Every interior needs color. Color defines your ambience. A room that invites the feeling of relaxed and comfortable is welcoming. Color also defines space and depth. Where space and depth are restricted, color can increase the appearance of warmth and roominess.
As a general rule painting your container is necessary to ensure the metal is protected from corrosion. Whether you leave the interior as is or cover with panel, you probably want to add color to present a livable environment. Paint is one option that can produce a habitat of warmth and homeliness.
The following article is an outline of painting considerations. We wish to shape some basic options to keep in mind if you are considering painting your container home. For a more detailed no hands approach we suggest talking with an interior designer or painter who can offer a detailed quotation.
Focal Points
Focal points are visual destinations that capture a person’s attention. When interior space has limits, it is important to control where you want focal points to be. Focal points can provide more relaxing and peaceful atmospheres.
By keeping patterns and bold colors minimal, you are able to direct the eye to specific areas. You can control what parts of your space to highlight and which parts are best subdued. If everything has the same level of importance in your space, nothing will feel special.
We tend to place more emotion or value on things that we perceive as important. By defining areas or items in your space, you’ll evoke stronger emotions and interest.
Paint Moods
Paint allows you to control and influence the mood and style of your interior. Colors change based on all kinds of factors. Consider room size and shape. Even where the sun shines during the day on your container (north, south, east or west).
The colors you choice will affect the ambience. Dark colors tend to absorb light and are less reflective, resulting in a space that looks darker. Warm colors tend to make you think of sunlight and heat.
- Dark colors: black, colors with hints of black.
- Warm colors: orange, red and yellow, and colors with hints of these tints.
Darker colors can have varying levels of warmth, and warmer colors can have varying levels of darkness. The result is a space that feels cozier and more intimate.
- Lighter colors tend to reflect light, resulting in a space that looks brighter.
- white and colors with hints of white are viewed as lighter colors.
- Cool colors tend to make you think of sky and water.
- blue, green and light purple, and colors with hints of these tints.
Lighter and cooler colors make the surface look as though it is receding or moving away from you. The result is a space that feels bigger and calmer.
Don’t Overlook White
White and shades of white is a simple but powerful color. It can make a small space appear brighter, lighter, sharper, more spacious and airy. Painting the ceiling and walls the same pure white will open up your space. Whilst smoothing the visual and physical boundaries.
The white ceiling paint used for a default paint job is often a non-pure grayish white. Wall paint is often a lighter and brighter white than your ceiling. This means that your ceiling is actually a different color from your walls. This can disrupt continuity.
The sky is falling. The gray white ceiling implies warmth but also restriction. The wall white spaciousness becomes impacted by the ceiling. Instead of open and spacious, we see darker and less roominess.
Color Favorites
We generally have a favorite color that we would love to use, but, for one reason or another, it doesn’t work!
One technique is to use a splash of your favorite color in an unexpected place. The change of color creates an intriguing focal point and personalizes your space.
This technique doesn’t have to relate to paint. A colorful piece of furniture or accessory, such as a throw pillow, or object can do the trick, too.
Primary and Contrast Color
The concept of “less is more” is especially important for smaller spaces. Too many colors used throughout your container home introduce unwanted noise and distraction.
It is generally best to use one primary color, white or a lighter color. Use only one different color, the contrast color. The dominant color on the walls and ceiling. The contrast color less. This strategy will add to the room’s appeal without making it too hectic.
A simple example is our primary white walls and ceiling with a contrast light blue sky stripe along the upper quarter two intersecting walls. You establish a visual illusion that adds depth without causing distraction.
A fearless way to add a contrast color is to paint one wall and the ceiling within the room the same contrast color. This option will make the room appear larger. The contrast color wall will flow into the ceiling. Combining the two spaces and establishing a sense of continuity. Our primary color is white with our one wall and ceiling in contrast color. Be it sky blue or some other lighter color.
Paint Finishes
Paint colors come in different types of finishes, and the finish type will be noted on the paint can.
Each finish has a variety of different benefits. Ranging from better longevity to easier maintenance. Better durability to more-attractive surface areas.
Generally finishes are either flat or glossy. From Matte (the flattest), Eggshell, Satin, Semigloss, and High Gloss (the glossiest)
Reflectivity
- Matte: The less light reflected by the paint finish the less you’ll notice surface imperfections.
- Gloss: The more light reflected by the paint finish the more you’ll notice surface imperfections.
Durability
- Flat: The less durable the paint finish the harder it is to maintain and clean.
- Gloss: The more durable the paint finish the easier the paint is to maintain and clean.
Painting Considerations
Keep in mind you are painting the inside of a sea container. As such any paint should be marine grade to protect the metal walls and ceiling of the container. If you are painting the wood or plaster cladding you have access to the majority of paints and colors.
Preparation, Lighting and Traffic
There are three factors to consider when selecting a paint finish:
- The current condition of what you’re painting (in terms of surface imperfections)
- A sea container that has been in use may now be beaten and paint damaged. Any exposed metal needs to be treated. Areas of damaged paint needs to be sanded and repainted. Marine grade paint should be used on any exposed metal surface. Any imperfections may need to be repaired if desirable.
- The level of exposure to light
- In general a glossy painted surface will reflect light and highlight imperfections. Imperfections may be something you admire. However, if you want a clean smooth surface, glossy reflective paint will not work unless the imperfections are removed. Matte paint is less reflective and will lesson the visual of imperfections.
- The expected traffic and contact potential
- Every home suffers day to day wear. Kitchens and bathrooms even more. Areas closer to the floor suffer from vacuum cleaners and chair legs. An eggshell/satin finish tends to have enough gloss to withstand day-to-day wear and tear. The semi-gloss is more appropriate for areas closer to the floor.
What is Your Desire
What we don’t want to do is create havoc. Keep it simple is probably the best advice to offer. The satin and semi-gloss paint is possibly the most durable within the home.
Again you can use your glossy contrast paint on a feature wall and ceiling while using the primary satin or semi-gloss on the remaining walls.
There is nothing wrong with a glossy white contrast and a primary matte white. Nor is there anything wrong with a glossy black contrast and primary satin off-white finish. The choice of color is yours.
Use High Quality Paint
There are many types of paint finishes, and there are also many levels of paint quality. High-quality paints provide better coverage and longer-lasting results.
Quality paint is less susceptible to fading and staining. It will hide wall blemishes better, and it will be easier to clean. Quality paint is tougher and smoother. You will save money by buying better quality paint.
Regardless of what you’re painting, it’s important to sand your surface first to even out any roughness. After you’ve sanded, plan on applying two coats of paint.
- The first coat is a preparatory and protective layer
- The second coat is the final protective coat.
Talk to your paint supplier for information on the latest paints, and available colors you are looking at.
Paint Application
Application of the paint can be by brush, or roller. Spray painting is an option but requires a different paint mix and protective clothing. Spray painting is less durable unless hardeners are applied to the mix.
Paint jobs involving woodwork panel should use marine grade paint. Marine grade paint is designed to withstand moisture. Two fold because it will help reduce condensation n your metal environment. Secondly marine grade paint is water resistant.
The better quality brush and roller the better the finish you will achieve. Preparation of the walls and ceiling defines the quality of the paint finish. Take the time to prepare the surfaces to be painted.
Conclusion
Painting the interior walls of your container be it metal, panel or plaster can only improve the wellness of your home. The simplicity of white can create that roominess of home. But whatever color scheme you choose we hope it meets your expectations.
Home is where we go to at the end of a hard days work. A place of safety, and comfort. Home is where we eat, sleep and feel good. That environment works when the vision is pleasing. Color brings so much to our sensors. Without color there would only be darkness.
We hope this article was helpful and gave you more insight into the painting of a container home. Thank you for stopping by, and we hope to see you again soon.
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