I wanted to paint the back of my 4' tank flat black. I don't like the glare from the poster sheet background that I'm currently using. I was thinking of using a self-priming latex exterior paint such as the Behr Ultra. Any thoughts or recommendations?
Painting tank background
- Thread starter TheGrza
- Start date
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carey
Aquarium Advice Addict
I previously have used latex on my backgrounds but just today i tried spray paint. 
was much easier, the coverage was really good and there was no dripping. You might wanna try that. I know I will be painting with spray paint in the future, can't believe how much easier it is. lol
was much easier, the coverage was really good and there was no dripping. You might wanna try that. I know I will be painting with spray paint in the future, can't believe how much easier it is. lol
spoonman
Aquarium Advice Addict
I used krylon spray paint on my 29 and 75 gallon tanks and have been very happy with it.
cerulean_blue
Aquarium Advice Activist
Painting the background of a tank is the BEST background (maybe besides 3D backgrounds). It's certainly the easiest, cheapest.
Spray paint is the way to go. I've painted both my tanks, my FW community is black and my SW FOWLR is blue. I used Rustoleum Gloss on my FW and Krylon Gloss on my SW.
Comparing the 2 experiences, it was much easier and I had a better outcome when using the Rustoleum.
Spray paint is the way to go. I've painted both my tanks, my FW community is black and my SW FOWLR is blue. I used Rustoleum Gloss on my FW and Krylon Gloss on my SW.
Comparing the 2 experiences, it was much easier and I had a better outcome when using the Rustoleum.
cerulean_blue
Aquarium Advice Activist
Just saw your comment, I live on the 4th floor but I have a balcony. If you have to brush, get the Rustoleum cans and just follow the directions. But if you can figure a way to spray paint def go for that.
stingrays4
Aquarium Advice FINatic
Hi it will not make any difference as its the glass you see not the finish of the paint. I personally always use a matt
I give the external of the tank a couple of coats of black matt {Blackboard paint} then cover this with insulation.
spoonman
Aquarium Advice Addict
I would not spray or brush paint a full tank with fish in it!
Mumma.of.two
Aquarium Advice Obsessed
spoonman said:
I've used a roller to paint 3 tanks with fish in them. Never encountered a problem.
spoonman
Aquarium Advice Addict
I am a little more accident prone. I would end up with paint splashing in the tank and killing everything.....Thats just me!
Mumma.of.two
Aquarium Advice Obsessed
spoonman said:
That's what glass lids and tape are for
I also didn't rest any paint ontop of the tank. Just in case 
jose7878
Aquarium Advice FINatic
I've done both I prefer spray it looks cleaner.
Hardridge
Aquarium Advice Freak
- Joined
- Dec 9, 2011
- Messages
- 410
What about acrylic
jose7878
Aquarium Advice FINatic
I would say you paint it the same way as glass. Just you better be happy with the the color you choose , because to remove the paint from acrylic you would totally ruin the acrylic tank by
scratching it with a razor to remove the paint. Then you would have to resurface the tank again.
scratching it with a razor to remove the paint. Then you would have to resurface the tank again.
I just painted the back of my 55. I couldn't spray paint cause the tank is already setup and is indoors (obviously). I went to walmart and got Krylon Acrylic Latex "Gloss Black" and applied it with a foam roller. Came out perfect. The paint I used previously was rolled on as well, but it wasnt a deep black, more of a grey. Since it was latex based I was able to peel it off in one big sheet, so you are able to change it if you want. Make sure to clean the back, I used vinegar and it worked very well.
