If you are an aquarium owner, then you know that a beautiful background can make a lot of difference to how your tank looks. However, quality aquarium backgrounds can be costly, and many of them are limited in design. The good news? Vinyl peel and stick wallpaper is an affordable, stylish, and easy-to-use alternative that can give your tank a stunning new look—without breaking the bank!
We will explain how to use peel and stick vinyl wallpaper as a budget friendly, customized aquarium background for your underwater world.
Why Use Peel and Stick Wallpaper for Your Aquarium Background?
Aquarium background can be expensive, hard to install, or just not available in the style you want. Vinyl peel and stick wallpaper is a customizable, low-cost solution with several benefits:
- Affordable– A single roll of peel and stick wallpaper is way cheaper than the specialty aquarium backgrounds.
- Easy to Install & Remove– There is no glue or paste adhesives; it is peeled; stuck and can be repositioned as desired.
- Waterproof – Vinyl wallpapers are moisture resistant and high quality and thus suitable for use in aquariums.
- Customizable Designs– Unlike the traditional aquarium backgrounds, you can choose endless patterns to go with the look of your tank.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply Vinyl Peel and Stick Wallpaper to Your Aquarium
Step 1: Choose the Right Wallpaper
When choosing the wallpaper it is important to select a vinyl water resistant option. From there some great design ideas include:
- Ocean Waves– Produces a natural deep sea look in the open ocean.
- Jungle or Forest Print– Perfect for a salt water tank with many plants. A forest green wallpaper can help give a tropical feel.
- Stone or Marble Texture– Adds a sleek, modern touch to your aquarium.
- Galaxy or Cosmic Background– For a special, magical feeling of being under the water.
Tip: Select the darker colors to make your fish and other decorations stand out!
Step 2: Measure & Cut the Wallpaper
- To measure the back of your aquarium, use a measuring tape to get the exact dimensions you will need.
- If your wallpaper has a pattern, make sure to cut it properly before applying it to avoid misalignment.
Step 3: Prepare the Aquarium Surface
It is recommended that you wash the aquarium glass before applying the wallpaper.
- Clean the glass use a microfiber cloth with glass cleaner to wipe off dust or fingerprints.
- Do not use harsh chemicals as this may leave a residue on the glass and stop the wallpaper from sticking on properly.
Step 4: Apply the Peel and Stick Wallpaper
- First of all, strip off a piece of the wallpaper backing paper.
- Affix it with the top edge of the tank and stick it on the glass.
- Then use a credit card or squeegee to pop out any air bubbles as you slowly peel away the backing.
- If necessary, a utility knife can be used to cut the wallpaper around the edges to size.
Step 5: Secure & Seal (Optional)
To make sure that the peel and stick wallpapers do not peel off easily you can use the following measures to strengthen it.
- Avoiding peeling by sticking with a clear tape on the edges.
Bonus: Creative Ways to Customize Your Aquarium Background
Want to take your DIY aquarium background to another level? Then try these ideas:
- Two-Wallpaper Layers – Use a base of a textured wallpaper and a cut-out silhouette design on top for a 3D effect.
- LED Backlighting – Place LED lights behind the aquarium to create dramatic glow.
- Your Own Image – Some vinyl wallpapers are printable, so you can design a very own one-of-a-kind backdrop!
Vinyl peel and stick wallpaper is a cheap, simple, and elegant way to change the look of your aquarium background. You can easily get a perfect, high-definition finish within a short time and at low cost.
So, why pay more for ready-made products when you can make a great one at home quickly and easily? Try it and let us know how it goes!
Have you ever applied peel and stick wallpaper as an aquarium background? Share your experience in the comments!