Enjoy the build!!
My new 135 build!!
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- Thread Starter
- #22
OP
- Thread Starter
- #23
OP
So my weekend is upon me again and it's time to get started.
For me, it is late Friday night (actually early Wednesday morning)... I have removed the doors from the stand and all the hardware... Unfortunately, since it is only 5 am here, I can't just run to the store to get the stuff I need to prep the unfinished wood.
Been researching painting options for the last couple hours. Part of me is tempted to just do a stain instead of paint, but since the door panels are an ugly material, I think paint will look better.. So many questions.. You would think that after almost 20 years of cabinetry, this part would be simple.. yeah, no!! I have virtually zero experience with finish! I build them, someone else finishes them!!!
Sad part is the BACK of the stand looks almost better than the front! A2 maple ply used for the small panels on the back. Solid pine for the face and trim. The darn ugly open grained Mohogany ply door panels are going to be a bugger!!!
They will show the grain under the paint unless I do some serious level of filler material to create a smooth surface.
Truth be told though, it is actually a pretty well made stand. I am overall happy with the design for what it is. If I had built it myself, I would have done a couple things different, but overall it will be just fine for the new tank.
Any interior design specialists around? I have no idea what color I should paint with. The other stands are black. The 55g I am replacing is a natural oak (custom built be me several decades ago), but since that is not an option, I am unsure which direction to run with. The furniture is a brown-grey black color.. the floors are a steel grey tile and the walls are the typical off white standard... I am thinking black to match the other stand, or maybe either gunship grey or coffee/mocha... The tank is a rimmed tank with black rims.
The grey I have in mind I think will clash like a junebug floating in a bucket of buttermilk... The coffee or mocha will blend well I think.
For me, it is late Friday night (actually early Wednesday morning)... I have removed the doors from the stand and all the hardware... Unfortunately, since it is only 5 am here, I can't just run to the store to get the stuff I need to prep the unfinished wood.
Been researching painting options for the last couple hours. Part of me is tempted to just do a stain instead of paint, but since the door panels are an ugly material, I think paint will look better.. So many questions.. You would think that after almost 20 years of cabinetry, this part would be simple.. yeah, no!! I have virtually zero experience with finish! I build them, someone else finishes them!!!
Sad part is the BACK of the stand looks almost better than the front! A2 maple ply used for the small panels on the back. Solid pine for the face and trim. The darn ugly open grained Mohogany ply door panels are going to be a bugger!!!
They will show the grain under the paint unless I do some serious level of filler material to create a smooth surface.
Truth be told though, it is actually a pretty well made stand. I am overall happy with the design for what it is. If I had built it myself, I would have done a couple things different, but overall it will be just fine for the new tank.
Any interior design specialists around? I have no idea what color I should paint with. The other stands are black. The 55g I am replacing is a natural oak (custom built be me several decades ago), but since that is not an option, I am unsure which direction to run with. The furniture is a brown-grey black color.. the floors are a steel grey tile and the walls are the typical off white standard... I am thinking black to match the other stand, or maybe either gunship grey or coffee/mocha... The tank is a rimmed tank with black rims.
The grey I have in mind I think will clash like a junebug floating in a bucket of buttermilk... The coffee or mocha will blend well I think.
- Thread Starter
- #24
OP
Ok so today I went out and got the stuff I needed to prep the stand for paint. Got the stand all puttied and caulked. In the morning I will do the final sanding and start spraying the primer coats. With any luck, I will have the paint done by the end of the day on Friday.
Went with a water based primer, Zinser 1-2-3, and an oil based enamel for the paint Sherman Williams "All Surface Enamel". Spent hours researching the best paint for the stand. The kid at Lowes was as helpful as a nail through the foot. The guys at Sherman Williams were pretty good. They didn't have a good suggestion, but at least were able to make some calls and get the advice I needed.
Went with a water based primer, Zinser 1-2-3, and an oil based enamel for the paint Sherman Williams "All Surface Enamel". Spent hours researching the best paint for the stand. The kid at Lowes was as helpful as a nail through the foot. The guys at Sherman Williams were pretty good. They didn't have a good suggestion, but at least were able to make some calls and get the advice I needed.
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Oh no! That sump didn't show up?
- Thread Starter
- #26
OP
NO!!!! And I still don't have a resolution to that. Glad you didn't spring for it too!! I ended up ordering a 4th gen AR300 from another source and it has been here for a couple weeks already.
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Sorry to hear that but glad you got yourself one. I had an opportunity to buy a used one for $150 two days ago but I do want my wife to beat me, so I'm sticking with the one I got.
- Thread Starter
- #28
OP
Bahhh... let her beat you.. I'm sure it will be fun!! Hahaha!!
Yeah, I'm a bit upset about the bogus site.. especially since I ordered a 2nd one for a friend. It is what it is. I have what I need now so once I get the stand painted, I can start getting ready for the REAL job, making the transfer.
Picked up another 32g brute can today and the RODI is earning its keep as we speak. I am going to need at least 150g of water mixed and ready to go when I make the transfer. Tank is 135, sump adds another 30-35
Yeah, I'm a bit upset about the bogus site.. especially since I ordered a 2nd one for a friend. It is what it is. I have what I need now so once I get the stand painted, I can start getting ready for the REAL job, making the transfer.
Picked up another 32g brute can today and the RODI is earning its keep as we speak. I am going to need at least 150g of water mixed and ready to go when I make the transfer. Tank is 135, sump adds another 30-35
- Thread Starter
- #29
OP
So as we near the close of Friday night, I have to admit that my lazy streak reared its ugly head.. lol.. I have the stand all prepped for paint, but I never got around to actually painting it.
I also ordered a few bags of sand that I forgot I needed to do and they will be here in about 10 days.
I would have liked to get the painting done this week just so I have that hurdle behind me, the delay will not have an effect on when I can start the actual build.
I also ordered a few bags of sand that I forgot I needed to do and they will be here in about 10 days.
I would have liked to get the painting done this week just so I have that hurdle behind me, the delay will not have an effect on when I can start the actual build.
- Thread Starter
- #30
OP
It's paint day!!!
I have the first primer coat on now. Will let it dry for an hour or so then sand and respray everything. Probably going to have to do 4 coats to get the finish I am after. I have to thin the paint down almost 50% to get a good spray from it.
I will post some pics in a little while.
I have the first primer coat on now. Will let it dry for an hour or so then sand and respray everything. Probably going to have to do 4 coats to get the finish I am after. I have to thin the paint down almost 50% to get a good spray from it.
I will post some pics in a little while.
- Thread Starter
- #31
OP
OK.. I have 2 coats of primer done. I still see some flaws that need attention before I start spraying the final color. It's amazing how a coat of paint brings out every single scratch or gap!!
Since a couple areas that need attention are between the bottom panel of the cabinet and the face frame, this is especially important to address. I want NO areas where water can get into and cause damage.
As soon as the second coat of primer is dry enough to work with, I will fill any gaps and flaws I see and then spray at least 2 more coats of primer.
Is this overkill? I guess that depends on perspective. If I was to brush or roll the primer, it would go on in a much thicker layer. Since I am spraying, I think 4 coats with sanding between is barely enough.
Since a couple areas that need attention are between the bottom panel of the cabinet and the face frame, this is especially important to address. I want NO areas where water can get into and cause damage.
As soon as the second coat of primer is dry enough to work with, I will fill any gaps and flaws I see and then spray at least 2 more coats of primer.
Is this overkill? I guess that depends on perspective. If I was to brush or roll the primer, it would go on in a much thicker layer. Since I am spraying, I think 4 coats with sanding between is barely enough.
Am I seeing this right? $98 for this tank????!?
- Thread Starter
- #33
OP
As promised, here are some pictures... this is after the 2nd primer coat. Notice the gaps between the face frame and the bottom panel of the cabinet? This is a place where water will pool and destroy the cabinet over time.
If you see in the last picture, the door has a small gap even after filling and sanding... EVERYTHING shows up after paint goes on!!
If you see in the last picture, the door has a small gap even after filling and sanding... EVERYTHING shows up after paint goes on!!
- Thread Starter
- #34
OP
No, the tank cost $700. the stand was $400 unfinished.
$98 was for the sump I found on a bogus site.
The sump I got was another $400.
Add in a hundred bucks or so for primer, paint, sandpaper ect ect..
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