I'm in the process of building my 90 gal tank, and needed to paint the tank's trim. If you have a tank that has that hideous wood grain trim (circa 1983), you know how visually assaulting that can be. Rather than ditch the otherwise well constructed tank I opted to paint over the wood grain trim. I began the process by wiping down the trim with some apple vinegar, and an old April Wine band T-shirt from my youth. With respect to the vinegar selection, there are several types to choose from: Sherry, Balsamic, Malt, etc. (Here is a website for your further edification on the world of vinegar's http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinegar) I personally have found the Apple Cider vinegar to be the most readily available and has the widest breath of utility of all the vinegar varieties. I use the Apple Cider Vinegar as well for making my Eggs Benedict, and have a delightful recipe for hollandaise sauce if you are interested. After gathering this mornings Denver Post, I began to mask of the tanks trim with some of that painter's blue tape. It should be noted that while I am of the ilk that works smarter not harder, so I opted to leave it in the confined office space of my residence of where it will be placed.
I went to Lowes where I had to make the choice paints to use for this project. As a word of advise, I would strongly discourage "rolling" for this type of application. I would suggest spray painting, or as those of us in Aurora like to call it, "Rattle Can". I selected the smart and always sophisticated BLACK. However if you are one that likes to make more of a flamboyant statement they have some colors that I think would be to your liking. (Again here is a website to help you prepare for your trip to the hardware store. http://www.valsparpaint.com/en/find-the-right-product/interior/premium-enamel-spray-paint.html) I will admit I was taken by the Gloss Hacienda Tile, but I felt that may detract from any future corals that I populate my tank with.
Once returning home I began to shake the can vigorously, and moved the can in short sweeping bursts, to cover the seizure inducing visual stimuli. After getting a little dazed by the fumes, I elected to open a window. I have to admit, for a few minutes I thought about how nice it would be to move to Boulder and have some wind chimes on the back porch. However, as my state of delirium lifted, I was comforted by the sounds of police sirens in the distance. As the can of spray paint states, one should wait a day before touching the painted surface, but I feel that is more of a suggestion than anything else.
I know you are all eager to see the tank once it is completely finished, DON"T WORRY I WILL DO A TANK BUILD THREAD. However, for now, you will have to be warmed by the thoughts of a sense of accomplishment and pride. . . . . and this picture.
View attachment 12633
I went to Lowes where I had to make the choice paints to use for this project. As a word of advise, I would strongly discourage "rolling" for this type of application. I would suggest spray painting, or as those of us in Aurora like to call it, "Rattle Can". I selected the smart and always sophisticated BLACK. However if you are one that likes to make more of a flamboyant statement they have some colors that I think would be to your liking. (Again here is a website to help you prepare for your trip to the hardware store. http://www.valsparpaint.com/en/find-the-right-product/interior/premium-enamel-spray-paint.html) I will admit I was taken by the Gloss Hacienda Tile, but I felt that may detract from any future corals that I populate my tank with.
Once returning home I began to shake the can vigorously, and moved the can in short sweeping bursts, to cover the seizure inducing visual stimuli. After getting a little dazed by the fumes, I elected to open a window. I have to admit, for a few minutes I thought about how nice it would be to move to Boulder and have some wind chimes on the back porch. However, as my state of delirium lifted, I was comforted by the sounds of police sirens in the distance. As the can of spray paint states, one should wait a day before touching the painted surface, but I feel that is more of a suggestion than anything else.
I know you are all eager to see the tank once it is completely finished, DON"T WORRY I WILL DO A TANK BUILD THREAD. However, for now, you will have to be warmed by the thoughts of a sense of accomplishment and pride. . . . . and this picture.
View attachment 12633
