Vinyl Vs. Paint - Again

[nsconductor]

To avoid a discussion on the search function, yes - I searched and I found. Now, looking for a little more detail.

I see that there is not a consensus as of the last thread on which way to go regarding painting Vs. Vinyl for the back of the tank. So, for the sake of discussion, let's say I decide to go with Vinyl. Does anyone have a good source?

Secondly, How the heck do you apply it without having it full of air bubbles and looking bad? That is really the part that concerns me.

Standard 48x24 120 Gallon.

Thanks!

 

[giulianom]

Wet apply the vinyl.

Get a spray bottle and mist the back of the tank with water, and also the surface of the vinyl.

Apply the vinyl to the tank, and use a plastic card or rubber squeegee to squeeze out the water and any air bubbles.


You can also add a small amount of dish soap to the water mix to make it slicker.

 

[jef4y]

I never really looked at these choices as options. Personally I want the back black. No need to use vinyl which may bubble, come off or be a PITA to apply when I can just paint it and be done with it.

 

[nsconductor]

Thanks for the replies so far. I think Rich said if he had to do it over again, he would go with Vinyl..So Rich, why? (I know you're reading

Jeff - I'm tending to lean your way - just doing a little homework.

 

[clay4au]

Paint significantly reduces the reflection of light back into the tank.

see here:

 

[robbywood20]

Any sign shop will sell it to you in various withs put a little liquid soap in the water and put it on just as you would window tint. By far better than painting the back as paint is certain to flake off

 

[mrflameangel]

I used vinyl on my 60 cube and I'm sure it's still on there after trading hands a few different times. Now that I upgraded to a 180, I once again placed black vinyl on the back and wrapped it around the sides to cover the overflows. Looks great, easy to put on and takes less time than painting. And if you don't like it the color. take a razor blade to the corner and then pull right off and add the new color of your choice.

 

[ff337]

Clay4AU;862501 wrote: Paint significantly reduces the reflection of light back into the tank.

see here: http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2012/5/equipment">http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2012/5/equipment</a>[/QUOTE]

Doesn't coraline do the same thing?

 

[clay4au]

FF337;862508 wrote: Doesn't coraline do the same thing?

I would think coraline would stop just about all reflection not just decrease it.

Of course, I am one of those strange folks that cleans the back glass too

 

[ralph atl]

robbywood20;862502 wrote: Any sign shop will sell it to you in various withs put a little liquid soap in the water and put it on just as you would window tint. By far better than painting the back as paint is certain to flake off

exactly! and they will cut it to your exact measurement! It's sooo easy to apply when wet!

 

[grouper therapy]

robbywood20;862502 wrote: Any sign shop will sell it to you in various withs put a little liquid soap in the water and put it on just as you would window tint. By far better than painting the back as paint is certain to flake off

I have tanks that are over ten years old that were painted and the paint has never flaked off.

 

[bluespot]

I used the dark/near black privacy window tinting you find at lowes or home depot in the window section. Very easy and fast to apply with either an application kit they sell or slightly soapy water in a spray bottle and squeegee. Pretty tough stuff and looks great on my corner tank. Blocks out the walls and is a great background to draw the eye to the rocks and corals.

 

[gort]

Ace Hardware sells black acrylic. They will cut it for you. Thats what I have and cleaning the back of the glass is a snap. I just slide the acrylic... I do have a lip on the back of my stand that holds it in place.

Its on the outside so no worries and it really shines.