I've never done a project like this before so all suggestions are appreciated! I want to put a canopy on my 75 to house my LED fixtures. First questions involve hardware and paint. Any specific wood, salt resistant paint and or special methods of bonding ie. Glue or screws? I wanna start this project ASAP but don't wanna waste time or money doing it the wrong way. Thanks in advance. Anyone out there build canopies or rent there services out?
Building a Canopy
- Thread starter brisco15
- Start date
I'm no paint expert but I just bought some to paint a stand that I have in the works. I bought valspar latex enamel from Lowes because another member used it and the paint job turned out great. I'm planning to use a good primer also. I'm probably going to do 3 coats of primer and two coats of the paint and a light sanding between each.
As far as wood goes, I've seen every thing from 2x4 construction skinned with 1/4" plywood (or bead board) to 3/4" plywood only. Personally, I'm making my canopy out of plywood. I think the finished product looks much better, and most of the reputable stand makers use the same (some get really fancy).
As far as wood goes, I've seen every thing from 2x4 construction skinned with 1/4" plywood (or bead board) to 3/4" plywood only. Personally, I'm making my canopy out of plywood. I think the finished product looks much better, and most of the reputable stand makers use the same (some get really fancy).
As for renting out someone's services, groupertheropy does fantastic work. If you are looking for something simple I could do it. If you do it yourself, glue is the most important aspect of joining things. screws and or nail just hold it together while the glue sets up. Make sure the glue you use says, "Suitable for wet locations". Also, make sure you use a damp sponge or cloth to wipe up any glue that squeezes out. Glue doesn't take paint very well.
- Messages
- 5,121
- Reaction score
- 7
How much time and money are you wanting to invest?
Ive got time and some $ not trying to go too crazy $ , still needing to purchase 3 LED fixtures for another tank. Looking for clean but simple look black flat no trim needed. Just trying to hide the LED lights and bring them lower, they currently hang and it isnt to nice on the eyes.
- Messages
- 5,121
- Reaction score
- 7
What tools do you have?
- Messages
- 5,121
- Reaction score
- 7
Just use a butter knife there
Mcgyver.Edit: To the OP Have you ever worked with tools before?
- Messages
- 404
- Reaction score
- 0
If youre really going for a Simple canopy, like a basic frame without decorative trim, design on paper, and take your measurements to home depot or lowes to have them cut the material for you. Then you can assemble the canopy at home and put the desired ammount of effort into the finish. Simple and very affordable, if that's what youre looking for! If you want it to be phenomenal, and painless, let Grouper build it!
- Messages
- 5,121
- Reaction score
- 7
I'm slammed right now with work but if you can wait a few weeks I will be glad to instruct you some.
The best paint is to use....not that others won't suffice......is pool paint. I bought some for my project and it is awesome. Caulked the seam and painted with this stuff........you could hold water with it. Popular for those folks making the plywood tanks too. But it comes in white so it is great to in that it will also help reflect any stray light back towards the tank......not that it is in any way a reflector though.
