Painting outside back glass.

[TeamPisces]

Hi all,

I would like to paint the exterior rear glass of my tank black. What would be the best paint to use? Can I use an interior high gloss paint?

 

[chriscoli]

I've been using a can of leftover flat black latex paint. Easy clean-up, two or three coats with a disposable foam roller, and I don't stink up the house with it like an oil-based paint would. I've used semi-gloss as well and from the inside of the tank it doesn't look any different than the other.

 

[TeamPisces]

I've been using a can of leftover flat black latex paint. Easy clean-up, two or three coats with a disposable foam roller, and I don't stink up the house with it like an oil-based paint would. I've used semi-gloss as well and from the inside of the tank it doesn't look any different than the other.

Thanks Christine

 

[Pat Kelly]

You can use what ever you want really.
Just make sure to clean the glass well before hand.

I had a medium flat blue interior paint I used for years.
Then I switch to spray paint. I just tape up the edges and sides to prevent over spray.

 

[TeamPisces]

You can use what ever you want really.
Just make sure to clean the glass well before hand.

I had a medium flat blue interior paint I used for years.
Then I switch to spray paint. I just tape up the edges and sides to prevent over spray.

Great. Thanks Pat

 

[QuarterMiler]

I've been using a can of leftover flat black latex paint. Easy clean-up, two or three coats with a disposable foam roller, and I don't stink up the house with it like an oil-based paint would. I've used semi-gloss as well and from the inside of the tank it doesn't look any different than the other.

Same here.

 

[kyeung28]

Plasti dip. spray it on let it dry and peel it off when you dont want it. it drys to a water resistant smooth plastic.


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[Beeman]

Can I venture this option? On the last two 75g's I bought, I bought heavy, black poster-board, cut it to shape, and taped it on the back. I ran black electrical tape on the seam, and when in place, you cannot see ANY break. I like this option because it's not permanent. Also, since I maintain a fish-room that is minimally heated(a reclaimed milk-house), the poster-board provides a measure of insulation. Also, you sacrifice nothing in look, and gain in minimal effort. Just sayin'!

 

[cabinetmkr39]

Rustoleum

I just painted 17 tanks and had good luck with Rustoleum from Walmart.
I used a disposable roller and tray that is used for touch up.

 

[chriscoli]

And remember, it's only paint. Paint comes off glass very easily with a glass scraper, so if you change your mind...the hardest part is going to be draining and moving the tank....not removing the paint.

 

[Pat Kelly]

All good ideas.
And remember it does not matter if its flat or gloss.
It all looks the same throught the glass.

And if your paint job does not look good from the outside? Don't worry. Once you put a light over the tank it will look great.

 

[TeamPisces]

Can I venture this option? On the last two 75g's I bought, I bought heavy, black poster-board, cut it to shape, and taped it on the back. I ran black electrical tape on the seam, and when in place, you cannot see ANY break. I like this option because it's not permanent. Also, since I maintain a fish-room that is minimally heated(a reclaimed milk-house), the poster-board provides a measure of insulation. Also, you sacrifice nothing in look, and gain in minimal effort. Just sayin'!

Thanks Beeman. Yeah, I have done exactly what you have said with a previous tank in the past. It worked just fine. Interested in painting this time around. Thank everyone for the responses.

 

[gravel_digger]

i have painted the backs on all of my tanks over the last few years in combination with black gravel/sand and i personally love the look it gives my tanks.... i dont know if gloss or flat really makes a difference because i have always only used a flat black.....

 

[ezrk]

they key is to clean the glass really well and keep your fingers off it after cleaning. Usually takes about 3 coats.