Ways to Wrap Your Site Cabin or Shipping Container and Bring it to LIFE
Just because your site cabin or shipping container might be looking a little unloved doesn’t mean it can’t be brought back to life—or even wrapped to the extent that you’d struggle to recognise its former self. When it comes to adding graphics to these units, there are usually several routes you can take, and below we’ll walk through the pros and cons of each. One of the great things about these modular systems is that, with a bit of creative flair, you can transform them into highly functional units suitable for a wide range of environments including site cabins, marketing suites, bars, or fast-food outlets.
PVC Printed Banner Tensioned Over Key Clamp Framework
For premium locations where clients prefer site cabins or containers to be fully screened, a PVC printed banner wrap is often the go-to option. When fixing the key clamp system, our engineers will produce wind-load calculations to ensure the installation remains structurally sound even in poor weather. If natural light is important, we recommend using a printed PVC mesh wrap to allow light through the windows.
Pros:
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Smooth “drum-skin” finish
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Easily disguises obstructions
Cons:
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May restrict visibility and limit natural light inside
Printed Vinyl Applied Directly to the Site Cabin or Shipping Container
A vinyl wrap can look fantastic when the right graphics and materials are used. However, shipping containers are exposed to extreme temperatures—hot in summer and cold in winter—which makes both installation and long-term durability more challenging. Over the years, we’ve tested many vinyl products marketed as suitable for wrapping, but only a select few have proven reliable for long-term quality.
Pros:
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Quick to install, ideal when working to short lead times
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Allows the container’s corrugated surface to remain visible
Cons:
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Installation requires favourable weather conditions
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Difficult to wrap over obstructions
Screw-Fixed Printed Dibond Graphic Wrap
If you’re not overly concerned about drilling into the external face of the container, or if you want to disguise dents and wear, screw-fixing Dibond graphics is an effective option. This approach is also budget-friendly. However, be aware that in hot climates, panels can expand and may develop a slight “bellying” effect.
Pros:
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Excellent for hiding dents or damage on older containers
Cons:
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Requires drilling multiple holes into the container
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Panels can expand in hot weather
Printed Cut Vinyls Applied Directly to the Container
Printed cut vinyls are a cost-effective way to brand a container and add subtle detailing without breaking the bank. This method works best when the container’s surface is in good condition. If the paint is peeling or rust is present, vinyl adhesion will be compromised. While bold text and logos are affordable and durable, fine-detail designs are more likely to fail over time in harsh weather.
Pros:
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Most cost-effective solution
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Fast turnaround
Cons:
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Poor adhesion on damaged or rusted surfaces
