Spray painting a galvanized tank?

[lsorenson]

That's what we were talking about he stated "I would not even put a Nitrox sticker on my tank" which is required up here in Canada if you want to dive with Nitrox so you are in effect agreeing with my post, never mentioned anything about bumper stickers?

I believe that Jim is calling the Nitrox stickers; bumper stickers... Down here they sell a 5"x23" nitrox sticker that wraps around the tank. These are not required in this area! I don't use them but many people do...

Amazon.com: Large Enriched Air Nitrox Tank Sticker: Sports & Outdoors

lee

 

[SkimFisher]

How about some stick on letters - like the ones on your mailbox. Just put your name on your tanks.

 

[Stu S.]

Here's how to do it. Don't sand the galvanized surface, as the zinc material is considered somewhat toxic. Scrub the surface real well with soap and water first. Adhesion is an issue painting over zinc, and the finish may not hold up too well. Use a spray enamel.

Here's why you shouldn't do it. Tank inspectors look for "unauthoried" paint as a method of hiding tank damage. There may be some unsafe "body and fender" work underneath. The tank may not pass inspection due to this. And, if you don't use the same tank every time, the whole concept is lost.

Fatherhood instincts will have you to keeping a close eye on the kid, regardless of tank color. At least it worked for me. It is like taking a five-year old to the mall. Was the kid painted green back then? Were you? But.... it is your tank. Or, you can try this.

Diving with a son or daughter is one great experience. Enjoy it.

 

[David_57]

I have seen divers mark the bottom of their fins with a white paint marker so they can be easily identified when under water in poor vis.

On another note yes we have the Nitrox bumper stickers here as well also not required, but you do need an official sticker from the dive shop that O2 cleaned your bottle's before you can get them filled with Nitrox. Also helps let the fill station know not to fill them if their fill station is not O2 compliant when you are filling them with air.

 

[muddiver]

If you really want to paint over galvanizing the correct procedure is to clean the surface of any oils by washing with a good de-greaser and then you have to etch the surface with a 15% solution of phosphoric acid, or create a profile by grit blasting the surface with walnut shells. A brush blast with garnet is also a sutible method.

Be very careful not to apply too much paint around the neck of the cylinder or you might fill the tank markings and hydro stamp that are stamped in to the metal of the cylinder. I have seen this and if the markings are no longer clear, very few shops will fill the cylinder.

 

[captain]

How about everyone have a sticker on their tank that says "My Buddy", that way you can't lose him.

 

[knowone]

When the new white tanks came out and I couldn't afford them I painted some tanks like you prep and paint a car with $1.50 enamel spay cans from the el cheapo shop. Left em hanging in a tree in the sun and heat maybe some rain for a week. Excellent job tough as nails. Still got a couple that have copped some whacks and the paint hasn't popped off.
I like bright red. It's bright, for a while.

 

[oxyhacker]

Interesting. Do you know who's requirement it is, and where the details can be found?

That's what we were talking about he stated "I would not even put a Nitrox sticker on my tank" which is required up here in Canada if you want to dive with Nitrox so you are in effect agreeing with my post, never mentioned anything about bumper stickers?

 

[Thalassamania]

No choice if you dive with Nitrox its a requirement

Interesting. Do you know who's requirement it is, and where the details can be found?

No such requirement exists, at least that I know of. Could be an individual shop thing like that Canadian guy who wants to outlaw longhoses and BP/ws.

 

[mksmith713]

No choice if you dive with Nitrox its a requirement

Where's it a requirement?
Not here in Florida.