Painting the back wall
 

I was just wondering what the preferred method for painting the back wall of your tank is. I painted my last one using a 4" brush and black paint and I found the paint would dry and then could easily be chipped or wiped off. Even when I did the second coat, some of the dried paint would slide off the glass. It looked really streaky too from the inside of the tank instead of a nice solid color. Any suggestions on what paint to use and what brush would be great. Thanks for your help.

Go to a sign maker and get some vinyl decal from them. I used that on my tank and it works great. Use a little soap and water when you apply it and you can get the trapped bubbles out.

Keith

If you want to paint it you have to prep it right. This means the glass has to be perfectly clean. Use vinegar and water for the first step. Use a non lint soft cloth. An old cotton t shirt works well.
Once you are done, wipe the entire suface with with either acetone (do not touch anything plastic and very high odor) or denatured alchohol.
Use a new clean cloth and don't touch the glass with your hand.
Once you are done use a quality Latex paint and a roller. Take your time and it should come out fine.
Brushes pull the paint and a cheap brush will leave streaks. That why a good painter uses quality materials.

I see a variety of people use Krylon Fusion, but isn't that for plastics?

I did what Black Phantom did but rolled on Tremclad black, it's been over two years and no pealing or chipping. I see most people spray on Krylon Fusion and I have no idea why since roll on works so well.

I would think that rolling it on would be a lot less work. I will try that. Any special tremclad that you used?

I used tremclad flat black rust paint, rolled on, it worked awesome. I think I did 3 or 4 coats, it dries to kind of a rubber like finish. One thing to watch out for though is that it stinks to high heaven.

Yup, tremclad flat black rust paint.

Krylon fusion is also recommended for glass; pretty much anything with a smooth hard surface that is hard it will bond to.