How to Repair a Sea Can or Shipping Container with glassSTEEL UV Patch

Sea cans and shipping containers are built tough, but years of exposure to the elements take their toll. Rust-through holes, cracked corner posts, and damaged panel seams are common — and if left unaddressed, they compromise the weathertight integrity that makes a container useful. Whether you're using a sea can for storage on a job site, as a site office, or for shipping goods, glassSTEEL UV Patch lets you make a fast, permanent repair without cutting, welding, or taking the container out of service.

Common Sea Can Damage That Can Be Repaired with UV Patch

• Rust-through holes in wall and roof panels
• Cracked or split panel seams
• Damaged door frame edges and corners
• Holes from removed hardware (locks, hinges, vents)
• Impact damage from forklifts or loading equipment

What You'll Need

• glassSTEEL UV Patch (sized to cover the damage with at least 2" overlap on all sides)
• Angle grinder with flap disc or wire wheel
• Acetone or isopropyl alcohol
• UV Flashlight (for interior or shaded repairs)
• Gloves and safety glasses

Step-by-Step: Repairing Sea Can Panels

Step 1: Assess the Damage

Inspect the damaged area from both sides if possible. For rust-through holes, check the surrounding metal for additional pitting or weakness. If the metal around the hole is solid, a single patch applied to the exterior is sufficient. For larger areas of rust damage, you may need to apply patches to both the interior and exterior surfaces for a fully sealed repair.

Step 2: Prepare the Surface

Grind away loose rust, scale, and any flaking paint using an angle grinder with a flap disc or wire wheel. Wipe the area clean with acetone and let it dry completely — moisture under the patch will prevent proper adhesion.

Step 3: Cut and Size Your Patch

Cut the glassSTEEL UV Patch to size, ensuring at least 2 inches of overlap beyond the damaged area on all sides. For holes, the patch should bridge the opening completely with solid metal contact around the entire perimeter. The patch material can be cut with scissors or a utility knife before removing the backing.

Step 4: Apply the Patch

Peel the backing and press the patch firmly over the damaged area, working from the center outward to eliminate air pockets. On the corrugated panels typical of sea cans, press the patch firmly into the valleys of the corrugation to ensure full contact. 

Step 5: Cure with UV Light

For exterior repairs in direct sunlight, the patch will begin curing immediately. Allow 3–5 minutes of UV exposure for full strength. For interior repairs or shaded areas, use a UV Flashlight held 1–2 inches from the patch surface and move it slowly across the entire patch area.

Tips for Large or Multiple Repairs

If your container has extensive rust damage across multiple panels, work systematically from the roof down. Roof repairs are the highest priority since water ingress from above causes the most damage to contents. Our glassSTEEL Sample Pack is designed specifically for sea can repairs and includes everything you need to get started.

For containers used in high-abrasion environments — such as those used to store aggregate, tools, or equipment that gets dragged in and out — consider lining the floor and lower walls with instaGRIP AR Steel panels to protect against ongoing wear after your initial repair.

Keep your sea can weathertight. Shop glassSTEEL UV Patch or grab the glassSTEEL Sample Pack — built for exactly this job.