Painting my tank

[hvy_dty]

OK...another newbie here! I bought a 72g bowflex tank and all the goodies needed. I've been trying to paint the background and have been running into problems. I'm using flat latex paint as my LFS suggested and have put on several light coats. I did prep the tank by wiping it down with acetone to remove any dirt, fingerprints, etc. The paint still slides. Am I doing something wrong here? Also, has anyone had any problems with saltwater getting onto the paint and ruining it? Anything else that needs to be done to prevent this from happening? Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[simm]

Iv never had success with latex on aquarium. I used KRYLON Ultra Flat Black.

 

[hvy_dty]

Originally posted by simm
Iv never had success with latex on aquarium. I used KRYLON Ultra Flat Black.
Thanks for the quick replies. Did you spray the Krylon on or paint it? How long have you had it on and have you had any problems?

 

[simm]

I just sprayed it on from a spray can. Try the enamel. The one I used was a ultra flat black. I get water drips on it all the time and I have not ran into a problem with the paint yet. I believe I did 2 coats. Its been on way over a year.

 

[goldrush]

Sorry if this seems like an unusual question,but nothing surprises me . Are you painting the outside of the glass? There will certainly be salt at some point that gets on the glass. With the variety of removeable backgrounds that are available today,why paint?

 

[simm]

Salt gets on mine all the time and has not affected it. Removable background in my opinin dosent look as good. I have it on my 55 and you can see the ripples in it and when the light hits it, it shines and to me looks bad. And trying to get it right up against the glass is a pain. And umm no we paint the outside.

 

[hvy_dty]

I painted the outside as well. I plan on going to the store this afternoon and getting some black Krylon paint. I'll rip off the latex this evening and try painting again. Using enamel paint makes more sense. Thanks again for the advice.

 

[simm]

No prob. Be sure to paint the outside. Have you painted the inside?

 

[hvy_dty]

Ha! No way.

 

[simm]

Originally posted by Hvy_Dty
I painted the outside as well.
hehe ok. This made me think that you did.

 

[hvy_dty]

Hehe. I was just replying to your post, indicating that I did the same as you...painting the outside as well as you. I may be a newbie, but give me a little credit!

 

[simm]

hehehe ok, ok, ok I didnt hink you were that dumb. JK Well try that and let me know how al goes.

 

[neah84]

i use a black vinal on the back and it works just great

 

[hvy_dty]

I just got done putting 3 coats of Krylon ultra flat black spray paint on the tank. It only took me about an hour and the tank looks great. No pinholes, cracks, etc. I'm going to let it dry another hour just to play it safe then I'm going to start with the plumbing. Thanks to everyone for the help!