A paint can is not a cylinder. It is a cylinder with a rolled chime at each end, a lid that sits proud, and usually a wire bail handle that swings. Each of those adds to a dimension, and the nominal size on the label accounts for none of them. Measure a real filled can.
Where to put the tape
- Across the chime, at the widest point of the rolled rim. This is your governing diameter.
- Overall height, from the bottom chime to the top of the seated lid.
- Handle clearance. Measure the bail standing upright and lying flat. If the box is sized to the flat position, the handle must be held there.
- Filled weight. Weigh it. Paint is dense and the difference between a quart and a gallon is not subtle.
One can, or several
A single can shipper is mostly a cushioning problem: the can is strong, the risk is a dented chime that breaks the lid seal, so protect the corners and the rim. A multi can case is a stacking problem: the cases will be stacked on a pallet and the board has to carry the column. Dividers between cans stop chime to chime contact, which is the usual cause of both dents and label damage.
| Configuration | Main risk | What the box needs |
|---|---|---|
| Single can, parcel network | Dropped on a corner, lid seal broken | Cushioning at the rim, snug fitment, strong bottom |
| Two to four cans, retail or trade | Cans knocking together | Board dividers, double wall outer |
| Case quantity on a pallet | Column crush under stacked weight | Heavier board, footprint matched to the 48 x 40 inch pallet deck |
Liquid, leaks and carrier rules
Any liquid can leak, and paint that leaks inside a corrugated box destroys the box. An inner poly bag or an absorbent pad is cheap insurance on ecommerce shipments. Shipping rules for liquids, and especially for solvent based products, are set by your carrier and by the applicable transport regulations, not by the box supplier. Confirm the requirements that apply to your specific product with your carrier before you finalise a pack, and design the box to whatever they tell you. We can build to a spec, and we do not certify that a pack meets a transport regulation.
Board choice
Single wall C flute at about 3/16 inch caliper handles a light can in a parcel network. Double wall BC at about 5/16 inch is the sensible default once the filled weight climbs or the cases will be stacked. Print is usually minimal on this category, which means the cost sits almost entirely in board and construction, and that is where the money is best spent.
Minimum, price and turnaround
The minimum is 100 boxes. Pricing starts from about $0.48 per unit at bulk volumes, confirmed on your written quote. Turnaround is quoted per product in three lanes: rush, which is expedited production plus air freight, standard on air, and cost saver on sea, from about 7 business days in production plus 2 to 5 days for delivery. Specialty constructions can run longer. The cutting die, the plates, design support, US shipping and a digital proof are included.
To order, see custom shipping boxes, and if you are deciding between board grades, the flute comparison in E flute vs B flute explains what each profile is actually for. Send a filled can measurement with a quote request.
