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 the 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.
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.
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 a 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.
Clean the surface thoroughly to remove any dirt, grime, or loose pain.
Here’s how you can ensure thorough cleaning before you start painting the 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.
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.
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 as more 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.
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.
Painting Shipping Container FAQs
Most frequent questions and answers
Painting your shipping container offers several benefits. It helps protect the container from corrosion, rust, and the elements. Additionally, painting allows you to customize the appearance of the container, making it more aesthetically pleasing or suitable for branding purposes.
The regulations and permits required for painting a shipping container can vary depending on your location and intended use of the container. It is advisable to check with your local authorities or consult a professional to ensure compliance with any necessary regulations or permits.
Painting a shipping container can be done as a DIY project if you have the necessary skills and equipment. However, hiring professionals with experience in shipping container painting ensures a more consistent and high-quality finish.
Yes, it is crucial to properly prepare the surface before painting. This typically involves cleaning the container thoroughly to remove dirt, rust, and debris. Additionally, any existing rust spots should be treated and primed to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish.
