Are you bored of the look of your aquarium? Thinking about painting it, but not sure if it’s safe to do so? Wonder no more! You can turn your aquarium into a work of art with the right paint.
Just be careful when choosing what kind, because some paints are toxic to fish!
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some aquarium-safe paints and give you a guide on choosing one wisely. So read on and get inspired to give your tank a new look!
What Is Aquarium Safe Paint?
The aquarium-safe paint is any type that can be used in the aquarium, and the kind of paint you use in your aquarium can make a world difference.
Some paints are specially designed to be safe enough for those with fish or plants living inside them, while other types may release toxic chemicals that may harm your fish!
How To Recognize A Paint Safe For Fish Tank?
Not all paints are safe for aquariums, and it can be challenging to find a paint product that works well with your fish tank.
When looking for safe paint for fish tanks, find something labeled with ‘for use in potable containers’ or ‘food-safe.’ These two indicators imply it’s non-toxic to your aquatic friends, making them a perfect choice.
Besides that, the products in our review list are definitely safe for your beloved aquatic pets!
Aquarium Safe Paint For Internal Use
It is essential to pay attention when placing paint-coated objects in the tank, such as decorations and pipes. You don’t want these paints to peel or leach harmful chemicals which could make your fish sick! This section covers Paints that are submerged underwater.
Paint for Plastic, PVC, & Resin
PVC plastic is a popular material for aquariums because it can make the tanks aesthetically pleasing and practical as decors or ornaments.
If you’re looking for an easy way to add some color and life to your aquarium, spray paint is perfect. Spray-painted PVC pipes not only look amazing, but they also protect against the ugly white film!
You need to spray as a thin layer to not drip all over when applying! You may also add more layers later if required.
Krylon Fusion Spray Paint (Different Colors)
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Krylon K02333007 Fusion for Plastic Spray Paint,... | 913 Reviews | Buy on Amazon |
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Krylon Fusion Spray Paint Gloss Sunbeam 12 Ounces | 913 Reviews | Buy on Amazon |
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Krylon K02332001 Fusion for Plastic, Sun Dried... | 913 Reviews | Buy on Amazon |
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Krylon K02327001 Fusion for Plastic Spray Paint,... | 913 Reviews | Buy on Amazon |
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Krylon K02340001 K02340007 Fusion Spray Paint, 12... | 913 Reviews | Buy on Amazon |
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Krylon K02321001, Gloss Black K02321000 Fusion for... | 913 Reviews | Buy on Amazon |
Krylon has been the go-to brand for spray painting projects since they first introduced it in 1947.
Krylon’s Fusion Spray Paint is the ultimate DIY paint! This revolutionary product features advanced bonding technology, which allows you to spray on plastic or metal without sanding or priming first – saving time (and effort).
The versatile formula also works well with aquarium internal decors and fittings, releasing no toxic material.
Krylon Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint
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Krylon K02734007 Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint for... | 21,411 Reviews | Buy on Amazon |
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Krylon K02731007 Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint for... | 21,411 Reviews | Buy on Amazon |
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Krylon K02732007 Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint for... | 21,411 Reviews | Buy on Amazon |
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Krylon K02740007 Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint for... | 21,411 Reviews | Buy on Amazon |
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Krylon K02707007 Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint for... | 21,411 Reviews | Buy on Amazon |
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Krylon K02704007 Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint for... | 21,411 Reviews | Buy on Amazon |
Krylon Fusion All-In-One spray paint provides a long-lasting, durable finish on various surfaces. It is available in classic colors that can be used on practically any surface. In addition, satin black spray paint offers the perfect, sleek finish to DIY projects.
The Krylon Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint has a patented nozzle that simultaneously sprays primers and paints.
This spray paint is more than just a quick fix for your plastic pipes. You can wait 15 minutes or less, and the output will be chip-resistant!
Pros
- It’s entirely safe for fish, plants, and beneficial bacteria.
- The color is gorgeous, mimicking a natural look.
- The painting process is effortless.
- It cures fast.
Cons
- It’s relatively costly.
Paint For Glass
What about other surfaces involved in painting, such as glass? Spray paints are a great option for those who want to paint glass, but we have our own personal preferences.
Performix Multi-Purpose Rubber Coating Aerosol
- Peel able, easy to remove from most surfaces when you're ready
- Flexible, won't crack, chip, or become brittle
- Insulates, electrical shock, vibration, heat, deadens sounds
- Grip, provides non-slip comfort and control
- Durable, resists weather, chemicals, impact, and abrasion
Paint your glass aquarium with the Performix Plasti Dip. This product might seem like ordinary spray paint. Still, it’s firmer and explicitly designed for use on aquatic projects – no more worries about flaking or cracking when underwater all day long!
You can even protect decorations with this spray that would otherwise be unsafe in a fish tank too.
This tough coating is easy to apply and dries to a non-slip, matte finish that provides a comfortable grip. Performix Rubber Coating will not crack or become brittle in extreme conditions and provides protection against electrical shock, vibration, heat, and deadening sound.
The aquarium paint is safe for fish! You can be sure your pleco or other algae-eaters won’t remove the rubber because it’s covered in a protective layer of slime they don’t dare mess with.
Now that the coating is fully set, it’s time to add some final touches. Make sure you wait 24 hours before adding anything else so your aquarium-safe paint can cure adequately!
Pros
- Once cured, it is entirely aquarium-safe.
- The curing process is faster than other options.
- It’s an affordable option.
Cons
- It only comes in limited colors.
Paint For Other Materials In The Aquarium
Spray paint is an easy and quick way to get creative with your art but might not always be the best option.
Spray paint is a great choice for plastic or glass surfaces, but it might not be effective on some unusual types of materials within your fish tanks, such as bricks or concrete.
Drylok Latex Water Proofer
- GUARANTEED to stop water - withstands 10 pounds of hydrostatic pressure (PSI), equivalent to a wall of water 22 feet...
- Fully transferable 10 Year Warranty
- Helps protect against radon gas penetration by reducing vapor transfer
- Low-odor formula complies with all current VOC requirements
- Breathable film will not trap moisture in the masonry
Drylok is a waterproofing material used for surfaces that are exposed to water. So, it is often used in 3D aquarium backgrounds. The primary purpose of this product is to seal and protect surfaces from water, thus making it an excellent choice for aquariums.
With some liquid concrete paints, you can add color to Drylok and ensure it’s safe for use in fish tanks. The more color mixed with this product, the better!
You can use Quikrete Liquid Concrete Paint! One of the best parts about this is you get to customize your colors and shades with Quikrete paint!
Drylock’s Latex-Base Drylok Masonry Waterproofer, linked here, is suitable for fish tanks. However, other products of Drylock, such as Drylok Pro and Drylok Extreme, have fungicides that may kill your beneficial bacteria even harm fish as well, so don’t use them in aquariums!
Pros
- It’s safe for plants, fish, invertebrates, and beneficial bacteria.
- It’s suitable for painting aquarium decors.
- It can be mixed with different colors to customize the look.
Cons
- It requires additional purchases to create colors.
- Curing time is longer.
Paint For Outside Your Aquarium
Painting the exterior of your tank is a really nice touch, but it doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavor. You could use spray paint or rolled-on acrylics—whatever you prefer! The key thing here is that these paints won’t come into contact with fish and water, so they can live happily in their new home without any worries about chemicals harming them.
Martha Stewart Acrylic Craft Paint
- Acrylic craft paint suitable for use on wood, glass, ceramic, metal, terracotta, canvas, paper, and fabric
- Dries to a satin finish with a soft, subtle sheen
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Water-based, non-toxic, made in USA
- CPSIA compliant; safe for use by families with children ages 3 and up
Martha Stewart Crafts Acrylic Paint is a water-based, non-toxic paint that’s perfect for use on wood, glass, ceramic, metal, terracotta, canvas, and paper.
This acrylic craft paint from Martha Stewart Crafts dries to a satin finish with a soft sheen. The 1 oz bottle comes in an array of colors ideal for creating beautiful projects! Available in multiple sizes and colors so you can find the right one for your needs.
Acrylic craft paints are a fun, affordable way to customize your home decor. These water-based acrylics will give you the ability for any project, from painting fishtanks to making handmade paper crafts, all while being safe enough with children of nearly every age!
Pros
- It’s non-toxic and safe for children.
- It comes in various different sizes and colors.
- It can create beautiful colors.
Cons
- Not suggested using inside an aquarium.
What Happens If You Use The Wrong Paint In Your Aquarium
You might think that your fish can handle the harsh conditions in an aquarium, but they would not tolerate it as much if you put unsafe paint in their water.
Some people might think that the paint on their aquarium is holding up just fine, but it could release harmful chemicals that will kill your fish and make them sick. Unfortunately, they are not visible to the naked eye, so you would never know until after all of this happened!
Moreover, the paint absorbs water and begins bubbling or peeling away from its surface, which may cause harm for your aquatic creatures who enjoy eating those – thinking as “fancy” foods like shrimp cocktails!
What Is The Difference Between Normal And Aquarium-Safe Paint
There are three critical differences between regular paints and aquarium-safe paints. They are described below!
No Unsafe Chemical Release
You can find aquarium-safe paint that won’t harm your fish or plants.
The paints are made of materials that won’t interact with water, so they will not harm fish in the process! It also doesn’t leach harmful chemicals into the tank with its waterproof properties!
Waterproof
Aquarium-safe paints have to be waterproof! They’re designed for any type of water-based medium and will never crumble or peel away when exposed to water!
So, there is a vast difference between waterproof paints and regular ones. Aquarium-safe paint won’t flake when exposed to water, but ordinary paint will crackle with expanded bubbles of air instead!
Salinityproof
One of the biggest concerns with painting a marine aquarium is that it will be damaged by salt. With aquaria-safe paint, you can keep your creation looking fresh and new without ever worrying about its condition deteriorating as soon as it’s exposed to saltwater!
How To Use Aquarium Safe Paint On Glass Surface
Spray paint is the safest option for aquarium glass surfaces! However, when you’re ready to paint your fish tank, there are a few things that will make the process go smoothly.
The best advice we could give would include applying directly from a bottle using painter’s tape while protecting surfaces that shouldn’t receive a coating, such as edges. It might take multiple applications before achieving adequate coverage.
You can also use liquid paints and a brush to apply them to the dry glass. Also, for an even application, you could try using rollers or painter’s tape.
In all cases, you should allow adequate curing time, as instructed by the manufacturer!
How To Use Aquarium Safe Paint To Paint Decorations
If you’re looking to paint some decorations with precision, liquid paints are an excellent option. Applying them using a brush will allow for much more accuracy than spraying the ornament and let even beginners have great control over where they are putting their colors!
If you’re painting a decoration that isn’t already intended for placement in an aquarium, make sure to cover all surfaces with aquarium-safe paint. Failing this could lead to the material breaking down over time and potentially poisoning your fish or killing plants & beneficial bacteria in their tanks.
How To Remove Aquarium Paint
If you mess up during the application or want to remove old aquarium paint from the glass before applying a new coat of color, there is a way. Use a razor blade and scrape the paint layer off.
Always empty out the water and remove fish before starting this process.
Never attempt to do so when your fish tank is full. You may accidentally drop small chips of paint that your fish could swallow, which could block their digestive tract and cause injury or even death in some cases!
Also Read: 12 Steps Guide: How To Reseal A Fish Tank Effectively
What Is The Best Aquarium Safe Paint For My Tank?
Aquarium-safe paints are all intended for different uses, so no single product can be used in every aquarium application. However, we have found one particular brand to work best: Krylon Fusion Spray Paint. It’s easy to apply and gives off an eye-catching color while providing complete safety (for fish, invertebrates, and plants) when adequately cured!
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped answer any questions about the toxic paint you should avoid when painting your aquarium and get the best aquarium-safe one.
If you have anything more to know, please leave a comment below, and we’ll be happy to answer it for you.
Remember, if something doesn’t seem right or is too risky, don’t do it! You can always consult an expert before deciding what’s best for your fish pets. Happy pet-keeping!
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