Michigan Cichlid Association

General Category => DIY => Topic started by: SKISWETPETS on May 09, 2012, 09:53:45 AM

Title: Paint?
Post by: SKISWETPETS on May 09, 2012, 09:53:45 AM

So, i painted my 75gal on the back with True Blue Krylon color creations paint from Wal-mart. It is Acrylic Latex Enamel indoor/outdoor paint and it took a few coats but it worked well. So i bought black for all my 20gal longs. And i don't know why but the black seems to be not working so well... ??? ??? My question is would an oil-base paint be better. What have you guys used that seems to coat well, and may not spread like when you put oil in water. Any help or answers are welcome.
Thanks
Ski...

Title: Re: Paint?
Post by: Ron on May 09, 2012, 11:11:46 AM

IIRC I used a latex paint when I painted a few tank backgrounds black. I recall it did take a few coats to get it compltely opaque.

Title: Re: Paint?
Post by: gmaschke on May 09, 2012, 08:13:48 PM

I like to paint my chosen color then do several coats.  Then I paint over it with black and it reall makes the color look better.  If you have some thinner spots where light shines through this will help a ton.  Obviously this doesnt help you when black is your chosen color.  Did you clean the glass first? If not that may be your issue.  I've used roller and spray and like spray better both both are acceptable to me.

Title: Re: Paint?
Post by: Joefish on May 09, 2012, 08:17:11 PM

I have used both oild and latex.  Both cover about the same.  I prefer the oil for durability.  Latex and can spray rub of with the mag float over time.  The oil WILL NOT come off, even with a scraper.

Title: Re: Paint?
Post by: Michael Zebrowski on May 09, 2012, 08:37:23 PM

I prefer Behr brand interior latex.  Goes on evenly, cleans up easily, mistakes can be corrected, doesn't smell up the house, and it can be removed and color changed if desired.  I tape off the plastic edges and use a 3" smooth roller; usually apply 3-4 thin coats to cover thoroughly.  Glass must be clean whatever paint you use.  Royal blue and black are my preferences, and the blue is more forgiving when the water is not crystal-clear.

Mike Z.

Title: Re: Paint?
Post by: SKISWETPETS on May 09, 2012, 10:41:21 PM

Thanks guys. Im thinkin im gonna go ahead and make this damn black work, however i have to. Especially since i have it already... I just wanted some more input.  ;D ;D

Title: Re: Paint?
Post by: Regalblue on May 10, 2012, 08:33:38 AM

I just use spray paint when I do it.

Title: Re: Paint?
Post by: Ron on May 10, 2012, 11:54:24 AM

I tried a foam roller one time - wow, what a PITA! It kept leaving little dimples of no paint everywhere.

Using the spray paint sure sounds convenient, but you'd have to make sure to mask off the surroundings more careful or risk making a mess. IME a standard brush works great.

Title: Re: Paint?
Post by: Regalblue on May 10, 2012, 12:13:08 PM

Quote from: Ron on May 10, 2012, 11:54:24 AM

Using the spray paint sure sounds convenient, but you'd have to make sure to mask off the surroundings more careful or risk making a mess. IME a standard brush works great.

I just set the tank on the grass&  have a piece of cardboard that's the size of the back pane, ready/handy.

Title: Re: Paint?
Post by: SKISWETPETS on May 11, 2012, 07:08:06 AM

Quote from: Regalblue on May 10, 2012, 08:33:38 AM

I just use spray paint when I do it.

Does the spray paint seem to coat the glass without leaving like little fish eyes with no paint on them? Like how I used a "fish reference" there? :P :P :P

Title: Re: Paint?
Post by: Regalblue on May 11, 2012, 12:50:39 PM

Black primer doesn't always wanna work.

I've found the textured paints work really well

Title: Re: Paint?
Post by: SKISWETPETS on May 12, 2012, 07:29:36 AM

I see, I may have to pick up a can and give it a try on a small tank or something.   8)