How to paint tank background?

[Jjd531]

Hi, I just set up a 65g reef with an overflow, and I wanted to paint the back of it black instead of putting a background on it. What types of paints do you use for that like on the glass?

 

[Gablami]

You can use many different types of paints, or even window films. I’ve used epoxy paint on the back, but others will work too. Not sure if I know the “best paint” but the epoxy has held up well for years. Just make sure you’re painting the outside of the tank, not the inside (may sound obvious but just want to be clear).

 

[NashobaTek]

I taped black poster board to mine. That way I can change it if I need to. No scraping paint off. Been there since last year and still going. Never gets wet.

 

[Badilac]

Black Plastidip is what I used. sprays on easily and Peels right off if you decide you want to remove it. Also can be purchased at lowes or home depot.

 

[andrewkw]

I almost always use kyrlon fushio spray paint. If you can't get the tank outside and want to do it inside a lower voc paint and brush / roller will also work.

 

[Barnabie Mejia]

I rolled on rustoleum oil based paint on mine looks good and for some reason when its super cold you can peel it off like plastidip paint.... not sure if it was because of the layers that I put on or something else that I got lucky with....

 

[RobB'z Reef]

glass isn't very porous or textured so what you use really doesn't matter as long as you paint the outside and you don't choose a material that's caustic to your environment (not that paint is healthy for eating). Either way you won't be stuck with it if you choose to do something else down the road. It can all be removed with some elbow grease, peeling, razor blades etc. Some choices will be a bit more durable than others based on how salt water interacts with that particular material. Application choices are based on if you have your tank in place already inside (makes spraying far less appealing). Roll on would require the least amount of prep work (taping areas immediately adjacent to the surface you are painting) and is more conducive to doing it indoors. Spray is definitely a must for outside and requires far more masking due to over spray.

 

[gmon57]

I used this (Blackout window film):
First tank i've ever tried it on and it turned out great. Nice thing is its removable and you can use a glass cleaning magnet on it without issue.