DIY how to paint your aquarium

So how does everyone else paint their tanks... I know Cory has been hard at work paint his for the store... 

Angelman wrote:So how does everyone else paint their tanks...  I know Cory has been hard at work paint his for the store... 

I haven't tried it yet, but appreciate the video. I have a 30 gallon I was thinking about painting the back of instead of using plastic. Wasn't sure what type of paint works best. But looks like any spray paint will work okay...

I spray painted my current 20 long, but it looks horrible. Thin areas, drips. Ugh. I was going to try the small roller next time, but I might give it a try again after your video.

PS: It's cool you got John Goodman to narrate!!!  

John Goodman     

fishNAbowl wrote:

Angelman wrote:So how does everyone else paint their tanks...  I know Cory has been hard at work paint his for the store... 

I haven't tried it yet, but appreciate the video. I have a 30 gallon I was thinking about painting the back of instead of using plastic. Wasn't sure what type of paint works best. But looks like any spray paint will  work okay...

Just go slow... Best is to start at one end and the whole tank light coat by the time you get to the 3rd side start over.

dwarfpike wrote:I spray painted my current 20 long, but it looks horrible. Thin areas, drips. Ugh. I was going to try the small roller next time, but I might give it a try again after your video.

PS: It's cool you got John Goodman to narrate!!!  

Thin coats is the key to no drips...

I use Rustoleum Professional High Performance Protective Enamel and roll it on. I have done one tank with spray paint but its way more work as you have to cover the sides and top and tape things off really good. When spray painting just start with light coats building up to final coverage. And it may take a bit of paint to get there. Paint outdoors or put a light source BEHIND the tank when you think you are done so you can see all the spots that you missed...   .... or that need a little extra paint.

I used a vinyl sticker from a sign store, that way I can still change color or remove it easily. Nice consistent color with little fade that will not scratch from your HOB or anything else.

Wait? Paintguy doesn't use paint?  

I haven't tried vinyl, but have seen it and it looks really good on a tank if you get it on without the bubbles.

plasti dip worked great and will peel off at any time

i use acrylic hobby paints and a brush. several coats. works for me. comes off easily if you change your mind.

I used Rustoleum paint on my 20(black), 55(black), 180(blue), and 210(blue). I thought about spray painting but decided to roll on. I think if I ever wanted to sell a tank, that the paint will peel right off. Might need to do a bit of scraping but I doubt it would be too much. This was my alternative to a 3D background...one day