Aquarium Safe Spray Paint For PVC Fittings
 

Can anyone tell me is there a spray paint that is safe to use for PVC fittings that will be eventually used under water as part of a closed loop system?

Thanks !!

krylon fusion

Krylon Fusion Plastic Paint

Thanks for quick response....Is there a specific amount of time you should wait from the time you paint to the time you place into the water?

I waited about 24 hours for it to cure completely. Not sure there is a "rule" but that worked for me

slightly OT - is there anything different about the Krylon Fusion plastic paint that makes it preferable to the regular Krylon paint? other than the fact that Fusion is designed to adhere to plastic? both Krylon paints are listed as being good for glass. plastic bonding aside, i'm wondering if they're both reef safe.

HHmmm..I am not sure. I just always use the plastic since that was what I was putting it on..

I used it on my white PVC and had no ill effect on tank...only issue was it was coming off after about a year and the white color again was visible.

Jim Mc

This may not be entirely correct, but I believe that because of the type of solvent used to keep the paint liquid in the can and as it's sprayed on, it helps the paint actually bond with the plastic as it dries. Sort of like PVC cement. So, instead of flaking off over time, it would actually be difficult to remove without removing a layer of the paint/plastic that are bonded together. I would think they'd call it "Fusion" for a reason. :)

So what about Rustoleum for Plastic?? I cant find Krylon paint anywhere??

Make sure you break the shine layer on the surface of the pvc or event fusion will flake off over time. I use the purple pvc cleaner then paint when dry. Be careful about temp and humidity. I have ruined several projects by trying to use fusion when it was too humid and cold.

I used to use Vinyl spray paint from the Automitive store. It is for vinyl tops and seats. Had inverts growing on it. no problem if let to cure for about a week untill all the stink was gone.

As mentioned before, sand or scuff the pvc before spraying. Use like 400-600 grit sand paper or a red scotchbrite pad. Let it dry for as long as possible, in my opinion minimum 24-48 hours, I'd like to see it dry for 30 days.
There is an adhesion promoter in the product that helps it stick to plastic better.
HTH
Spleify

Jim, if you were responding to my post, does your reference to "it" refer to Krylon Fusion or regular Krylon?

I have always used acetone to clean the printing off the pipes. I think it's tacky to see. It will also take off the shine, and allow the paint to stick. Never had a problem with flaking.

I actually called Krylon a while back. I'm not sure if it was a "cover our butt" statement, but the tech guy on the phone told me NOT to use it in an aquarium, reef, fresh, or other. He said there is a chance it could leach chemicals to the water. But who knows?

Those guys just cover their butts to keep guys like us from being upset if something would happen.

Nice avatar eznet!

If there is a Walmart near you, they carry it (at least any of the ones I've been to)

I've been wondering the same thing about Rustoleum for Plastic... I tried comparing ingredients and they seemed to be composed of basically the same stuff, but I didn't want to risk anything so just used Fusion.

Or just buy PVC pipe and fittings in black (if that is the color you're going for) www.savko.com

I don't know of a local shop to find "black" PVC, but I know that you can buy the gray Schedule 80 PVC in the plumbing aisle at Lowe's. I've thought about using Sch 80 instead of paint, just to be on the safe side.

Who knows --he should know!!!!! I would never use any paint in a tank. R

pescadero...it was fusion. However, I did not scuff not use the purple primmer on it first either.

Jim Mc