which paint for tank's back wall?

[sjfishguy]

For those of you who have painted the outside of your back wall before setting your tank up (blue or whatever), what kind of paint did you use? Not nessasarily what brand, but oil base, latex, etc.? Has anyone had any problem with bubbling or peeling?

 

[King Jason]

Any type of oil based paint should be ok. You could also use spray paint. I used black oil based paint on mine. Got it at Ace Hardware. Just let it fully dry, and a couple coats.

 

[wally311]

I've just allways used regular spraypaint. Just make sure you use several coats, esp if there will be any light sources behind the tank, or light spots may show. 8)

 

[Tcook]

I used Rustoleum Teal spray paint on my 55. Worked great, can't see any runs or drips.

 

[shalegac]

Rustolium works well. You could use the spray. I used a brush on with a small roller and it looks great. No bubbles, no streaks.

 

[Mogo]

I use melamine (plastic) paint by Varathane. Excellent. Very durable and takes magnetic scrubbers and abuse very well.

 

[sjfishguy]

Thanks for all the replys. I think I will use the Rustoleum spray. Never thought of that for some reason. And what is this melamine? It cures to a type of plastic?

 

[jhaag]

I always found the flat black rustoleum to work best. The flat paints seem a little more durable then any gloss colors and since you are seeing through the glass, it has a gloss look to it already...

Just make sure you clean the glass down real good with alcohol and a lint free cloth before you paint. Otherwise every little speck of dust shows up like crazy...

 

[Bobzarry]

I posted this once before but feel it bares repeating( not recommended for acrylic tanks). I never paint the back of tanks. What I do is get a flat plastic background from my LFS, Any theme you like is good (mine is currently a nice gradated blue). Now this can be do even with fish in the tank as long as you can get somewhat behind the tank. Coat the back of the tank with vegetable oil, Using the front of the tank make sure you cut the piece of background to fit. It can be a little larger top to bottom, as the the excess tucks between the glass and frame. This also leave a more finished look. Now place the the plastic on the back, using a stiff spatula Squeegee out all the air bubbles. The background will now look as if were painted on. Great thing about this method is ...if you get bored with it all you have to do is peel off the old and replace with new.


Bob