TroyT Posted March 22, 2004 Share Posted March 22, 2004 Can the back of the tank be painted with a brush while the tank is setup? Do you think there will be any problems? I do not plan to use any oil based paint. Thanks Link to comment
bones_bones Posted March 22, 2004 Share Posted March 22, 2004 I don't know if you are talking about a glass or acrylic tank but I don't suppose it really matters. I painted my acrylic 5gal minibow while it was full. I used a combination acrylic and latex paint by krylon I found at Walmart. It took MANY thin coats but it can be done if you are patient. It looks pretty good in the end. Hope this helps! Link to comment
myBFOnano Posted March 22, 2004 Share Posted March 22, 2004 I have to say that it is inviting disaster if you try to paint your tank while it's full. Here's why: 1) Paint fumes are toxic. 2) The water will absorb the paint fumes, even if you cover it up super good. 3) Any delicate animals will take it on the chin Try a sheet type background in the mean time. Next time you break the tank down you can paint it. Eh? Link to comment
TroyT Posted March 23, 2004 Author Share Posted March 23, 2004 That is what I was thinking. My wife talked me out of painting it and said the clear back would look nice. Maybe it will when it is covered with life but the clear back is killing me for now. Time to find some really nice dark blue or black background. Thanks all. Link to comment
homerparrot Posted March 23, 2004 Share Posted March 23, 2004 anyone know how to get those sheet backgrounds to lay evenly on a acrilic tank, I cant get ti to look good. Half of it sticks to the tank and half doesn't. Makes it look like crap. TF Link to comment
bones_bones Posted March 23, 2004 Share Posted March 23, 2004 I tried one of those sheets....even bought the expensive self adhesive stuff. I never could get all of the bubbles out and couldn't handle the look. Painting is a risk I was willing to take. It's up to you. Link to comment
bigchili Posted March 23, 2004 Share Posted March 23, 2004 Dude.... Black posterboard.. clear packing tape.. done!!! if you want next month.. you can have a blue background... and then a hot pink the next... Posterboard that's the ticket. chili Link to comment
KevinC Posted March 23, 2004 Share Posted March 23, 2004 On the plastic ones you can spray the back with watter start the cover on one end then use a squige to push the air out as you go. At least it's worked for me on other static plastic logo's on glass. I would think it may work the same. It couldn't hurt to try as long as the spray bottle is safe for the tank (i.e. never used for chemicals, etc.) -Kevin Link to comment
AReeferIsExpensive Posted March 23, 2004 Share Posted March 23, 2004 I bought some lamination sheets from the art store (completely clear but the back is sticky). Im spray painting it black and then cutting it down to the demensions of my 10ga, then sticking it right on. You wont be able to tell the difference between the glass being painted or the lamination being painted, plus its not a hassle to get off if i ever change my mind. Link to comment
ReefAddict Posted March 24, 2004 Share Posted March 24, 2004 AReeferIsExpensive That's an EXCELLENT idea!! But DAMN... I just bought this high priced removeable window tinting in "blackout" color. Wanted something good quality, durable, but removeable if I change my mind later. I should've thought of the art masking film!!!! ARGGHGH!!! http://www.decorativefilms.com/ Link to comment
lilxraycer Posted March 24, 2004 Share Posted March 24, 2004 I got this idea from a fellow member from the forums. I bought a piece of thin plexiglass or acrylic from homedepot and cut it down to the dimensions of the back of the tank. Then I sprayed one side black and the other side blue. It works like a charm! Looks perfect too! And whenever I get bored of the black, I can switch it over to the blue side or you can take it off completely and have a stock clear back. Link to comment
bigchili Posted March 24, 2004 Share Posted March 24, 2004 LilXraycer, that has got to be the best idea I've heard yet... off to home depot.... Link to comment
greentreepython Posted April 17, 2004 Share Posted April 17, 2004 I see people painting their tanks with the top open and a trash bag covering it. Just turn the the tank upside down, problem solved Link to comment
sandsrfr Posted April 18, 2004 Share Posted April 18, 2004 I think this has been mentioned b4, but why not just get the darkest (limo) tint you can find from a local autoparts store (or buy some from a tint shop). Then do the install procedure (ie: clean the back with water and mist it down with water. Apply the sheet and squeegy it out). Should work like a charm, and I'd suspect that one or 2 coats of this stuff applied would be nice. Personally, I just bought the background (black oneside and blue the other), cut it to the size of the back of my tank and stuck it on. My tank has black trim, so it is held in place by that... Good luck Sands Link to comment
dagermain Posted April 18, 2004 Share Posted April 18, 2004 Now this was ten years ago, but the LFS I worked at actually had a deal with a local auto tint place and we would have the tank done for you...I think it was kinda pricy since we marked it up too, but I guess what I am suggesting is calling a tint place and explaining what you want and how big and see what they will quote you. Link to comment
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