MarinaBackground Adhesive Solution

The product itself works great, it doesn't come with much in regard to instruction for getting a good result. I've used this product several times. When done right, it will last. I give it four stars because it lack any instructions or tips and tricks to help the consumer. When I apply this product I use almost the entire bottle. A lot goes to waist but it's worth it when you can apply a background that several years later is still free of air bubbles and peeling. One of my backgrounds has been on a 55 gal tank for several years. I made this recent purchase for a new 29 gal. I'll include how I do it below for those looking for any tips:My supplies include a roll of disposable blue shop towels (standard paper towels work as well - they just obsorb a lot of the oil), 1x X-Acto knife, 1x plastic wall outlet or light switch plate, 24"x18" square, tape measure, black electrical tape, and Windex.Step 1: Clean the surface of the tank where you will apply the background with glass cleaner. By the time you finish the next few steps it will be dry and ready for application. Lay the background and cut the height to the exact height of the application surface, I cut the width with an extra 1/2" on both sides - this will help with centering. Example: The flat acrylic surface in between the top and bottom plastic border on my 29 gal tank is 24"w x 18"h. I cut my background to 25"w x 18"h.Step 2: I pour about half of the bottle on the background surface that will be displayed. Using a crumpled shop towel I smear/spread the oil to cover the entire surface then go to the aquarium and pour the remaining into one of my hands and smear/spread it on the tank surface. *Note: I prefer to use way too much over bring conservative. It makes ensuring there are no air bubbles a lot easier. Tiny air bubbles can make the difference between your finished work lasting months versus years. After a quick wash of the hands I apply the background to the tank beginning in the center and work my way out. Once one the tank I verify the background has overlap on both sides.Step 3: I use the face of a wall plate to start removing all of the air bubbles. I use the face because it is rounded at the edges and less likely catch, scratch, or tear the plastic backdrop. I used to use a plastic putty knife until one day a tiny grain of sand that I didn't see found it's way on the glass. While working out the air-bubbles the putty knife moves that grain of sands and tore the backdrop. The rounded edge the face of a wall plate is more forgiving. Starting from the center, work out the edges. As you get close to the edges you will have excess oil running down the corner of your tank. put a paper towel down to help catch it and assist with clean up. When one half is done, move the other until you have worked out all air bubbles.Final step: Use the X-Acto knife to carefully trim the excess background from the sides. Using the glass cleaner I gently clean the corners of the tank. Once dry I use black electrical tape to cover the edge of the background with a slight overlap onto the side. This prevents anything from accidentally snagging the edges and causing separation or allowing air in during setup or cleanings down the road.

Not too sure what to say about this one. As everyone stated it is a PITA to work with. Bubble chasing forever. Still some left that just cant get out, but hey, its an aquarium full of bubbles anyways. Just a couple tips for people. 1) make sure your background is as flat as you can get it before installing. I had mine weighted down for a week or more. Still wanting to curl a bit. I then used an iron on low setting with a towel over it. 2) Do not use too much. Remember you will be squeezing most of it out. I believe I read some one used an entire tube on a 10 gallon. I used one on a 37 - 30Lx12Wx24H and it was plenty. Don't waste your money.It does however make your background 'pop'. sucks it right down to the glass and colors intensify. Gives it the impression its actually painted right on. I like my background right to the edges so I still ended up taping the corners with clear Gorilla tape as if you happen to snag them it separates and you end up chasing bubbles again. All in all glad I used it but takes a lot of patience.

I bought this product to install vinyl on the back of two aquariums. It works very well and was super easy to use. I simply cut the vinyl to size, rubbed (I just rubbed it on with my fingers as the product is non toxic) this product on the aquarium and laid the vinyl on top of it. The key to success with this product is to slowly rub out all the excess liquid. I used a credit card and started from the center and worked my way out. There are zero bubbles, and so far the vinyl has stayed in place for 3 weeks (I will update my review if it doesn't hold up, but doubt I will need to). I used this for a 75 gallon and 10 gallon tanks and still had a little bit of adhesion left over.

After reading the reviews I knew the secret is in proper prep.1. When I ordered the material, I put the backdrop sheet on a table, places a folded sheet over it and placed the aquarium on it to use the weight to straighten the sheet.2. when i was ready to glue it, i made sure to trim the excessive material from the sides to have a perfect cut.3. I laid down the aquarium on its side with back facing up. cleaned it from inside and outside and wiped it with clean paper towel.4. I dumped all the liquid on the glass, in the middle and then gently using the flat squeegy and spread it. Be gentle at the ends, but if it overflows it is ok. it can be removed later. Once it is evenly spread, wait for a minute.5. gently put the background on the glued surface. and using the squeegy remove all the bubbles. and excessive glue material will spill on the sides. dont worry,it is easily cleanable.6. using a flashlight view from inside the aquarium to make sure all bubbles are removed.7. leave in place for a few minutes and wipe off excess material from both the side.I hope these steps help you with your adventure. I love the way background looks now compared to when i used tape.

its just oil, thats it, messy and you can achieve with any oil you have around the house.I thought it was an "adhesive" it is not. Misleading.It does not dry...ever...easy to remove? of course, its just stuck on by suction of an oil layer.not happypainted aquarium background instead