 |
 |
ScubArt
It is, quite simply, shrink wrap. ScubArt is a PVC plastic membrane, in a tube form, that shrinks around the tank when heat is applied to the plastic. The plastic is printed with a colorful and bright tropical reef scene that covers nearly all flaws on the surface of the tank.
The plastic membrane tube fits standard 80 cubic foot aluminum and 7 1/4 inch diameter size tanks. It is easily trimmed in length. The surface of the tank needs to be reasonably clean and dry, but not especially so. But I found that the plastic covered a multitude of flaws. The only thing that caused some problem were some frayed old stickers I did not remove or smooth completely. These old stickers caused some tiny ruptures in the membrane when I applied heat.
Of course one sticker you do not want to remove, or cover, is your VIP sticker. I simply made careful note of where the VIP sticker was located and, after the membrane was shrunk in place, cut away with a knife that portion of the membrane covering the VIP sticker.
A heat gun is necessary to apply the ScubArt, available at most hardware stores. The plastic shrinks quickly and easily with just a light amount of heat consequently there is no danger in damaging the tank if applied properly.
The membrane is neutrally buoyant and corrosion free. At 3 mils thick, it’s tough and will hold up for many dives. Only one pattern is currently available, a tropical reef scene with a large Moorish idol angelfish. It’s pretty but I must admit, I’d like to see a garibaldi with kelp.
ScubArt is not just a way to cover up old ugly tanks but to protect new tanks as well. And with such a low cost it can be changed out often, with old membrane removed with a knife.
For more information, contact ScubArt at (914) 669-8623 or on the web at www.scubart.com.
Dale Sheckler is Editor and Publisher of California Diving News, Producer of the SCUBA Show 2001 expo (June 2-3 at the Long Beach Convention Center), and co-author of the book newly released A Diver's Guide to Southern California's Best Beach Dives, 3rd Edition.