Painting the tank!

[mannyfern09]

What type of spray paint do you use to paint the back of your glass tanks? and specific color that looks nice!?

 

[betta4me]

I used Lowes brand Velspar enamel in flat black. It turned out really nice and I'm happy with it. Took about 1 1/2 cans to get it good and covered (55gal). I used the flashlight method to make sure there wasn't any light coming through. Once I couldn't see the light through the paint, I was done. HTH.

 

[mannyfern09]

lol thank you for that i had no ideaa that people do that! i will be off to buy some spray paint now then.. and will do the same thank you

 

[betta4me]

You're welcome. People choose different colors for their own personal taste. I chose black because I have a black stand/canopy and white..ish substrate and I think it looks pretty sharp.
Edited to add...I did this in coats about 15-20 minutes apart from each other. Also, my first coat was a really fine mist of spray paint, in hopes the second coat would have something to cling to since the paint doesn't soak in to glass like it does wood. I hope that made sense...LOL

 

[mannyfern09]

i bought oil based flat paint... any tips before i start painting the tank?!

THANK YOU

 

[kreesdqban]

Why flat paint and not gloss?

 

[LAreef]

Flat paint will adhere much better and you view it threw the glass which makes it look like gloss anyhow.

 

[kreesdqban]

I was thinking of painting a thin sheet of particle board and adhering it to the back of the tank, since my tank is already in place and I cant take it out to spray. I guess Ill see how it is without gloss first.

 

[laxpatrick]

Pics?

 

[betta4me]

I've heard of people using a roller for this reason. You could probably google it and come up with some specifics.