Painting back of tank

[rowley02]

Im not sure if this questions been asked b4 so ill ask it anyway. What kind of paint can I use to paint the back of my tank that I will be able to peal off if I ever need to.

Thanks,
Steve

[Glaive]

I'd imagine most people use a spray paint to coat te backs of thier tanks. I would imagine you would need a significant airing out time.

As for removing it later no matter the paint you use, considering that you will want to use one that will adhere to glass, you will be in for a chore if you go to remove it. It will probaby take patience and a razor blade.

I would say be sure that is the course you want and be prepared to live with it.

[jennigypsy]

i agree with what glaive said...
I painted the back of one of my tanks with regular latex paint...and w/out a 'gripper' it wouldn't stick...I then taped off the sides & front then used spray paint to paint the back. 2 coats. looks great. ...but you can remove it (albeit not that easily..but it will come off) with a razor blade.

[Heyguy74]

Was the black paint used a flat paint or high gloss? Just wanted to know which would be better.

[jennigypsy]

i think i used 'satin'

[Glaive]

I would venture to guess the flater the better. The smoother/shinier the finish the more your tank back will reflect... Might piss of the fish and will piss you off when you try to take pictures, so matt.

[z rock]

Rustolium oil base. Flat or gloss. They both look the same through the front. Disposible foam brush, not a roller. Two coats. Shine a drop light through the inside so you can see where you missed. Why breath spray paint or mess with masking off?

Use a $3 4" razor to remove. Get the surface wet so it won't scratch the glass. It comes off in sheets. Should take about 10 min. to strip the back of a 125g.

[rowley02]

Originally posted by z rock
Rustolium oil base. Flat or gloss. They both look the same through the front. Disposible foam brush, not a roller. Two coats. Shine a drop light through the inside so you can see where you missed. Why breath spray paint or mess with masking off?

Use a $3 4" razor to remove. Get the surface wet so it won't scratch the glass. It comes off in sheets. Should take about 10 min. to strip the back of a 125g.

Wouldnt spray paint be a lot quicker though and i thought it would provide a better finish. I was looking to use spray paint. If I do end up putting it on with a brush, whats wrong with using a roller becoz I dont know what the disposible foam brushes are. Ill have to ask.

Thnks
steve

[Glaive]

A roller can leave patterns for one, which may make for an uneven coat.

The foam brushes are at any self respecting hardware store, they arebasically a fine sponge on a stick, you will see them with the other paint brushes.

Zrock's idea deffinetly spares you the fumes and mess.

Ty Zrock for updating my knowledge base, didn't know of a paint that would adhere well to glass and be easy to apply.

[z rock]

Wal-mart has the the paint and foam brushes. I use a roller for a few tanks but discovered the foam thing was cheaper and worked in less coats.

Spray on won't be quicker if you have to mask off and breath paint. Unless you just like the extra Buzz!:lol:

The brush on will be a lot thicker coat and less likely to scratch off or peel than a spray on.

If you lay the tank on it's face there won't be any runs and you can slop it on thick!

[rowley02]

Ok thanks for the help guys. Foam brush it is.

Steve