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Coating system for bare aluminum alloy shipping containers in a marine environment

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I am involved with the design and construction of a structure which is similar to a ship container; however, the external surfaces are AA 5XXX aluminum alloy. This material will be as received from the mill and will not be anodized or, otherwise, have a protective coating. The structure will be sited on an island in the Mediterranean Sea, and will be subjected to a marine environment. I need a recommendation for a coating SYSTEM that will be durable and protective for at least five years.

Irving W. Glater, P.E.
Materials Engineer - W. Hartford, CT, US

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We are building a similar unit and we are using the following system for the aluminum portion of the container:

SSPC-SP1 Solvent Clean then SSPC-SP7 Brush-off Blast, then one coat 4-7mil DFT of Polyamide Epoxy 2 component paint. Manufacturer recommends this for the marine environment. It is self priming. I believe any coating manufacturer will be able to supply a suitable coating for you. Be sure to follow their instructions PRECISELY in order to assure a properly coated job. As a side note, we are using this as a topcoat over a zinc-rich primer for the steel portion of the container.

Rob Reed
Industrial/Military Manufacturer - Southampton, Pennsylvania, USA

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