painting back of tank

hiya im thinking of painting the back of my tank black and was wondering what would be the best paint to use cheers colin.

Use black contact paper. Regular paints don't hold onto the smooth glass well over time. You might sand it but it's easier and reversible to use some black (sticky back) contact paper.

cheers forthe reply will give it a try colin.

awesome idea!

I discovered that using artist acrylic paint works best, it doesn't discolour or peel off, but a bit more expensive to buy than a can of black paint.

I was thinking of painting mine also!

The acrylic is probably a good idea, I used them loads last year in my exams.. eugh what a bore!

They stain objects pretty well so I can see it staying on glass....

Places like home bargains and pound stretchers do cheap acrylics, I bought some big tubes from home bargains for my art last year 1.99 a tube.

Its worth a try perhappssss.... but my boyfriend would probably kill me if i tried it and it went wrong

hi, the last tank isetup i used black board paint an then went over it with outdoor gloss black to water proof it, my dad did the same but used a blue board paint

Use black gloss....It sticks to the glass...covers well ...gives a professional finish... and you can get it off with a razor blade when you want to change it....and it comes off like a plastic sheet....amazing.

This is the best way to do it...... Dont use sign writers plastic...or fablon...or emulsion paint... emulsion washes off...plastic contact papers leave bubbles..total nightmare if you get it wrong and hard work.

Regards
Mark.

I have tried no end of contact paper- and no end of different substances to make it adhere with out bubbling..

I have found nothing that beats gloss paint, or even tile paint....

My last three tanks have been painted with cheap tile paint and each gave a smear free finish...
and it doesn't bubble like the contact paper...

If your worried about the paint chipping when placing the lid ontop I usually put a length of plastic waterproof plumbers/elctricians
tape down the full length of the lid top / rim...

Must say if you want a cheap alternative to paper backed then why not try old wallpaper...

I use a product called ESP (Easy surface prep) to help paint bond.
It is a clear liquid that you wipe over the glass with a clean cloth and allow to dry.
Once cured you can paint your chosen colour straight over the top with no chipping or flaking problems...

hi,try rad paint i just did good finnish.

+1 Gloss black paint! I've done about 4 tanks now and haven't regretted it once

i have over 60 tanks and all of mine are painted with flat blk , i think the flat looks better then the gloss