Painting glass

[larrysaltisfun]

Gonna be acquiring a 72 inch tank and need to paint the back does anybody have suggestions spray versus roller application, type of paint, ? any pitfalls or words of advice

any cool suggestions other than the typical black background?

 

[Utubereefer]

I recommend one of those mini paint rollers. I did a blue background. I think it’s more natural.

 

[larrysaltisfun]

I recommend one of those mini paint rollers. I did a blue background. I think it’s more natural.

What type of paint? I may be overthinking this

 

[Utubereefer]

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I paint all the backs of my tanks blue. Krylon fusion spray paint is the best, the paint bonds with the glass, but its hard to find this brand. I have also used rustoleum spray paint from home depot which has worked very well.

 

[JayM]

I used Krylon Fusion on my QT setup. I'm very impressed with how well it's held up.

 

[larrysaltisfun]

I paint all the backs of my tanks blue. Krylon fusion spray paint is the best, the paint bonds with the glass, but its hard to find this brand. I have also used rustoleum spray paint from home depot which has worked very well.

Thank you Mr. Jim Morrison

 

[larrysaltisfun]

I used Krylon Fusion on my QT setup. I'm very impressed with how well it's held up.

Sounds good thanks!!

 

[EricR]

My son painted a kind of blended gradient with different mixes/shades of blue and gray. (He just used a brush because of the look we were going for).
*just to mimic a stick on ocean background we saw at PetCo

Don't really notice it too much at this point (almost 4 years later) but I feel like it adds a bit of artificial (perceived) space to the back of the tank,,, maybe.

 

[Fish Fan]

I have painted a lot of tanks over the years, and things like Rustolium and a small foam roller, or spray paint are indeed good options.

However, after recently trying vinyl wrap, I don't believe I'll ever paint a tank again. The vinyl is cheap and easy, there's zero mess, no worry about dripping, no multiple coats, no clean up, and no drying time. It's also very easy to remove if you ever want to. You can order the vinyl online, or it can be purchased locally from shops that make large signs for businesses, etc.

Here's a decent how to with more info:

 

[larrysaltisfun]

I have painted a lot of tanks over the years, and things like Rustolium and a small foam roller, or spray paint are indeed good options.

However, after recently trying vinyl wrap, I don't believe I'll ever paint a tank again. The vinyl is cheap and easy, there's zero mess, no worry about dripping, no multiple coats, no clean up, and no drying time. It's also very easy to remove if you ever want to. You can order the vinyl online, or it can be purchased locally from shops that make large signs for businesses, etc.

Here's a decent how to with more info:

Thanks!!!

 

[rhitee93]

I've painted one and used vinyl wrap on another. I don't think I'll ever paint one again. However, I used black rustoleum spray, and it is doing well. Don't underestimate how far the overspray can get if you go the rattle can approach.

 

[exnisstech]

Spray paint works well and holds up well but is a pita if you decide to remove it. Latex rolled on works well, can be done indoors, doesn't hold up as well as spray paint but is easier to touch up and easier to remove.
If I ever need to do another tank I will probably wrap it like @Fish Fan suggested.

 

[Amstar]

I use this - allows me to remove it if needed to see the back of the tank (it’s an in the wall tank with dish room behind it)

 

[larrysaltisfun]

Thanks to everyone for your recommendations