Is the RAL 7035 color always from the interior of a shipping container?
The colour of the interior space of a shipping container is often an overlooked detail, yet in terms of functionality, maintenance and standardisation it plays a crucial role. The most common question is: Is RAL 7035 always used for the interior coating of a shipping container?
Answer:
No, the RAL 7035 colour is not an absolute rule for every shipping container worldwide, but it is the dominant industrial standard especially for new and refurbished so‑called “dry cargo” containers. Its popularity is the result of long‑term optimisation for the needs of global logistics and logically stems from technical, operational and economic reasons.
RAL colour system and its significance in container transport
What is the RAL system?
- RAL (Reichs‑Ausschuss für Lieferbedingungen) is a German colour‑standardisation system, created in 1927.
- Each shade has a unique four‑digit code (e.g., RAL 7035 – light grey).
- It enables absolute colour matching across manufacturers, geographic regions and time.
- In the container industry, the RAL standard is key especially for serial production, repairs and maintenance.
Why RAL 7035 for the interior?
RAL 7035 – Light Grey
- Significantly improves light reflection inside the container.
- Facilitates visual inspection of cargo and cleanliness.
- It is neutral, visually unobtrusive, suitable for any type of goods.
- Fits well in industrial, urban and natural environments.
- Easily combines with other colours (e.g., floors, markings, labels).
Technical aspects and benefits of light‑grey interior colour
Table: Functional benefits of RAL 7035 in container interior
| Feature | Practical significance | Technical reason |
|---|---|---|
| Light reflectivity | Better visibility, higher safety, easier inspection | Light grey reflects light, reduces shadows |
| Neutrality | Does not interfere with markings, labels, goods colours | Does not clash with pallet, packaging, logistics colours |
| Cleanliness control | Easy detection of dirt, damage, mold, leaks | Grey colour highlights contrast with contamination |
| Standardisation | Simplifies production, repairs, maintenance across the fleet | Uniform shade, always available colour |
| Material protection | Better visual inspection of walls and floor condition | Easy to spot rust, mechanical damage |
Anatomy and construction of a container
Construction elements and materials:
- Corten steel (Weathering Steel): An alloy resistant to corrosion, forming a patina as a protective layer.
- Corrugated walls and roof: Strength, protection against deformation.
- Floor: Plywood, typically 28 mm, protected against moisture and fungi.
- Frame and corner elements: Enable stacking and handling.
- Doors: Double, sealed, can open up to 270°.
Typical dimensions (example):
| Container type | External dimensions (L × W × H, m) | Internal volume (m³) | Max. payload (t) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20′ DC | 6.06 × 2.44 × 2.59 | approx. 33 | approx. 28 | Standard cargo |
| 40′ HC | 12.19 × 2.44 × 2.89 | approx. 76 | approx. 29 | Increased height |
Exceptions and special cases
Although RAL 7035 is an industrial standard, there are exceptions:
Customer specifications
- Large companies order containers in a unique RAL interior shade (e.g., due to corporate identity, warehouse logistics or contrast with goods).
- Examples include using white (RAL 9010), blue or other light colours.
Special types of containers
- Refrigerated (reefer) containers: Interior usually made of stainless steel, washable, often unpainted or with a food‑grade coating.
- Containers for hazardous materials: Coatings with chemical resistance, colour is subordinate to function, may be yellow, orange, red.
- Ventilated and special containers: Depending on cargo type, a different interior/coating may be chosen.
Used and refurbished containers
- Older containers after refurbishment often receive a new interior coating – light grey is popular again, possibly white (for maximum brightness), sometimes durable darker shades for floors.
Container painting process – expert view
Basic steps:
- Surface preparation: Sandblasting steel, removing rust, scale, greases.
- Primer: Zinc or epoxy, primary anti‑corrosion protection.
- Top coat: Polyurethane, acrylic or epoxy, precisely in the RAL shade (e.g., 7035 for interior).
- Curing and inspection: Measuring coating thickness, adhesion and durability tests.
Types of paints used:
- Marine‑grade – special for marine environment, high resistance to UV, salt and mechanical damage.
- DTM (Direct‑to‑Metal) – modern single‑component paints, eco‑friendly, easy to apply, suitable for refurbishments.
Exterior colours – branding, function, protection
Exterior colours are the result of a compromise between:
- Branding/identity requirements (company colours, logos).
- Easy maintenance and wear masking (dark colours: brown, blue, green).
- Functionality (white for refrigerated containers due to heat reflection).
- Safety (warning colours for special purposes).
Most common exterior colours:
- Dark red/brown (e.g., RAL 3009) – often for standard containers.
- Dark green (e.g., RAL 6007) – leasing companies.
- Light blue, white, beige – typical for large carriers and specialised containers.
Comparison: RAL 7035 versus other colours in practice
| Criterion | RAL 7035 (interior) | White coatings (interior) | Dark colours (interior) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light reflectivity | Excellent | Excellent, sometimes dazzling | Low |
| Cleanliness control | Very good | Excellent | Poor |
| Wear concealment | Good, scratches less visible | Worse, any dirt stands out | Good, dirt less noticeable |
| Standardisation | Industrial standard | Suitable for repainting | Used rarely |
| Customer customisation possibility | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key standards and regulations
- ISO 668, ISO 6346: Dimensions, types, markings of containers.
- CSC plate: Safety certification, usually valid for 5 years.
- RAL Classic: Set of over 200 standardised colours for industrial use.
- Marine‑grade paint: Meets IMO standards, high resistance to weather, UV, abrasion.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions
Is RAL 7035 also used for the exterior of containers?
Usually not; for the exterior darker shades are preferred due to maintenance and branding needs.
Can a container be ordered with an interior colour other than RAL 7035?
Yes, most manufacturers and refurbishers offer custom painting according to customer wishes.
Why does a refrigerated container have a stainless‑steel interior, not painted?
Stainless steel is hygienic, easy to clean and does not corrode even when transporting food.
Can an old container be refurbished to RAL 7035?
Yes, refurbished containers are often repainted to this shade for standardisation and practicality.
Does changing the colour affect the container price?
Standard colours do not; custom painting always incurs an extra charge, which depends on the shade and scope of work.
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