painting outside of tank? - Aquarium Advice

Deitta · 06-29-2008, 09:47 PM

I am looking into getting a used tank from craigslist. Most have the wood grain plastic edging, I would prefer black due to decor.
What paint would be suggested to paint the outside edges black for a salt water tank?

evercl92 · 06-30-2008, 08:33 AM

krylon fusion is my fave

**Zagz** · 06-30-2008, 09:55 AM

I have used regular house paint myself. I recently did a marble finish on the back of my 135. I did it in reverse so that the "marbles" would show through. Some people find it easier to roll it on rather than spray it, due to overspray concerns.

**Ziggy953** · 07-03-2008, 04:32 PM

Pretty much any acrylic Spray paint will work as long as the glass is clean. Spraying has a much better finish look to it. Just make sure to cover the top of the tank so no paint gets inside.

DannWunderlich · 08-06-2008, 07:28 PM

peakablue!! haha

thekeyofb · 08-08-2008, 12:24 PM

Are you talking about painting the wood/plastic trim around the tank or the glass itself? If you're talking about painting the glass, may i make a better suggestion? I actually used 5% window tint on the glass. It is very dark and looks great. If you're talking about painting the trim, any latex based paint would work.

CaptainAhab · 08-08-2008, 12:52 PM

Ooooo.. that stuff is UV resistant isn't it.. I have one side panel that gets some indirect sunlight, causes me some issues... Maybe I tint that side up

thekeyofb · 08-08-2008, 01:04 PM

Yes it is UV resistant. That's the reason I chose to use it. I used it on the back and sides of my aquarium. Not only does it look better than painting the glass, but it serves a great purpose. If your tank is exposed to some sunlight, then this will certainly help with alqae problems....at least that's my thought.

CaptainAhab · 08-08-2008, 01:05 PM

Sometimes I just want to scream. It clicked when I read it..

thekeyofb · 08-08-2008, 01:07 PM

i hope it works out for you. it has for me so far......

06-29-2008, 09:47 PM	#1
Deitta Aquarium Advice Activist Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Anchorage, AK Posts: 165	painting outside of tank? I am looking into getting a used tank from craigslist. Most have the wood grain plastic edging, I would prefer black due to decor. What paint would be suggested to paint the outside edges black for a salt water tank? __________________ Just trying to not kill my fish!

06-30-2008, 08:33 AM	#2
evercl92 Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Groveport, OH Posts: 623 Images: 5	krylon fusion is my fave __________________ "... if any one specie does not become modified and improved in a corresponding degree with its competitors, it will soon be exterminated." - Charles Darwin

06-30-2008, 09:55 AM	#3
Zagz Aquarium Advice Addict Community Admin Join Date: May 2005 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 11,326 Images: 92	I have used regular house paint myself. I recently did a marble finish on the back of my 135. I did it in reverse so that the "marbles" would show through. Some people find it easier to roll it on rather than spray it, due to overspray concerns. __________________ ----------- My Profile Page My tank & fish photos. Have you voted for AA today? Like the advice or comments someone gave you? Show your appreciation with the reputation button!

07-03-2008, 04:32 PM	#4
Ziggy953 Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Sumerduck, Virginia Posts: 3,915 Images: 5	Pretty much any acrylic Spray paint will work as long as the glass is clean. Spraying has a much better finish look to it. Just make sure to cover the top of the tank so no paint gets inside. __________________ Happy Reefing! *120 Build in progress 6/18/08* Visit our Article section for answers on a variety of topics. LFS, PWC, PH RO/DI what in the world? Look here! Pods, algae and more!

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08-06-2008, 07:28 PM	#5
DannWunderlich Aquarium Advice Apprentice Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 31	peakablue!! haha

08-08-2008, 12:24 PM	#6
thekeyofb Aquarium Advice Regular Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 50	Are you talking about painting the wood/plastic trim around the tank or the glass itself? If you're talking about painting the glass, may i make a better suggestion? I actually used 5% window tint on the glass. It is very dark and looks great. If you're talking about painting the trim, any latex based paint would work.

08-08-2008, 12:52 PM	#7
CaptainAhab Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Southern NJ/Philadelphia Posts: 325	Ooooo.. that stuff is UV resistant isn't it.. I have one side panel that gets some indirect sunlight, causes me some issues... Maybe I tint that side up

08-08-2008, 01:04 PM	#8
thekeyofb Aquarium Advice Regular Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 50	Yes it is UV resistant. That's the reason I chose to use it. I used it on the back and sides of my aquarium. Not only does it look better than painting the glass, but it serves a great purpose. If your tank is exposed to some sunlight, then this will certainly help with alqae problems....at least that's my thought.

08-08-2008, 01:05 PM	#9
CaptainAhab Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Southern NJ/Philadelphia Posts: 325	Sometimes I just want to scream. It clicked when I read it..

08-08-2008, 01:07 PM	#10
thekeyofb Aquarium Advice Regular Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 50	i hope it works out for you. it has for me so far......