Is This Paint Safe When Dry?

[B2k2]

Hi,

I am in the process of making a custom hood for my tank out of wood. I went out today and bought some dulux weather shield one coat exterior gloss in black to paint it with. After reading the back I found a warning on there about it being harmful to aquatic organisms, I'm hoping they mean when in its liquid form. It also has a mould resistant additive and a high VOC (volatile organic compound) content, what does this mean? So my question is as above will this paint be safe for my aquarium hood when dry? of not what paint should I be using?

 

[BigC]

I would seal it in now that you have done it with a couple of coats of yacht varnish. place some sliding cover glasses between the hood and the tank as an added precaution.

 

[B2k2]

I would seal it in now that you have done it with a couple of coats of yacht varnish. place some sliding cover glasses between the hood and the tank as an added precaution.

Sorry BigC i wasn't very clear, I haven't actually used the paint yet. If there is something better I should be using I can take the paint back and get a refund. What do you recommend I should use?

 

[blue_ram]

I would seal it in now that you have done it with a couple of coats of yacht varnish. place some sliding cover glasses between the hood and the tank as an added precaution.

Sorry BigC i wasn't very clear, I haven't actually used the paint yet. If there is something better I should be using I can take the paint back and get a refund. What do you recommend I should use?

What all this mean is that your black paint is fairly toxic. Furthermore, it will release toxic fumes while curing (that's what high VOC means). Once it's cured (couple of days to couple of weeks depending on environmental factors), it still must be sealed with urethane similar sealing coat to prevent toxic mold resistant chemical from leaching in to the aquarium.

Don't make unnecessary work for yourself. If you really want a shiny satin black custom hood, use several coat of indoor flat or satin black paint. Then seal it with clear marine varnish. Brush on poly will work as well.

BTW, never use anything that's mold reisistant in aquarium. Most of them are treated with arsenic. It will kill your fish. Others, such as cellulose sponge use something else, but it's just as toxic.

 

[B2k2]

Well I took the paint back for a refund today, which was no problem. I've bought some antique pine wood stain and a tin of yacht varnish to seal it with. I will leave the hood in my garage for a few days before putting it on my tank.

Thanks for all you help peeps!

 

[simonbrown403]

Just quick point it takes longer to cure in cold places such as your garage.