Painting Back Of Tank

[Squado]

I was gonna start painting the back of the tank today or tomorrow and was wondering if their are any suggestions from you guys. Can I use regular paint, any form of priming, and what precautions should I use? TIA........

 

[msamsonz28]

I used a flat black oil based enamel on mine and it turned out great IMO. I just cleaned the glass then brushed it on. The only thing to watch out for is it will scratch off if you rub it with anything hard (ie a HOB skimmer). But even that's an easy fix. HTH and good luck!

 

[Devilishturtles]

I used a flat black spray paint. Took it outside, taped the sides of the tank to prevent the spray from getting on the sides, then did 2-3 coats of the spraypaint. It worked great as well.

 

[Kurt_Nelson]

Latex paint works as well. Think I put about 6 coats on mine - however many it took until I couldn't see light through it anymore. If you're going to use spray paint, just make sure to put the tank top down - or mask off the top - to make sure you don't get any drifting spray on the inside.

 

[hsherman1986]

i used black acrylic paint. Just cleaned the glass, painted on 4 coats, let dry, looks great. 9 of 10 tanks have been painted. Just haven't gotten around to doing the last one yet.

 

[vsnsofadrgn]

i used a couple coats of acrylic on mine.

 

[SkinnyPete]

My tank has been up for 2 years and I JUST got around to painting the back yesterday...not an easy task when it's already up and running - but, I just got some cheap black latex paint (Color Creations brand) at walmart. All they had was satin - no flat, but it worked out great.

As people have said you do have to put a few coats on. The first doesn't really stick well. Think I did 4 coats.

 

[Ziggy953]

IMO using spray cans gives a better finished look. I used flat black on my 5g nano and it looks almost like a mirror when viewed from the front. I think the next one I do I'm going to go with a nice blue....Spray cans all the way for me!!!

 

[clubsuperduty]

I would use latex that way if you want to remove it ever you can just peel it right off like a sticker.

 

[Squado]

Well before I read any of these posts yesterday I applied my first coat. I just went with an enamel based paint and used a roller to put it on. Everything it turned out alright and am going to be adding the second coat today. By the way, it would have been a lot smarter to do so before the tank was up and running, but maybe on the next tank......