Painting PVC

[tonkadawg]

Some places say it can't be done, others say to use a laquer, and other says that the Krylon Fusion plastic paint works.

Anyone successfully done it?

[Aquatic Image]

Matt I recently set up a 100g tank in the shop here and used Krylon Fusion to paint the stand pipes and elbows in the tank. Its been running for about 2 months now and no problems. I was a bit nervous to use it at first but figured why not at least try it. I have a fish and SPS in the tank.

[tonkadawg]

Thats what I was hoping to hear. I was just nervous using the Fusion paint on the reef tank. Guess next week, I will be trying it out. Thanks Dustin!

[tonkadawg]

Hey Dustin, did you put the painted PVC in the tank?

[o2manyfish]

You should prep the PVC piping first. There is a particular thinner, which works really well to wipe down the pipes.

I don't know about adding the paint internally to the tank - but for exterior (tank) use it will be okay - for awhile.

Salt is pretty corrosive, so I would think any place it sits on a painted surface it will eventually etch.

Dave B

[SEAREEF]

wipe down the pvc with laq thinner then apply paint ,do not get this paint inside the tank

[Aquatic Image]

Matt I do have it in the tank. Now so far I have not had any problems, but keep in mind it has only been running for about 2 months. A buddy of mine has a small tank and he painted his powerheads with the Krylon Fusion and its been running for quite some time. I am not sure how long but I think longer than 1 year.

[SEAREEF]

hey guys im not sure if it does or does not ,but make sure theres no lead in the paint ,if there is no lead id say its safe inside if there is lead then ,well figure it out ,the epa /osha restricts any body shop in california to paint a boat with auto paint ,this is b/c of lead ,and they say lead in the water hurts the fish ..

[mesocosm]

Greetings All !

Some places say it can't be done, others say to use a laquer, and other says that the Krylon Fusion plastic paint works.

Anyone successfully done it?

One of our reef displays has had painted PVC components in it for over 4 years ... no worries.

The paint I use is Krylon Acrylic Enamel.

Paint manufacturers keep changing the formulations of their products over the years ... definitely check for lead, as well a fungicides and mold inhibitors. The surface of the PVC needs to be cleaned, but I've never been comfortable with the trace residuals of either thinners or primers. I use water. Lightly sanding the surface of the PVC will improve adhesion of the paint.

The only issue I've had is that the paint may "flake off" if the PVC is hit too hard, or scratched.


HTH

[SEAREEF]

it will stick much better with no harm if u use laq thinner

[tonkadawg]

just to follow up and incase anyone else out there might be thinking about doing this. I ended up getting the Krylon Fusion paint. For prep, I washed the PVC in warm soapy water, allowed them to dry completely. Then I sanded lightly with 100 grit paper. Then just spayed the pieces with the paint - took about 3 coats to get a nice finish. I allowed it to dry completely over night. Turned out really nice.

[scottw]

Matt you will be banned if you do not show pictures

[tonkadawg]

LOL - I have to get some more paint to finish up one last piece. I will get some pictures up once it is all done.