What Kind of Paint is Best for a Shipping Container?

Shipping containers are designed to be tough and durable, but after years of heavy use they often begin to show signs of wear. Scratches, dents, rust patches, and faded paintwork are common, particularly on used containers that have spent years being transported around the world.

A fresh coat of container paint not only improves the appearance of your unit but also extends its lifespan and makes it more suitable for a variety of uses, from shipping container conversions to branded storage solutions. At S Jones Containers, we specialise in professional shipping container painting services, with a purpose-built paint booth and over 40 years of industry experience.

In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about painting a container — from the best type of paint to how much you’ll need — so you can make the right choice for your project.

Why Paint a Shipping Container?

Repainting a container is about more than improving its looks. There are several practical benefits that make painting a smart investment:

Improved appearance – Cover scratches, dents, and old paintwork for a professional finish.
Protection from the elements – Marine-grade paint creates a barrier against rain, wind, UV rays, and corrosion.
Extended lifespan – A properly painted container is more resistant to rust and damage, reducing long-term maintenance costs.
Customisation – Choose almost any RAL colour to suit your brand, project theme, or site requirements.
Temperature control – Colour choice can affect the interior temperature, making the unit more comfortable for certain uses.

Whether you’re refreshing a tired second-hand container or preparing a unit for conversion into an office, workshop, or plant room, painting provides both aesthetic and practical advantages.

What Is the Best Paint for Shipping Containers?

The most suitable paint for shipping containers is marine-grade acrylic paint with a satin finish.

Here’s why:

Durability – Marine-grade paints are designed to withstand harsh environments, including saltwater, moisture, and UV exposure.
Low maintenance – Satin finishes resist dirt better than matte and are less prone to scratches than gloss.
Long-term protection – They offer the best balance between appearance and longevity.

We recommend avoiding gloss paint (which highlights imperfections and chips easily) and matte paint (which attracts dust and requires frequent cleaning).

Choosing the Right Container Paint Colour

Colour choice isn’t just about personal preference — it can affect the maintenance, functionality, and interior conditions of your container:

Neutral shades – Popular for reducing visible wear and requiring less frequent cleaning.
Dark colours – Absorb heat, making interiors warmer — something to consider for offices or storage.
Light colours – Reflect sunlight, helping to keep the inside cooler in hot weather.
Branding colours – Ideal for businesses wanting containers to align with company identity or site branding.

At S Jones Containers, we can provide almost any RAL colour finish, giving you complete freedom to match your project needs.

How to Paint a Shipping Container

Painting a container yourself can be done, but preparation is essential for a quality, long-lasting finish:

Clean the container – Remove dirt, grease, loose paint, and rust.
Prepare the surface – Sand and treat any rusted areas with inhibitors.
Apply primer – Ensures better adhesion and longer paint life.
Apply paint – Spray application provides the smoothest, most even finish, though brushing and rolling are possible.
Multiple coats if needed – Lighter colours over dark paint may require two or more coats.

If you’re new to container painting, it’s often more cost-effective to use a professional service, as DIY jobs can result in uneven finishes and wasted paint.

How Much Paint Do You Need for a Shipping Container?

The amount of paint required depends on the container size, condition, and application method. As a general guide:

20ft shipping container – Around 20 litres per coat
40ft shipping container – Around 35 litres per coat

Other factors to consider:

Spray vs brush application – Spraying typically uses less paint.
Original container colour – Painting a lighter shade over a darker one often requires more coats.
Project type – A full colour change will need more paint than a simple refresh.

Professional Container Painting Services

At S Jones Containers, we offer professional container repainting in our specialist spray booth, giving customers:

Premium quality finishes with long-lasting marine-grade paints
Custom RAL colour options to suit branding or project needs
Durability tailored to usage – from short-term hire to long-term conversions
Over 40 years of experience in container hire, sales, and conversions

Whether you need one container repainted, or a fleet prepared for business use, our expert team will deliver a professional, consistent finish.

Why Choose S Jones Containers?

Trusted UK supplier with over four decades in the container industry
West Midlands-based, serving customers nationwide including Birmingham, Manchester, London, and beyond
State-of-the-art paint booth for precise, large-scale painting projects
Dedicated team offering honest advice and cost-effective solutions

Get Expert Advice on Container Painting

Repainting a shipping container is not always straightforward, but with our expertise, it can be quick, simple, and highly effective.

If you’re considering a container repaint for storage, transport, or a conversion project, our team is here to help.

Contact S Jones Containers today for expert advice, a free quote, or to discuss your project requirements.

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