How to Revitalize Your Business Dumpster
If you have a garbage dumpster that sits outside your industrial facility, then you may not be too happy if the receptacle starts to look like an eyesore with chipped paint. If the dumpster is a rented one, then you can speak with the dumpster business about replacing the dumpster with a new one that is in better condition. If you have your own dumpster though, then you will need to do a little work to make it look better. Keep reading to learn about what you need to do to repaint the receptacle.
Clean and Sand the Dumpster
The first thing you will need to do to prepare the dumpster for painting is to clean it. You should clean the dumpster in stages to first disinfect it and to then degrease it. You will need some bleach to disinfect and some trisodium phosphate to degrease. If your dumpster is covered in organic material, like food, then a regular dish soap can be used for degreasing purposes instead. If motor oil or machine grease covers the dumpster, then look for a container of sodium hydroxide or caustic lye.
Place your bleach in a small soap dispenser that attaches to your hose and spray the exterior of the dumpster. Rinse out the dispenser and add your degreaser. Rinse off the dumpster with plain water. This is very important because the bleach may interact with your degreaser. For example, bleach and sodium hydroxide will release a toxic chloramine gas when mixed together. Clean with the degreaser after the dumpster has been thoroughly rinsed.
Inspect the dumpster completely for signs of rust once you complete the initial cleaning. Use a wire brush to remove loose rust from all areas. If rust remains after using the wire brush, then use a piece of 60- or 80-grit coarse sandpaper. If only a few small spots of rust remain, then use a rag and place some white vinegar on the areas. Let the vinegar sit overnight and rinse it and the rust away in the morning.
Pressure Wash and Paint
You should remove as much of the old paint from the dumpster as possible so the steel surface is exposed and the new paint will stick properly. Using a pressure washer is the best way to release old paint. You should first inspect the dumpster to remove all parts and pieces that are not made from metal. Specifically, the upper flip top is likely made out of plastic and the drain on the side or bottom of the dumpster may be constructed out of rubber. Remove both of these parts.
Rent or purchase a pressure washer and use the 15-degree nozzle. You also want the washer set to a PSI between 2,000 and 4,000. Work the nozzle across the dumpster with wide sweeping motions to release the paint from the inside and outside of the dumpster. Inspect the exterior of the receptacle afterwards to see if there are any pits or holes in the steel where rust was removed. If you notice holes, then you should fill them in. You can do this with an epoxy filler putty. The right kind of product is one made with steel. Read the directions to mix and place the putty.
Your dumpster will be ready to be painted at this time. Purchase several cans of oil-based paint for the dumpster. This type of paint will be the most durable. An outdoor enamel paint will work best. Buy some small rollers and a paint tray as well. Pour the paint in the tray and use your roller to apply the paint to the inside and outside of the dumpster. Enamel paint should be applied in two coats across the dumpster. It will take up to 24 hours for the paint to dry, so wait one day after the first coat to add the second.