Is this paint safe?

[laxo]

Hi all,

I made a canopy from waterproof multiplex and painted it with 3 coats of terpentine based exterior paint.

I didn’t think about the possibility of chemicals leaking into the aquarium.

do you think it is safe once cured and what time do I need to give for the paint to be fully cured?

much appreciated

 

[pwoody]

Unfortunately some chemicals used in paints can have lasting effects on aquatic life. The issue you’ll have is that something may become less toxic over time, but you have no way of testing if and when it is ‘safe’ to use. You could get it wet and have toxins leaching into the system for a long time and you may only notice a problem down the line by which time you will be going in circles blaming the new food you tried or that RO unit that needs servicing or…or…
Ultimately you should strive to always use aquarium safe products, or use products which are inert. It is difficult to say without advice from a chemist whether the exact product you used might have a lasting impact.
Apologies I couldn’t be of any definitive help.