A painted shipping container is better than an unpainted one. There are several reasons behind that. One of which is that containers are made from steel, and paint is needed to prevent corrosion that causes rust.
Rust is a reddish-brown compound that forms when iron reacts with oxygen in the air or chloride in water. Rusted iron containers become more brittle and easily damaged, so a special anti-rust paint for iron is needed as a solution.
Using a painted shipping container offers a range of practical, protective, and aesthetic benefits. Read this article to find out why!
Contents
The Functions of Painting for a Container
1. Corrosion and Rust Protection
Steel containers are prone to rust, especially in humid, coastal, or rainy environments. Therefore, you need paint as a protective layer, preventing moisture and air from contacting the metal surface. This extends the lifespan of the container significantly.
2. Temperature and UV Resistance
Painted surfaces reflect sunlight better than bare or weathered metal. This helps reduce internal heat buildup, especially with light-colored paints.
Moreover, paint also protects against UV damage, which can degrade both the metal and any interior materials.
3. Improved Aesthetics
A fresh coat of paint makes a container look clean, modern, and professional. You can match the color to a company identity, or blend it into the surroundings for architectural purposes.
Doing this is great for branding, especially for container businesses, pop-up shops, or mobile offices.
4. Added Value
Painted containers typically command a higher resale value. They appear better maintained and more appealing to buyers or renters.
5. Custom Use & Identification
You can use paint to add logos, labels, or identification numbers. Some colors also indicate contents or usage type, for example, hazardous materials.
Separate containers by color coding for inventory or project organization.
6. Ease of Maintenance
A properly painted container is easier to clean. It prevents grime or biological growth (like moss or algae) from clinging to untreated steel.
7. Prepares for Further Modifications
If you are converting a container into an office, home, café, or studio, painting is a foundational step. Painting ensures a clean surface for further sealing, insulation, or design work.
8. Environmental Protection
Paint prevents the leaching of rust particles or corroded materials into the surrounding soil or water. A properly sealed and painted container is more eco-friendly in the long run.
Tips for Choosing the Right Anti-Rust Paint
There are various types of anti-rust paint. Before purchasing anti-rust paint, understand your needs and ensure you choose the right paint type.
Here’s how to choose the right anti-rust paint:
1. Identify the Paint Type
Always consult the seller or carefully read the product description of the anti-rust paint to determine whether it’s suitable for your needs.
This includes determining the suitability of the paint type for the type of metal you’re using. Protection for steel may differ from that for zinc or aluminum.
2. Paint Color and Pigments
Always pay attention to the pigments and substances contained in anti-corrosion paint, as these will affect the paint’s durability in protecting furniture and furnishings.
Quality anti-corrosion paints generally contain a high zinc base pigment. This pigment content allows the paint to protect metal from corrosion for a longer period of time and provide greater resistance to corrosive substances.
3. Trusted Paint Brands
Good anti-corrosion paint certainly won’t come at a low price. Considering the brand is more important than finding the cheapest paint.
Choose a proven anti-corrosion paint brand that offers a wide range of products to suit your needs. Choosing a fake anti-corrosion paint product simply because it’s cheaper will only result in a loss of protection because the paint won’t work optimally.
4. Correct Paint Application
Applying anti-corrosion paint may seem like a simple task at first glance. Follow the instructions or consult an experienced technician for instructions on how to use the paint, as small mistake can cause the anti-corrosion paint to fail.
From preparing the surface to ensure it’s clean, dry, and free of dust, to applying the final coat of rust-resistant paint to your metal furniture, it can be a tricky task. So, don’t underestimate the paint instructions.
Conclusion
A painted shipping container is not just about looks—it’s about protecting your investment, increasing usability, and preparing for long-term, multifunctional use.
If you’re buying or modifying a container, painting it (or ensuring it’s already well-painted) is a smart, cost-effective decision.
To paint one, you can buy a used or new shipping container from Tradecorp. With more than 30 years in the industry, Tradecorp will provide you with the most durable shipping container for your cafe. Order today via our quote form and we will get back to you ASAP!
