Painting a shipping container has become popular in the hospitality industry, as it can be a creative and cost-effective solution to boost your cafe’s beauty and lifespan.
A cafe made from shipping containers offers a unique and trendy atmosphere that attracts customers seeking an unforgettable dining or entertainment experience. It can also be more affordable to build without neglecting its beauty.
Painting a shipping container for your soon-to-be cafe is like adding a touch of innovation while incorporating eco-friendly features to align with sustainable practices. The shipping container that you use may have been utilized before – painting it will add an extra layer of protection from harsh weather. Painting can also significantly slow down corrosion and improve the unit’s aesthetic.
Find out how to paint your shipping container before you repurpose it as a cafe only in this article!
Preparing the Paint
When doing the paint preparation, you need to choose the marine-grade direct-to-metal (DTM) waterborne paint. It is the best paint for shipping containers as it is a corrosion-resistant, water-based acrylic coating that you can use to paint the interior and exterior of your shipping container cafe. This paint is specifically made to be compatible with metal, such as shipping containers, to ease many of the issues painters experience while trying to cover using standard coatings.
Generally, the amount of paint that you need is based on the color condition and the container’s size. If you use a 20’ shipping container, you need 20 liters of paint. Meanwhile, if you use a 40’ shipping container, you approximately need 35 liters of paint. However, if you are just refreshing the container’s color, you do not need that much paint.
Preparing the Container
Before you start painting the shipping container’s surface, you need to do a couple of things to make the paint stick perfectly. Using a brand-new container can not guarantee that there will be no dirt or grime on the surface. Therefore, do these preparation steps first before you start the painting process:
- Peel off the shipping line markings using a razor.
- Wash the container using a high-powered spray brush to remove the obvious dirt, grime, and grease. If you discover new rusts during the cleaning process, spray them too.
- Clean the floor and all the hidden corners as well.
- Once the container is dry, sand down the rust spots and grind off any heavier rust, grind right before you paint.
- Spot prime the shipping container only on the areas you sanded. These steel shipping containers already have a solid primer and several coats of protected paint. Remember to use a rust-resistant primer that is meant to be used for outdoor walls.
Painting Process
Now that your shipping container side is primed and you have already prepared all the things you need, it is time for the painting process to begin! You can do the painting process on a dry, sunny day as any moisture could extend the drying process, or worse, ruin the final results. Therefore, do not paint a shipping container on a damp, cool, rainy day. To avoid this, always monitor the weather app to ensure will be good on the painting day.
There are 2 ways that you can use when painting your shipping container, they are to roll or spray. However, if you want a faster process, you can go with the spray way. With a sprayer, you can apply a single coat in approximately half an hour. Using brushes and rollers to apply the paint will only take you a much longer time to finish a single coat.
In addition to paint, you will also need:
- Paint brushes
- Cups to mix paint
- Sticks for mixing
- Gloves
- Face masks
- Drop cloths
- Painters tape
- Step ladder
- Water (to clean brushes)
- Wet wipes
To begin the painting process, follow this step:
- Make sure the surface is clean, dry, and free of rust.
- Use masking tape or paper to mark off any areas that don’t require paint.
- To protect your car from overspray, cover it up with plastic sheeting before you start painting.
- Avoid spraying in windy conditions since this will cause your paint to dry before it reaches the surface, leaving behind a textured look.
- Spray the painting onto the container surface evenly, then wait until it is dry.
- A painted container is considered dry when it is no longer tacky to the touch. You can gently touch the surface to make sure of it. The color will appear consistent and fully developed, and the paint will not visibly indent when pressed gently.
Maintenance
Maintaining your painted shipping container regularly is crucial for preserving its appearance and structural integrity, especially when it is turned into a cafe that prioritizes beauty. In doing so, you can inspect the container periodically for any chips, scratches, or areas where the color has started to fade.
Other than that, you can clean the surface from the accumulated dirt, grime, and other debris with a gentle wash with mild soap and water. This can help to prevent the buildup that can lead to more serious issues like rust and corrosion.
You can also consider applying a clear sealant coat every few years to keep away the harsh effects of the environment and protect the painting from moisture, UV rays, and fluctuating temperatures. Moreover, it is wise to position your shipping container in a way that minimizes its exposure to direct soil contact as it can contribute to moisture retention and accelerate rust formation.
Repaint your container when you notice substantial fading of the paint or extensive damage. Treat any rust spots by applying a new coat of paint to halt the progression of corrosion, preventing it from penetrating deeper into the metal.
Conclusion
Painting a shipping container will allow you to beautify your cafe and promote your brand when you put a logo on it. Painting may require a lot of work. However, things will be easier if you prepare and apply painting equipment correctly. 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!