How to paint stand & canopy on existing tank?

[aleonn]

I want to paint the stand and canopy white on my established 180 gallon tank. I'd like a smooth white look and feel, like a piano. I really know nothing about painting, so how would I go about doing this without breaking down the entire tank?

I'd be concerned with dangerous fumes/VOC's and assume I can't use sprays, nor use oil-based paints.

Here are some older photos of my system. I believe the stand and canopy are solid oak wood, stained with cherry red, and air-sprayed with some sort of water sealant.

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/allgonepro/1-2.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/allgonepro/2-2.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/allgonepro/3-2.jpg

[Donw]

Your not going to get a piano finish without tearing it down, grain filling and spraying. Even at that the ply is not going to give a piano smooth unless you shoot way to much lacquer.

Don

[LeviTillie]

Don is right. However, if you have a paint specialty store in your area, they might be able to point you to products that would help. Most likely a filler and a leveling epoxy based paint.