Painting Shipping Containers: How To Paint A Shipping Container?
Painting shipping containers is a popular DIY project. It’s also one of the easier ones to achieve, too. For anyone who wants to go all-out on a container project but doesn’t have the time or money for professional help, painting shipping containers is an easy way to spruce up your home or business without breaking the bank.
Photo by Moritz Kindler on Unsplash
Clean the surface thoroughly to remove any dirt, grime, or loose pain
Here’s how you can ensure thorough cleaning before you start painting shipping container:
- Use a pressure washer to clean the surface and remove any loose debris from it.
- Use a brush to remove any loose paint that may have been missed by your pressure washer (this step is especially important if you’re working with an older container).
- You should not scratch the container during this process. Use a scraper tool instead of an abrasive wire brush when cleaning up after using your pressure washer — but don’t forget about those edges.
- Vacuum out any remaining dirt and dust from inside containers before painting them. This will make painting easier later on.
Sand any rough or rusty areas until the surface is smooth
Now that you’ve taken the time to remove debris, dust, and loose paint, it’s time to get rid of rust. Make sure to smooth out any rough or rusty areas until the surface is smooth and clean. Once this has been done, use different grits of sandpaper (400, 600, and 800) on each side of your container until you achieve perfection.
Apply a rust-inhibiting primer to any bare metal
Once the surface is clean and dry, apply a rust-inhibiting primer to the bare metal. Rust-inhibiting primers are designed to prevent rust from forming and spreading, and they also create a bond between the surface and the topcoat. Use a brush, roller, or sprayer to apply the primer, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Allow the primer to dry completely before applying the topcoat. The drying time can vary depending on the type of primer used, the weather conditions, and the humidity level. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific drying times.
Apply a high-quality exterior paint with a paint spray gun
You’ll want to use high-quality exterior paint with a paint spray gun for a professional-looking finish. This will ensure that all of the curves and corners are covered, which is especially important when painting shipping containers.
You should also consider using an outdoor enamel or acrylic paint specifically designed for outdoor use.
It is important that you allow your container to dry for at least 24 hours after you have applied the primer and paint. If your shipping container is still wet when you apply another coat of paint, it will not adhere properly.
Photo by Kai Pilger on Unsplash
Pros and cons of painting shipping containers
Painting shipping containers is a great way to add value and make your business more efficient. However, there are some cons to consider before painting a shipping container.
Pros of Painting Shipping Containers
- The paint on the exterior of the container will be better insulated than just using aluminum siding or sheet metal panels. This makes it harder for heat to escape inside, so you can install radiant heating under the floor if necessary without worrying about losing heat through the walls of your building.
- Painted steel has been proven over time asmore durable than bare metal surfaces because paint protects it from rusting and corrosion damage. This means that you’ll have fewer maintenance costs associated with keeping up with this process.
Cons of Painting Shipping Containers
- Paint can chip and crack over time, especially if the surface is not properly prepared before painting. This means that you’ll need to repaint the container every few years for it to look good again.
- Painting is a labor-intensive process. The cost associated with priming can also run high, so painting shipping containers can be expensive depending on how many containers you need to paint.
Conclusion
In conclusion, painting shipping containers is an effective method for protecting your investment and improving the appearance of your home. However, before investing in a container, research how much it will cost to paint one yourself. If you decide on hiring professionals instead, ensure they have experience before proceeding with the project.
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