Damon Mcknight
Painting a shipping container is a great way to improve its appearance and protect it from harsh weather and corrosion. It is important to carefully prepare the shipping container's surface before painting, including removing any stickers, labels, and rust spots. Depending on the container's intended use, you may need to consider using a waterborne paint system or industrial-grade alkyd enamel paint. The paint should be chemical and corrosion-resistant and be applied on a dry, sunny day to ensure proper drying and setting. Using a primer before painting can help improve paint adhesion and longevity. To achieve the best results, consider hiring a professional with experience in painting shipping containers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of repainting | To repair and protect the container, or for aesthetic reasons |
| Paint type | Water-resistant, chemical and corrosion-resistant, acrylic-based, satin finish |
| Paint colour | Depends on the container's purpose and location. Darker colours absorb heat, while lighter colours reflect it. |
| Surface preparation | Pressure wash, sanding/grinding, wire brush, rust-inhibiting primer |
| Painting tools | Pneumatic/commercial-grade airless paint sprayer, roller |
| Number of coats | 2 coats are often sufficient, but more may be needed depending on the colour and coverage |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right paint
Regardless of the purpose of your container, it will still be exposed to the elements, so you will need to use paint that is water-resistant and capable of protecting the steel from corrosion. A satin finish is recommended as glossy options tend to reveal blemishes, while matte options tend to showcase dirt and dust more prominently.
It is also important to consider the colour of the paint. Lighter colours usually require more coats to get the right coverage and will show dirt or marks more easily. Darker colours may make the interior of the container feel hotter during summer, but they hide imperfections better than lighter colours.
You should also consider using a primer to ensure better paint adhesion and a more even and long-lasting paint application. A rust-resistant primer designed for outdoor structures is ideal for shipping containers. Some paints have primer added to their formulas, so you may not need to purchase separate cans of primer and paint.
The best time to paint a shipping container is on a dry, sunny day. You want to avoid moisture as it could extend the drying process or ruin the final results.
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Surface preparation
The next step is to clean the container thoroughly. Pressure washing the entire exterior is an effective way to remove surface dirt, mud, or graffiti. If there is stubborn graffiti or paint residue, sanding down the affected areas with a wire brush or wheel can help roughen the surface for better paint adhesion. It is important to note that if there is lead present in the existing coating, a certified inspector should be consulted before proceeding.
Once the container is clean and dry, the surface needs to be prepared for paint application. Sanding or grinding the entire container creates a smooth surface and removes any remaining rust. A professional-grade machine will provide the best results. After sanding, it is crucial to remove any dust or debris with a commercial-grade cleaner.
Finally, a primer should be applied to the container. Choose a rust-resistant primer designed for outdoor structures, which will help the paint adhere better and provide longer-lasting results. Allow the primer to dry completely before painting, which may take up to a full day. Painting should ideally be done on a dry, sunny day to ensure proper setting.
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Removing stickers and rust
Before painting a shipping container, it is important to remove any stickers and rust. This will ensure a smooth and even application of paint. Here is a detailed guide on how to do this effectively:
Removing Stickers
Start by identifying the type of surface the stickers are on. If they are on plastic containers, avoid using heat as it may warp or melt the surface. Instead, opt for specialty label removers like Goo Gone or Turtle Wax Sticker Remover. Apply the product with a rag or paper towel, let it sit for around 15 minutes to break down the adhesive, and then peel off the sticker. Finally, clean any residue with soap and water.
For glass or metal containers, white vinegar is an effective and eco-friendly option. Fill a shallow container with white vinegar, submerging the sticker, and let it soak for 15 minutes. For better results, heat the vinegar. Then, peel away the sticker and use a sponge to remove any leftover adhesive. Alternatively, you can use a razor blade or X-Acto® knife to carefully lift and remove the sticker in sections. Always test on a small area first to avoid scratching the surface.
If the stickers are particularly stubborn, try using rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover, or inexpensive vodka. Soak a cotton ball, rag, or paper towel in one of these solvents, press it onto the sticker for at least 15 minutes, and then attempt to peel it off.
Removing Rust
To remove rust from a shipping container, you will need to determine the level of rust: mild, medium, or heavy. For mild rust, such as flash rust or surface rust, use an angle grinder with a wire wheel or an orbital sander. The angle grinder with a wire wheel is ideal for uneven surfaces and will leave a nice finish. The orbital sander is perfect for flat surfaces but can be time-consuming.
For medium rust, which is typically pitted and rough-textured, you can use an angle grinder with a resin sanding disc or wire wheel, followed by a dry sandblaster. The resin sanding disc is faster but may result in a rougher finish, depending on the grit of the disc. Sandblasting is time-consuming and expensive, so it should be considered a last resort.
For heavy rust, you may need to employ multiple techniques, such as using an angle grinder, rust converter, and sandblaster. The angle grinder with a wire wheel can be effective for reaching pitted areas, but it may be time-consuming. Always be cautious and wear appropriate protective gear when working with power tools and chemicals.
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Primer application
Before applying primer to your shipping container, it is important to prepare the surface. This includes removing any stickers, labels, and data plates on the exterior walls. The adhesive for these stickers can be strong, so you may need to apply heat with a blowtorch to soften it before scraping the stickers off. You should also thoroughly clean and dry the container to ensure the surface is smooth and ready for primer application.
Once the surface is prepared, you can start applying the primer. It is recommended to use a rust-resistant primer, especially if the container has any rust patches. Apply a single layer of primer to the container, ensuring an even and long-lasting application. If there are rust spots, you can use a wire brush or a wire wheel to sand them down before spraying a rust-inhibiting primer over the affected areas. Mask off the surrounding unaffected areas before priming and painting to ensure a clean touch-up.
It is important to allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step. Depending on the product and environmental conditions, this could take several hours or even an entire day. Avoid painting on a damp, cool, or rainy day, as moisture can interfere with the drying process and impact the final results. Choose a dry, sunny day for the best outcome.
If you are painting over graffiti or an alkyd enamel base, you may need to roughen the surface with sanding before applying the primer. This will help ensure proper adhesion. You may also need to apply a pigmented topcoat after priming.
By following these steps, you can effectively apply primer to your shipping container, creating a smooth base for the subsequent paint application.
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Painting techniques
Painting a shipping container is not a straightforward task, and it is recommended to hire a professional to ensure the paint job is long-lasting and of good quality. However, if you plan to paint a shipping container yourself, here are some techniques to follow:
Surface Preparation
Before painting, it is crucial to prepare the shipping container's surface. This involves thoroughly inspecting the container for any signs of wear and tear, rust spots, or areas that need repair or caulking. It is important to remove any stickers, data plates, or labels, as these can affect the smoothness of the paint application. The adhesive on these stickers can be strong, so using a blowtorch to soften it before scraping them off is advised. If you are painting over graffiti or an existing coat of paint, you may need to sand down the area to create a rough surface for better paint adhesion.
Cleaning and Drying
Once the surface is prepared, the container should be cleaned to remove any dirt, chemicals, or residue. This can be done using commercial-grade cleaners or a pressure washer. If using a pressure washer, you may need to wash the container twice to ensure all residue is removed. After cleaning, allow the container to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Priming
Applying a base coat of primer is an important step in the painting process. It helps the paint adhere better to the container and ensures more even and long-lasting paint application. Choose a rust-resistant primer designed for outdoor structures, especially if your container has rust spots. If using a separate primer and paint, wait for the primer to dry completely before applying the paint.
Painting
When selecting the paint, opt for a water-resistant, chemical and corrosion-resistant paint to protect the container from the elements. Acrylic-based specialised paint is recommended for the steel surface of the container. Consider the finish you desire—a satin finish is preferred over glossy or matte options, as glossy may reveal blemishes, and matte may showcase dirt and dust more prominently. Lighter colours may require more coats of paint for adequate coverage and tend to make dirt and marks more visible. Darker colours may make the interior of the container hotter during summer, but they hide imperfections better.
The best method for applying the paint is by using a commercial-grade airless paint sprayer, as it provides optimum results and consistent paint coverage. Alternatively, a pneumatic paint sprayer or roller can be used, but this may take longer and require more coats of paint.
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Frequently asked questions
Painting a shipping container can protect it from harsh weather and slow the corrosion process. It can also help to remove signs of wear and tear, and make the container look brand new.
The paint should be chemical and corrosion-resistant. You should also consider the purpose of the container. For example, if it is going to be used in logistics, ensure the paint is durable and long-lasting. If it is for residential or commercial reasons, you have more options.
First, test the existing coating for lead. If there is no lead present, you can continue. Then, thoroughly clean and dry the container. Remove any stickers, labels, and rust spots. You can use a pressure washer to remove graffiti or tough stains. Once the container is completely dry, you can begin painting.
A commercial-grade airless paint sprayer will give optimum results. You can also use a pneumatic paint sprayer or roller. Two coats of paint are usually sufficient, but more may be needed depending on the colour and required coverage.
The colour of the paint is important. Darker colours will absorb heat from UV rays, increasing the temperature inside the container. Lighter colours will reflect heat, keeping the interior cooler. Lighter colours may also require more coats of paint and will show dirt and marks more easily.
