Where to get blue vinyl to wrap tanks?

[Ironwill723]

Yes! I think 'PVC Film' is what I was missing!

You use this, and it works well for you?

Yes. Works great. Same stuff the tank builders use. Just use a squeegee and some soapy water to apply. Way easier than painting.
Here is a good video on applying...

 

[Fish Fan]

Yes. Works great. Same stuff the tank builders use. Just use a squeegee and some soapy water to apply. Way easier than painting.
Here is a good video on applying...

Yes!!! Than you, this is exactly what I was looking for. Only thing is that I'd like a little darker blue, but I assume that they have other shades. And, now I know for sure that I can call a local sign shop and ask for 'PVC film".

Thanks very much for your help!!!

 

[Ironwill723]

Yes, they have a bunch of colors. Just ask for an Oracal 651 color swatch.

https://www.cpcsigns.com/library/brochuresflyers/Oracal651ColorChart.pdf

 

[Fish Fan]

Yes, they have a bunch of colors. Just ask for an Oracal 651 color swatch.

https://www.cpcsigns.com/library/brochuresflyers/Oracal651ColorChart.pdf

Thank you, that's exactly what I was hoping to hear!

And thanks to everyone, I appreciate all the help always

 

[Fish Fan]

You can find blue vinyl wraps for your tanks at Metro Restyling, which offers a wide selection of designs, finishes, and shades

Thanks for your reply! Welcome to reef2reef!

 

[GARRIGA]

Vinyl can get rather expensive. If you later decide to go with paint. Rust-Oleum is easy to apply with a roller and doesn’t come off. Did a fish room of 40 breeders with White. Going Gloss Royal Blue on my 20 test tank.

 

[Fish Fan]

Vinyl can get rather expensive. If you later decide to go with paint. Rust-Oleum is easy to apply with a roller and doesn’t come off. Did a fish room of 40 breeders with White. Going Gloss Royal Blue on my 20 test tank.

Thank you! I've used that exact paint before (in black), and several others, even spray paints in the past. All the paints require masking and can be messy. This time I just wanted to try something different. The vinyl looks really easy to apply and to remove if needed. Thanks again for the suggestion!

 

[Fish Fan]

Vinyl can get rather expensive. If you later decide to go with paint. Rust-Oleum is easy to apply with a roller and doesn’t come off. Did a fish room of 40 breeders with White. Going Gloss Royal Blue on my 20 test tank.

Take a look at this thread, or at least the title: "First try wrapping tank and NEVER PAINTING AGAIN". It just seems very easy and comes out looking very nice.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/vinyl-wrap-first-try-im-never-painting-a-tank-again.352813/

 

[GARRIGA]

Take a look at this thread, or at least the title: "First try wrapping tank and NEVER PAINTING AGAIN". It just seems very easy and comes out looking very nice.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/vinyl-wrap-first-try-im-never-painting-a-tank-again.352813/

I’m aware of how to wrap. Takes less time to put a coat of paint. Let dry. Put second coat. Be done with it.

 

[Fish Fan]

I’m aware of how to wrap. Take less time to put a coat of paint. Let dry. Put second coat. Be done with it.

I admit I've never wrapped a tank, but I disagree. Watch some of these videos. The wrap goes on in minutes. No taping off the tank, no mess, no dry time, no second coat, no brushes or rollers to deal with, less chipping afterwards. I mean, I've been using paint on tanks for decades, but this wrap looks hands down better to me. It's what a lot of manufacturers are using on their tanks these days.

Again, the wrap is something I just want to try, but certainly paint is tried and true. Thanks again for your suggestion!

 

[GARRIGA]

I admit I've never wrapped a tank, but I disagree. Watch some of these videos. The wrap goes on in minutes. No taping off the tank, no mess, no dry time, no second coat, no brushes or rollers to deal with, less chipping afterwards. I mean, I've been using paint on tanks for decades, but this wrap looks hands down better to me. It's what a lot of manufacturers are using on their tanks these days.

Again, the wrap is something I just want to try, but certainly paint is tried and true. Thanks again for your suggestion!

Probably is easier on rimless since one doesn’t need to bother with frames and glue and I’d probably take that route then.

As for paint. No need to tape tank. Just paint the glass and I will fill the gap with glue in tank with frames. If frame gets painted no one going to see that, either. Rollers are cheap. Don’t even need a pan. Just pour on the glass.

Go for it and see. Good luck

 

[Ironwill723]

I just did a 10 ft 400g tank with vinyl. Took less than 30 mins to do both the long side and a shorter 2 ft end. Super easy, no cleanup. One and done. I've done the paint route as well. Never again. Multiple coats, taping, cleanup. No thanks.

 

[Fish Fan]

If frame gets painted no one going to see that.

Nope! My OCD will not allow for this. I promise you that is ALL I would see lol! I have always taken the time to tape off my tank frames, especially when they're brand new tanks. I can't stand the thought of getting paint on the frame, but that's just me ;-)

 

[mdpitts]

Just wanted to chime in - I bought a blue background at my local fish store. They have a wall of different vinyl backgrounds that are 2 sided. So, one side might be blue and one black. The colors vary on the blues. I didn't want to paint because I hate things that are permanent. I LOVE my blue background and wondered why everyone seems to go with black (pop of colors I'm assuming. I'll post and image in a minute of my tank. I'm a newbie with baby coral so don't expect a grand display.

Thank you for your reply!

I have tried nearly every kind of paint for tanks, though not that craft paint, which I get is water based, goes on 'thick', and comes in a variety of colors; I will keep that in mind, especially because I know I can get that paint in any color of blue I want. And I really want to try a blue background for my next build, and if I can match the blue in the room the tank will be going in, that is a huge plus. Thanks again for the craft paint suggestion, I'm not ruling that out!

But forgetting about paints for the moment, vinyl wrapping seems like a dream; no mess, no fuss, done in like ten minutes, no runs, drips or errors.... I just don't know where to get the material.

Could someone point me in the right direction please?

-

 

[Fish Fan]

Just wanted to chime in - I bought a blue background at my local fish store. They have a wall of different vinyl backgrounds that are 2 sided. So, one side might be blue and one black. The colors vary on the blues. I didn't want to paint because I hate things that are permanent. I LOVE my blue background and wondered why everyone seems to go with black (pop of colors I'm assuming. I'll post and image in a minute of my tank. I'm a newbie with baby coral so don't expect a grand display.

-

Thanks for your reply! I'm glad to hear you went with blue. I have always gone black, but have wondered why blue isn't a more popular option.

 

[mdpitts]

Thanks for your reply! I'm glad to hear you went with blue. I have always gone black, but have wondered why blue isn't a more popular option.

 

[Ironwill723]

I really like blue backgrounds as well. Feels like the whole tank is brighter.

 

[Fish Fan]

I like the blue too, and the room I'm putting these tanks in is blue, so I think it will look good.

 

[mdpitts]

I really like blue backgrounds as well. Feels like the whole tank is brighter.

Same! That’s why I did it. Mine has a bit of sparkle and some highlighted areas and I just love it.

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

I'd try something like this:

https://www.dollartree.com/crafters-square-blue-permanent-vinyl-paper-48x12in/340896

or this:

https://www.dollartree.com/crafters-square-blue-removable-vinyl-paper-12x48in/340877

if it's available in your store. It's cheap so I'd buy 1 of each just to see which I wanted to use. Since they only $1.25 each, if they don't work you're out $2.50.

I used this stuff on my frag tank, works great. I would think any vinyl that is marked waterproof and UV rated is fine. I have used other vinyl before and that is what I looked for.