How to Paint a Shipping Container: A Step-by-Step Guide

Painting a shipping container does more than add a fun, branded color. It protects the steel from corrosion and extends the container’s lifespan. 

But getting a durable, professional-looking finish takes more than just grabbing a brush and cracking a can of color. Proper surface prep, the right primer, and the right type of paint all make a major difference in how your paint job will look and last. 

Here’s how to paint your shipping container the right way. 

Watch the full process of painting a shipping container.

Step 1: Prep the Surface

Like any paint job, thorough surface preparation is critical. This will give your paint the best chance to adhere and protect the container for years to come. 

• Remove stickers and labels: Old shipping labels, decals, and any other adhesives need to be removed to avoid paint peeling later.
• Sand the surface: Focus especially on what we like to call “hot spots,” the welded areas or places where heat from fabrication affected the surface. 
• Remove rust: Use a wire brush, grinder, or sandpaper to knock off surface rust. Treat deep rust spots with a rust converter if necessary. 
• Clean away dirt and debris: Wipe down or pressure wash the container, letting it dry completely afterward. 
• Caulk gaps and openings: Seal seams and any edges around openings, like those for doors and windows, with caulk to keep moisture out.
• Mask and tape: Use painter’s tape and plastic or paper to protect locks, hinges, door hardware, vents, and anything else that won’t be painted. 

Step 2: Prime the Container

Next, use primer to create a strong foundation for the topcoat that will also help resist corrosion.

• Use a special primer on bare metal & welds: Areas with bare steel, removed rust, or welds need a high quality direct-to-metal primer.
• Prime the rest of the surface: Once those spots are primed, coat the rest of the container with a corrosion-resistant primer. We use a mid-coat primer, which evens out the surface and prepares it for the top layer of paint. 

Step 3: Paint the Container

Now comes the fun part, you’re ready to paint! 

• Spray for the best finish: A paint sprayer delivers an even, professional finish. Keep a brush handy for touch-ups if needed. 
• Choose your paint: At Falcon, we use 100% acrylic water-based paint with low VOCs (volatile organic compounds) for durability, easier cleanup, and lower environmental impact. 
• Consider temperature & humidity: Ideal painting conditions are between 50°F and 85°F with low humidity. Being based in Texas, we know those conditions aren’t a guarantee, so allow your container more time to dry between coats if the weather is uncooperative. 
• Allow enough cure time: Ideally, let the paint cure for 48 hours before touching or moving it. Wait about 30 days before pressure washing so the paint can fully harden. 

Pro-Tips Before You Go:

• For heavy industrial use, you can use polyurethane paint. But be wary of the hazardous chemicals involved and special procedures for mixing and application.
• Don’t sandblast your container during the preparation stage, as it strips off a lot of marine-grade paint protection that deters rust. It also requires specialized equipment, and the cost and mess of that much sand is substantial.
• Treat any future rust patches as they appear. These could be caused by improperly primed rust spots, unsealed welds, or scratches. If you see brownish-orange stains or bubbling under the paint, sand the spot down, then apply rust-inhibiting primer before touching up with matching paint.

Painting a shipping container the right way takes preparation, the right materials, and a decent amount of patience. But the payoff is worth it. Whether you’re freshening up an older box or finishing a custom container project, a high-quality paint job protects your investment and keeps the structure looking sharp for years to come.

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