Clean the Glass well and wipe down with alcohol before painting.
For Textured backgrounds take a sponge and wipe away areas that you would like have the secondary color show through before the paint dries. There are many "custom painting tools" available for detailing your look at any store that sells paint supplies.
Here Is My Final Effect.
With this method you can customize your tanks background with any colors or patterns to accent your particular aquascape. You can see how the blue shows through in the wiped areas of the base black.
Solid color backgrounds are very easy and only need 2 - 3 thin coats. When painting glass it is very important to use multiple "thin" coats rather then one thick coat of paint. Most paints will adhere if applied thinly. I have always used latex with success.
Paint over the entire tank side with secondary color.
In my case I chose an Aqua Blue. If you are not sure of the desired effect you want I would suggest practicing on an old piece of glass before attempting the tank.
NOTE :It is not easy, but all paint layers can be removed with a razor blade if you do not like the final look .
Have Fun With It...
I can guarantee you that your Aquarium is absolutely "One Of A Kind " with your own Custom Background !
