I want to paint my stand

vitodog · 12/14/2017, 07:56 AM

My tank stand is a wood stained color (cognac) and I would like to paint it white. The tank that sits on it is a mixed reef and has been up and running for approximately 5 years. Can I just paint over the wood stain or is there some prep work I need to do first? Also, do I need to do anything to protect the livestock in the tank?

mcgyvr · 12/14/2017, 08:20 AM

Its very likely that you can just paint right over it with any regular latex paint..
You also shouldn't need to do anything to protect the livestock.. I've painted around tanks many time without issue..

It would not be a bad idea to at the very least just wipe the wood down first (plain mild soap/water and a rag) to remove any dust,salt creep,etc... on it and you can even rough it up with some sandpaper then use cheese cloth to remove that dust..
The sanding probably isn't needed but would help ensure a longer lasting finish.

VoltzNSalt · 12/14/2017, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcgyvr

and you can even rough it up with some sandpaper then use cheese cloth to remove that dust..
The sanding probably isn't needed but would help ensure a longer lasting finish.

I would definitely give it a light sanding - not down to bare wood by any means but give the surface some tooth. Then prime and then paint...

vitodog · 12/14/2017, 01:48 PM

Thanks mcgyvr and VoltzNSalt. Sounds like a light sanding, primer and a cheese cloth is the way to go. Thanks again guys.

rynoe · 12/14/2017, 02:27 PM

Just watch aerosol paints. The propellants can cause issues with the tank inhabitants.

mcgyvr · 12/14/2017, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rynoe

Just watch aerosol paints. The propellants can cause issues with the tank inhabitants.

I wouldn't recommend spray paint in this situation but rather brushed on latex..

JTL · 12/14/2017, 03:03 PM

Give it a good cleaning with tsp, put on a coat of kilz primer and then the latex paint of your choice. I just painted all of my kitchen cabinets so I have experience. I did a few more steps and sprayed the doors no spraying for you.

vitodog · 12/15/2017, 07:56 AM

Thanks guys.

Mdj · 12/18/2017, 08:47 AM

You want to light and for sure 220 grit if it has a shine sand shine away kiltz has oil and latex primer oil is better but lots of fumes latex will work just fine and has less fumes once primer has set for 24 hours light sand again then paint if there is alot of crevices I would recommend getting a weenie roller (small foam roller) brush paint on then go over with roller while still wet will give better finish and hide brush strokes if using a oil based primer ( would not reccomend) don't forget laquer thinner for clean up good luck

Mdj · 12/18/2017, 08:47 AM

Light sand sorry

vitodog · 12/18/2017, 04:57 PM

Thanks Mdj, much appreciated and great advise.

Apotack · 12/19/2017, 09:36 AM

+1 wash, sand and prime. You want to make sure it’s thoroughly clean and well scuffed. Any shiny areas will most likely peel at some point.

12/14/2017, 07:56 AM	#1
vitodog Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico Posts: 1,226	I want to paint my stand My tank stand is a wood stained color (cognac) and I would like to paint it white. The tank that sits on it is a mixed reef and has been up and running for approximately 5 years. Can I just paint over the wood stain or is there some prep work I need to do first? Also, do I need to do anything to protect the livestock in the tank? __________________ Current Tank Info: 124.7 gal. Reef Savvy D/T, Trigger Systems 36" sump, Octo Elite 150-S, GHL Mitras LX7 x 3, Profilux3, Masterflex 7550-30 Peristaltic pump, Vector M1 return Pump, MP40w QD x 2

12/14/2017, 08:20 AM	#2
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	Its very likely that you can just paint right over it with any regular latex paint.. You also shouldn't need to do anything to protect the livestock.. I've painted around tanks many time without issue.. It would not be a bad idea to at the very least just wipe the wood down first (plain mild soap/water and a rag) to remove any dust,salt creep,etc... on it and you can even rough it up with some sandpaper then use cheese cloth to remove that dust.. The sanding probably isn't needed but would help ensure a longer lasting finish. __________________ Who me?

12/14/2017, 01:48 PM	#4
vitodog Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico Posts: 1,226	Thanks mcgyvr and VoltzNSalt. Sounds like a light sanding, primer and a cheese cloth is the way to go. Thanks again guys. __________________ Current Tank Info: 124.7 gal. Reef Savvy D/T, Trigger Systems 36" sump, Octo Elite 150-S, GHL Mitras LX7 x 3, Profilux3, Masterflex 7550-30 Peristaltic pump, Vector M1 return Pump, MP40w QD x 2

12/14/2017, 03:03 PM	#7
JTL Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Venice Island, FL Posts: 2,532	Give it a good cleaning with tsp, put on a coat of kilz primer and then the latex paint of your choice. I just painted all of my kitchen cabinets so I have experience. I did a few more steps and sprayed the doors no spraying for you. __________________ John 100 gallon DT and 50 gallon sump with refugium. Reefbreeders Photon V2+.

12/15/2017, 07:56 AM	#8
vitodog Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico Posts: 1,226	Thanks guys. __________________ Current Tank Info: 124.7 gal. Reef Savvy D/T, Trigger Systems 36" sump, Octo Elite 150-S, GHL Mitras LX7 x 3, Profilux3, Masterflex 7550-30 Peristaltic pump, Vector M1 return Pump, MP40w QD x 2

12/14/2017, 02:27 PM	#5
rynoe Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Surrey BC Posts: 94	Just watch aerosol paints. The propellants can cause issues with the tank inhabitants.

12/18/2017, 08:47 AM	#9
Mdj Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Posts: 56	You want to light and for sure 220 grit if it has a shine sand shine away kiltz has oil and latex primer oil is better but lots of fumes latex will work just fine and has less fumes once primer has set for 24 hours light sand again then paint if there is alot of crevices I would recommend getting a weenie roller (small foam roller) brush paint on then go over with roller while still wet will give better finish and hide brush strokes if using a oil based primer ( would not reccomend) don't forget laquer thinner for clean up good luck

12/18/2017, 04:57 PM	#11
vitodog Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico Posts: 1,226	Thanks Mdj, much appreciated and great advise. __________________ Current Tank Info: 124.7 gal. Reef Savvy D/T, Trigger Systems 36" sump, Octo Elite 150-S, GHL Mitras LX7 x 3, Profilux3, Masterflex 7550-30 Peristaltic pump, Vector M1 return Pump, MP40w QD x 2

12/19/2017, 09:36 AM	#12
Apotack Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: New York Posts: 297	+1 wash, sand and prime. You want to make sure it’s thoroughly clean and well scuffed. Any shiny areas will most likely peel at some point. __________________ Adam Current Tank Info: 125gal