Weird paint problem (Krylon Fusion related)

saltwater_wannabe · 06-13-2006, 03:42 PM

I have been using Krylon Fusion to paint my new overflows and sump baffles (so the silicone will stick) and have had really nice results. I was getting ready to glue the first overflow in, so I put on a final coat on my second overflow. I walked into the garage today at lunch and I checked on my second overflow (I was hoping to glue it in while I was there), I saw that the paint was crackled and looked like it was going to peel right off. I grabbed a corner and started to pull and basically pulled the whole finish right off.

I ended up using a new razor blade and just scraped everything else off (it wasn't difficult whatsoever).

I took it inside and scrubbed it real well with White Vinegar hoping it was just a fluke. Before I left I put on a real thin coat of Krylon, so we'll see how it turns out when I get home.

Has anyone had this sort of problem? Does acrylic have a side that won't let paint stick?

Twitterbait · 06-13-2006, 03:54 PM

I have never heard of anyone using paint that way. in general paint does not stick well to acrylic. if your looking to seal a joint i would just go get the standard acrylic cement from a plastics shop. the only other option i can think of would be to rough up the area you want to paint. I wouldn't use paint for fear of chem's leaching into your water.

saltwater_wannabe · 06-13-2006, 04:10 PM

I have read that Krylon Fusion is safe (on plsatic that is) for the aquarium. I was pretty skeptical, but no one that I know that has used it has any problems. I think I just prepped it wrong or I didn't let the first coat dry before I put on another.

I just talked to my wife and she went into the garage and said that the thin coat I just put on looks good; no bubbling or cracking.

leveldrummer · 06-13-2006, 07:26 PM

why are you painting it again? the silicone should stick ok, if your bonding acrylic to acrylic, they make special solvents for that, if your trying to bond it to glass, the silicone should be fine, remember that it wont have to hold alot of pressure as a baffle, and a over flow is actually pressed against the glass be the water pressure so you the silicone only has to hold it in place.

TahoeMtn · 06-14-2006, 01:51 AM

I thunk when folks talk about using paint on their tank they mean on the outside of the back

hng · 06-14-2006, 09:11 AM

I've heard about a lot of ppl using krylon fusion inside their tanks without any problems (as long as you let it cure for a long time) but it was usually to paint PVC, not acrylic. I think that the good thing about krylon fusion is that it "binds" to plastics and not just "covers" it, so I'm surprised that you were able to peel it off. One thing I can think of is that the acrylic had a coating of something on it. Maybe it will "bind" now that you cleaned it. Also, make sure you do not leave it to cure in a really hot environment - you may want to take it inside after painting instead of leaving it in the garage. HTH

Hardhead Cat · 06-14-2006, 09:18 AM

I agree, sounds like the acrylic had an oily film of some kind or was wet to have it peel off like that.

HHC

saltwater_wannabe · 06-14-2006, 09:20 AM

I think there was something on the acrylic. The thin coat that I put on yesterday seems to have done it's thing. I went home last night and put on two more coats before I glued it into the tank.

I am really happy with Krylon Fusion. My wife dropped a screwdriver right onto my freshly painted overflow and there wasn't even a scratch. It has created a shell of sorts on everything that has been painted.

I'll post pics of my progress in a tank thread.

hng · 06-14-2006, 09:23 AM