Can I Paint My Shipping Container?

In most cases, when you buy a shipping container, you won’t be able to choose the color. USA Containers can’t guarantee color choices on our used containers as availability of a particular color depends on what we have in stock at the time you place your order. If you order a new (one-trip) shipping container, we are often able to let you know what colors are available as the one-trip containers are typically from the same lot and, therefore, the same color. 

The used containers tend to be golden yellow, barnyard red, navy blue, or forest green, but they could really be any color. The new (one-trip) containers are most often light beige, medium grey, or royal blue. 

If your container will be covered or out of sight, then the color of the container is probably not important. But if you want your container to match an existing building on your property, painting a used (or new) container is a fairly easy and inexpensive project.

What Kind of Paint Should I Use On My Shipping Container?

The best kind of paint to use on your used or new (one-trip) shipping container is an marine-grade, direct-to-metal (DTM) paint. No primer is needed since the coating is designed to bond directly to the steel. This composite coating also has special thermal and soundproofing properties. The coating is available online and at most major home improvement stores from brands like Valspar, Rust-Oleum, and Sherwin-Williams.

How Much Paint Do I Need to Paint a Shipping Container?

You’ll need about 3-4 gallons to paint a 20’ standard height shipping container or a 20’ high cube. For a 40’ standard height container or a 40’ high cube, you’ll need approximately 5-6 gallons. 

Do I Need to Prep My Shipping Container Before Painting It?

You won’t need to use primer if you use a marine-grade, direct-to-metal (DTM) paint, but we recommend that you power wash your shipping container before painting it. Although some companies recommend that you use sandblasting to prep the surface, this can actually strip away the protective paint job that was applied when the container was manufactured. Some containers also have a zinc coating that was applied on top of the paint to offer additional protection. If you use a sandblaster, you may actually be doing more harm than good. Simply remove any stickers, spot treat small rust spots with a wire brush, and then power wash the container and let it dry thoroughly before painting. 

What’s the Best Method for Painting My Shipping Container?

You can use a spray gun or a paint roller with a thick nap to apply the DTM paint to your shipping container. If you’re concerned about using a sprayer because of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in some coating products, don’t worry! Direct-to-metal paint has little to no VOCs and can even be used in an enclosed space. 

What If I Don’t Want to Paint My Shipping Container?

You don’t have to paint your shipping container if you don’t want to. The containers had a protective coating applied when they were manufactured. But if you want the container to blend in with an existing building or just want to give it a fresh coat of paint, marine-grade, direct-to-metal (DTM) paint is the perfect product for the job and will help prolong the life of your container. 

If you want the benefits of a fresh paint job but aren’t looking for a DIY project, USA Containers offers painting services out of select depots with plans to expand services to all of our depots in the future. Ask your sales rep or our knowledgeable customer support team for more details about customization available in your area. 

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