Post by guppyguy on Dec 29, 2013 21:27:13 GMT -5
So for any DIY person out there this is a simple cheap and easy one to do. I can tell you how to paint most commonly used aquariums for $5 or less. Now I am painting a 15 gallon and a 2.5 gallon aquarium aquarium on the back side black in color. Why do this ? Well for me its simple. Black or dark blue paint on the back of the tank will hide anything showing behind the tank. It will make the fish pop out more with there colors. It is cheaper and cleaner looking that buying a pre-made tank back ground with not having to worry about where or how to stick it on. Now the supplies for this is where it get very cheap. Everything you need can be found at your local dollar store. You going to need only a few things, a small sponge roller small try kit $1.00 (that includes sponge roll, sponge roller handle, small paint tray, and small sponge brush. And then your going to need bottles of black or dark blue acrylic craft paint. $1 each. Now I needed 2 bottles for the project as it goes far on glass. You may need more or less depending on tank size. Now I picked craft paint for a few reasons. It is practically odorless, you can applying to a tank even with fish in it safely, it is very easy to wash and dries quickly. And best of all if you decide you don't want your painted back ground anymore or want to change the color it scrapes of very easily with a straight blade razor. Cleans it right off like it was never there.
Directions
1)So apply your paint to clean glass and make sure your sponge roller is very filled and the reason we use sponge roller is because regular rollers and brushes just smear on glass. But sponge will apply paint evenly.
2)So it should only take 2 coats of paint with your sponge roller. Apply lightly so it don't smear. if you get any paint on the plastic trim, don't worry it will scrap right off with straight blade once dry. If your really worried you can tape off the edges. Make sure you get the glass under the plastic trim painted. You can use the sponge brush to paint under the edges as it has squared sides. Once dry check if it needs a second coat a your good to go. Be careful when place tank back as paint can scratch. I wish you the best in your new painted background.
Directions
1)So apply your paint to clean glass and make sure your sponge roller is very filled and the reason we use sponge roller is because regular rollers and brushes just smear on glass. But sponge will apply paint evenly.
2)So it should only take 2 coats of paint with your sponge roller. Apply lightly so it don't smear. if you get any paint on the plastic trim, don't worry it will scrap right off with straight blade once dry. If your really worried you can tape off the edges. Make sure you get the glass under the plastic trim painted. You can use the sponge brush to paint under the edges as it has squared sides. Once dry check if it needs a second coat a your good to go. Be careful when place tank back as paint can scratch. I wish you the best in your new painted background.