keep and the limestone rocks and sand I use, giving the tank a look of more depth. I first clean the glass surface with some rubbing alcohol . I just dribble it over the glass wipe it and then let it evapourate. It leaves the glass clean as with out any residue. Then I use the ESP to prep the glass and then spray the back with a Black Matte spray paint. This leaves a nice background with out any reflection back towards the front which I believe you would get with a gloss. The tricky part is spraying the first coat as smoothly as possible and do it in the daylight under shelter from the sun. The reason I say daylight is I painted one of my tanks at dusk under a light which attracted moths and wouldn't you know one of the little buggers landed on my paint and I had to scrape it all off and start from scratch. Once you get the first coat down, dribbles don't matter as much as they aren't visible through the tank.

Cheers

James

[dazzabozza]

Another question for Dazza, did you use a flat/matte black or gloss black? Which looks better, Id imagine being on a glass surface there wouldnt be much difference between them?

Neither I used blue. Ended up going for a satin finish from memory...

[CICH-BRO]

Well there ya go I think I got you mixed up with someone else oops.

[STEVEGREEN]

painting is extremely permenant , years ago i used to cut up black garbage bags to the right size and then spray water on the tank glass and push the garbage bank onto the water , gives a great look , more natural , and just double sided tape the edges , if i didnt like it , id take it off.

Cheers
Steve Green

[CICH-BRO]

That sounds like a pretty ghetto way of doing a background but I suppose if it works why not?
Do you have any pics of your tanks like that?

I dont mind painting as I know that black is what I want on the background. My current tank had a cheesy looking stick-on background, I ended up taking it off having just nothing.

[werdna]

I just used normal water based wall paint. poured it on really thick then painted it with a brush. Then give it a second coat with the brush again.
You can see the brush strokes on the back, but looking thru the front it is a perfect smooth finish.

Then if you dont like the colour you can peel it off quite easy and it doesnt do any damage to the glass.

I moved house with my 5 x 2 x 2.5 tank and it rubbed the walls a couple of times but didnt do anything to the paint.

Also alot cheaper too


Andrew

[STEVEGREEN]

hahah i'm into the ghetto look

sorry this was 4 years ago.... no pic's , i just hate paint on tanks , looks cheap and shows lack of thought and enthusiasm.

why dont you build your own custom back ground? paint is just pure bronx !!

LOL

Steve Green