show me inside your stand...pros and cons of white.

[Devaji108]

oK SO I decided to build my new stand instead of 80/20 T $$ i,ll put in to the tank. so As i am getting a parts list together I am thinking about painting the white inside or my normal dark satin.

I know there a lot of people that love the look of white inside there stands.

mine will have panels an 3 side that are removable + a strip of led for lighting so seeing will not be a big deal. I generally go for a darker stain but am considering white this time.

seems like white stands are for ppl that are so attentive to every detail, i would like to be that person but know I am not..so my fear is white would have the opposite effect. ha by no means am I a slob reefer just not OCD about things...

so what have you guys found to be the pro and cons of white or darker inside stands?

[Member No. 1]

White will reflect the light better, so it will be easier to see and work inside.
My entire stand, inside and out is white. Matches my house trim.

[Devaji108]

yeah I think that is why alot of ppl do it. I do like the idea...but I dont think seeing inside the stand will be a problem tho...

[Rx79394]

White could hide the salt creep if you have any on the stand.

[Member No. 1]

yeah I think that is why alot of ppl do it. I do like the idea...but I dont think seeing inside the stand will be a problem tho...

No it probably won't, but it will be a lot brighter inside. My old stand inside was dark, then between tank changes I painted the inside white. Huge difference and it was also lighted.
You mentioned stain, are you planing on using it?
Either black or white I would use paint to help protect the wood better.
I used Kinz white primer with Rustoleum top coat. More of a hassle, but both were oil based for added protection. Also painted will be easier to wipe up spills.

[Devaji108]

the last few stands I made I stained them then added 3 coast of poly. worked very well. but there where dark stains. basically I am just talking about the skeleton as the front and side are going to be cold rolled steal treated for marine environment coated and sealed..
all removable.

so it really does not matter I guess just something I am thinking about..one more thing to try to decide. ha

[davocean]

I think the cleanest sump areas and insanely detailed seem to always be white, definitely pops when done right.
I'm a wood/stain guy, it's always there and saves me steps, works fine enough for me, but I do sometimes envy those w/ all the matching plumbing colors and stuff.
I use minwax fast drying poly and that holds up pretty well, deals w/ moderate spills.
Look forward to seeing what that rolled steel looks like

[MidwesternTexan]

I painted the inside of the stand I built,

I used white Latex exterior- a year and a half so far- no problems

[mr9iron]

I think the cleanest sump areas and insanely detailed seem to always be white, definitely pops when done right.
I'm a wood/stain guy, it's always there and saves me steps, works fine enough for me, but I do sometimes envy those w/ all the matching plumbing colors and stuff.
I use minwax fast drying poly and that holds up pretty well, deals w/ moderate spills.
Look forward to seeing what that rolled steel looks like

Dave, what is the best way to strip stain off of wood? I stained my stand, but would like to strip it back to a natural wood color.

[davocean]

Dave, what is the best way to strip stain off of wood? I stained my stand, but would like to strip it back to a natural wood color.

Well, I'm a better putter onner than I am a taker offer!
You can try a stripper but honestly be prepared for a lot of work and sanding, stain does penetrate, lots of sanding(this is why I'm not much of a taker offer!)

[Devaji108]

I think the cleanest sump areas and insanely detailed seem to always be white, definitely pops when done right.
I'm a wood/stain guy, it's always there and saves me steps, works fine enough for me, but I do sometimes envy those w/ all the matching plumbing colors and stuff.
I use minwax fast drying poly and that holds up pretty well, deals w/ moderate spills.
Look forward to seeing what that rolled steel looks like

yup used the same poly coat has worked well for me...
yeah I am excited to see the rolled steel my self. it all started when YOU introduced me to SC aquariums. my cycle was complete with the 40br but then a leaky bulk head lead me to a new tank...

so I had a lot of stuff for the 40br including the rolled steel. I just went deeper so I will have to add some more but I think I can pull in off where it looks nice..I hope.

anyway back to the stand. i'll guess I'll see what i have around and go from there. as I keep going back and forth.