Has anyone ever tried spray painting the back of their aquarium?

[Praetorian27]

It seems like a good solid coat of paint on the outside of the aquarium would give a clearer background than the colored one I use now. I was wondering if this is done? If so, anyone know how to prep the glass so the paint sticks?

 

[IDunnoWhy]

I have 3 of my tanks with the backs painted.

I didn't do any real specific prep work, I just cleaned outside real good with glass cleaner (none got inside) and then I masked it off completely, including the top, sides and front, I didn't want any overspray, especially inside the tank. It took several light coats, but it turned out very nice. If you have any "hard water" marks, you have to scrap them off real well, as the paint doesn't cover them very well (be careful, you can scratch the tank while scraping).

 

[seastaar88]

i did the same. i taped saran wrap over the top too, just in case. i sprayed my tanks with black spray paint and they came out really well. definitly a better look than those tape-on backgrounds. i only needed to do 2 coats (i'm sure mine were thicker coats than denny's).

 

[Dino]

About half the tanks here have the backs/sides painted.

What do you mean by clearer?

 

[JWright]

I don't spray, I brush, but almost all my tanks are painted.

~JW

 

[n0zqh]

I just wiped the glass down with rubbing alcohol and used spray paint. Worked good for me.

 

[Cajun Man]

Originally posted by JWrigh:

I don't spray, I brush, but almost all my tanks are painted.

What kind of paint do you use?

 

[Lonewolfblue]

Like this?
My29G:

My 75G:

 

[seastaar88]

i would never have thought to use the "stone" variety.... the lighter one in the second shot looks really cool! gives a little bit more interest than regular flat black.. i'll have to try that on one of my empty tanks

 

[Bruckm]

Some spray painted some brush painted. I tried one of those foam brushes this last time and it didn't seem to go as well. Try a light colored coat first and then a darker one on top. I like the resulting shade as I couldn't quite find the shade of blue that I wanted.

Best thing is...if you screw it up, you just scrape it off with a razor blade!