Any model painters here?

[Utar]

I have a couple of ruined walls that I ordered from amazon > click here
I need to paint them and make them safe to use in my present aquarium project...here is a picture I captured from amazon reviews of someone else that painted these, and I would like to do something very similar but possibly use some type of live growing plant on tops similar to what can be seen in the picture.

I have not ever done anything like this but I have some model acrylic paint that I bought from walmart. Any one have any suggestions or ideas. Do you think it is safe to use in an aquarium, because I can coat it the plastic-dip when finished.

 

[eatyourpeas]

I found this article:

The Best Aquarium Safe Paints (And Are Acrylics Safe?)

Let's explore what paints are safe for aquariums, and which paints you should consider when decorating your fish tank.

acrylicartworld.com

Then you can attach moss or other epiphytes with superglue to the models.

 

[Utar]

I found this article:

The Best Aquarium Safe Paints (And Are Acrylics Safe?)

Let's explore what paints are safe for aquariums, and which paints you should consider when decorating your fish tank.

acrylicartworld.com

Then you can attach moss or other epiphytes with superglue to the models.

Thanks for the reply. I looked up Apple Barrel acrylic paint that I bought at Walmart and it is saying it is non-toxic so it should be safe. I think this would look good in my aquarium if done right. But this is my first time to do model painting so hopefully it will look good.

 

[Utar]

I need a good source for buying Java moss, can anyone help me with this?

 

[eatyourpeas]

I think it is going to be so much fun! Acrylic paints are water based and non-toxic, generally. I use them a lot for set models but have never done models for aquarium use.

 

[eatyourpeas]

I need a good source for buying Java moss, can anyone help me with this?

Modern Aquarium and Buceplants is where I get my aquarium plants. They are great, but definitely quarantine, especially for possible pesticides unless you get tissue culture.

 

[WhistlingBadger]

Oooh, yeah! I've done stuff like this. I did a huge backdrop for my SE Asia tank of an Angkor temple wall.

To grossly oversimplify, I painted the whole thing a very dark brown-gray, then dry-brushed lighter shades on top of the bricks, and darker shades underneath for shadows. It gave it a fairly realistic effect. Your piece looks like it has enough texture that you could do the same thing. Let me know if you'd like me to explain further, but that's the big idea.

 

[WhistlingBadger]

Also: @eatyourpeas is right about the superglue. Directly attaching some mosses or java ferns (anubias work well for this sort of thing, too) makes them look super-realistic. Your pieces are made of PLA. A quick google search revealed that it's aquarium safe, though it dissolves in salt water. Stick with non-toxic acrylics and you should be fine.

 

[eatyourpeas]

Also: @eatyourpeas is right about the superglue. Directly attaching some mosses or java ferns (anubias work well for this sort of thing, too) makes them look super-realistic. Your pieces are made of PLA. A quick google search revealed that it's aquarium safe, though it dissolves in salt water. Stick with non-toxic acrylics and you should be fine.

Yes, PLA is biodegradable. I tend to use ABS for most things, but they are no applicable to aquarium needs. I must admit, I never thought about it. On that note, the life of your model may be limited and not all PLA are food safe, so you may want to check on the filament used just to make sure.

 

[Utar]

Oooh, yeah! I've done stuff like this. I did a huge backdrop for my SE Asia tank of an Angkor temple wall.
View attachment 125753

To grossly oversimplify, I painted the whole thing a very dark brown-gray, then dry-brushed lighter shades on top of the bricks, and darker shades underneath for shadows. It gave it a fairly realistic effect. Your piece looks like it has enough texture that you could do the same thing. Let me know if you'd like me to explain further, but that's the big idea.

In reading how you painted this sounds like you did an overall base paint then came back taking your time and painted each brick and lines between the bricks. Not sure if that is what you meant. But it looks great and realistic.

 

[Utar]

Yes, PLA is biodegradable. I tend to use ABS for most things, but they are no applicable to aquarium needs. I must admit, I never thought about it. On that note, the life of your model may be limited and not all PLA are food safe, so you may want to check on the filament used just to make sure.

After painting the walls, I plan on covering it all with Plasti Dip spray. Maybe this will protect it for the long run. I am going to use super glue to glue on Java Moss.

 

[WhistlingBadger]

I've always been a little skeptical of plasi-dip and other sealers for aquariums, especially on complex pieces like that. You miss one little pinhole, and water's in contact with your piece. Even if you do multiple coats and fully cover it, you could scrape the piece against a sharp edge or a rough substrate, and water's in contact again. I don't think plasi-dip hurts, but I wouldn't depend on it too much. Make sure your piece is safe.

 

[WhistlingBadger]

In reading how you painted this sounds like you did an overall base paint then came back taking your time and painted each brick and lines between the bricks. Not sure if that is what you meant. But it looks great and realistic.

I didn't paint the lines between the bricks; the base coat got down in the cracks and made them nice and dark. I dry brushed a slightly lighter shade over the base coat to hit higher surfaces, bringing out the 3d effect.

 

[Utar]

Never considered the fact that the spray on plasti dip might have a pin hole which is very possible. How would I find out of the PLA plastic used to make these model walls is safe for aquariums? I know the acrylic paint is safe from what I have read about it being non-toxic.
Thank you WhistlingBadger for your help on this.

 

[WhistlingBadger]

I google searched "is PLA safe for aquariums" and perused a few articles about it. The consensus seems to be that it's OK in fresh water and won't kill your fish, but I'd probably do more in-depth research before I added it to a tank of my own.

Based on my very small amount of reading, I'd probably be more concerned about it dissolving over time than about toxicity.