Removing Paint From The Back Of Tank

[paradiddle]

I recently bought a new 100G tank for £400, the back is painted blue and scratched off a little when it was moved by the previous owner.
 
Its not acrylic paint as it doesnt come off easily when scratched at, looks more like a standard paint.
 
Any ideas on how to remove it so i can paint it acrylic black?

 

[DrRob]

Depends on the paint, some are water soluble (which would be why they scratched so easily on an aquarium) and will wash off with something like an algae scourer.
 
Others you'll need to resort to chemicals if you want a clean surface.
 
Personally I'd start with a gentle scourer, elbow grease, and some water.

 

[DevotedToDiscus]

Paint stripper would be the quickest and easiest way.

 

[Shaddex]

Not sure Id risk Paint stripper as it may react with the silicone.

 

[DevotedToDiscus]

Not sure Id risk Paint stripper as it may react with the silicone.

It should not. Especially on the outside of the tank, and applied carefully with a brush. It will only need to be on there for a couple of minutes and the paint can be easily wiped off, and then rinse the glass. It will say on the can if it reacts with any other substances, as it is for household use. 

 

[MojoDex]

If the tank is glass, a razor scraper should do the trick.

 

[fm1978]

I'd also go with paint stripper and I'd mask off the silicone just to be safe although it's probably not hugely necessary if you're quite accurate with your brush. Any remaining paint would be a quick scrape off.

 

[paradiddle]

If i use paint stripper im thinking of getting an old cloth and partially soaking it in paint stripper, and just rubbing 90% of the glass, any near silicone i will most likely razor.
 
Although saying that my glass at the back doesnt silicone like I--  its more like L if that makes sense, there is no silicone on the back panel, but to the left and right of the panel.

 

[lrhodes]

that makes sense... All my tanks silicone is on the sides... Just use the stripper. And to be casutious, take a razor to the edges near the silicone...