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How to Remove the Decals from a Cargo Container

Oscar Martinez • Jan 03, 2018
Removing Decals from a Cargo Container

We received this 8x20 WWT Cargo Container, and started the prepping process before painting.

When you buy a Wind and Watertight (WWT) cargo container directly from the port, you should expect a shipping container with a good amount of rust along with a number of repairs, dings and dents.

These containers are retired from the steamship lines and typically have over 10+ years of service traveling the world delivering and protecting goods in transit.

The biggest threat (in my opinion) to a cargo container is- surface rust. Since the containers travel on the open ocean they are exposed to the elements and rust begins to surface. Over time, this rust can deteriorate the steel, creating holes and compromising the cargo container.

Before we sell the majority of our containers in Phoenix, AZ, we prep them by removing the surface rust with a cupped wire brush along with applying Corroseal to convert the left over rust into a primer for painting.

In addition, we also remove the decals from the outside of the shipping container to create a surface that is uniform. Painting over decals can cause the paint to run, and will also still make the decals visible on the surface (they will just be a different color!).

In doing this we thought we would create a how to video for you to view, in case you are looking to remove the decals from your cargo container as well.

We use a razor blade scrapper which can be purchased online or from a local hardware store for a few bucks. Removing the decals is even easier if you allow the cargo container to sit in the sun for the day, as the glue will become softer and the decals will peel off faster once you get them started.

When we shot this video it was done in the morning so the decals stuck more than usual.

We hope you enjoy the video, make sure to like it and to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more videos on Cargo Containers. Visit ContainerPedia, the world wide webs first encyclopedia dedicated to Cargo Containers at www.cargocontainerbroker.com.

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