20ft New Container Colors & Paint Options

A new container arrives in whatever color its first owner, usually a shipping or leasing company, ordered from the factory. That's why you see so many blues, greens, grays, reds and beiges. If color matters to you, you can choose from what's available or have it painted.

Here's what to expect when you order a 20ft new shipping container, how to choose a color, and when custom paint is worth it.

Why new containers come in certain colors

New one-trip containers are built for shipping and leasing companies, which order them in their own colors. When those containers make their first trip and are sold, they keep that paint. So the colors you can choose from depend on which containers are in stock near you at the time.

Common factory colors include:

• Blue
• Green
• Gray
• Beige or tan
• Red or maroon
• White, more common on refrigerated and insulated units

Choosing a factory color

• Ask what's in stock. Sellers can usually tell you which colors are available near you.
• Be flexible if you can. Asking for one exact color can limit choice, take longer or cost more.
• Think about heat. Light colors reflect sunlight and keep the inside a little cooler. Dark colors absorb heat.
• Think about the setting. Greens and tans blend into gardens and farms; grays suit commercial sites.

Custom paint

If you need a specific color for your brand, HOA or site, a container can be painted as a modification. Custom paint is popular for:

• Retail and pop-up shops in brand colors
• Offices and site cabins for a clean, professional look
• Residential sites where the HOA requires a certain color
• Events and marketing
• Logos and signage

Colors are often matched to a standard color system, such as RAL codes, so you can specify exactly what you want. See custom and office conex.

Factory paint vs. repainting

Factory container paint is a marine-grade coating designed for years at sea. A new container's paint is in its best condition, which is one reason to buy new if appearance matters. Repainting a new container is mostly about color, not protection.

Repainting a container yourself

If you want to paint a container yourself:

1. Clean it thoroughly: pressure wash to remove dirt, salt and chalky residue.
2. Treat any rust: wire brush or sand rust spots back to sound metal.
3. Prime bare metal with a rust-inhibiting primer.
4. Use a paint suitable for steel and outdoor exposure, such as a direct-to-metal or industrial enamel.
5. Paint in dry, mild weather, and follow the manufacturer's temperatures.
6. Use a roller for the corrugated walls, or spray for a smoother finish.

The corrugations add surface area, so you'll need more paint than the flat dimensions suggest.

Touching up a new container

Even new containers get scratches during delivery and use. Touch up scratches promptly with a matching paint to stop rust starting. Keep a small amount of matching paint on hand.

Logos and markings

New containers often have the original owner's logo or old placards. You can:

• Leave them, as many buyers do
• Paint over them in a matching color
• Have the whole container repainted

Does color affect price?

Factory color doesn't usually change the price much, but insisting on a specific color can limit options or mean a longer wait. Custom paint is quoted as a modification.

Choosing a color for an HOA or neighborhood

If your container will be visible to neighbors or your HOA:

• Neutral greens, tans and grays blend into most yards and are often preferred by HOAs.
• Match your house trim or fence color for a tidy look.
• Avoid very bright colors unless the container is part of a business or event.
• Check your covenants, as some HOAs specify allowed colors for outbuildings.

Color and heat: a quick guide

Lighter colors help keep the inside cooler in strong sun, but insulation and ventilation make a much bigger difference.

FAQ

What color are new shipping containers?

Whatever the original owner ordered. Blue, green, gray, beige and red are common, and white is common on reefers.

Can I choose the color of a new container?

You can choose from available stock. For an exact color, custom paint is the most reliable option.

Can a container be painted any color?

Yes. Containers can be painted in almost any color, often matched to a standard color code.

Does painting a container help it last longer?

Yes. Good paint protects the steel from moisture and slows rust, especially if you prepare the surface properly.

How long does container paint last?

Factory marine paint lasts many years. Touch up scratches as they appear and repaint when the finish turns chalky or rust spots spread, especially on the roof.