Ideas to to paint a 40x8 foot metal storage container?

See if an art class at local high school, college, would want to practice something fun.

My jaw dropped at that quote. You say you’re not an artist but for that kind of money you can give it a shot. Try using painters tape to mark out a grid which mimics old windows, which you can then paint black. Then you can buy a stencil to paint “general store”. I’ve attached a photo as vague inspiration 👍 You could even hang light fittings to the outside. xx

I like Kate's idea, but excuse me, I'm an artist too and 28,000 is not unreasonable. We are professionals just like anybody else and should get paid for our time along with our ideas. Yes do try the art college if they have one BUT also try the local high schools. They have art dept too. Maybe you could make a donation to their art dept and also write off DONATION on your taxes? Does that sound good?

You might find a picture of a general store you like, and project it on to the container to paint it.

You could contact one of those companies that do fleet vehicles with vinyl wraps and get a quote, you will need to supply a photo. https://www.vmsinc.com/resources/getting-started/

Use mural(s). You can even have them custom made. Good luck.

You can only use oil over oil. You could put a primer all over what you have painted (a couple coats, sorry). Now you can use latex paint to continue your work. You will need to mix in Seal-crete with paint. This has a 5 year warranty for fading. I used to do this on walls I painted outside for murals. Then every 5 years apply only the Seal-crete. Should you want to change scenery of painting apply the same process minus the primer. Oil based paints after many years start to turn yellow or dirty. That's the oil coming out of the paint. As far as keeping oils from fading (I only know artist oils) - no sunlight whatsoever. I hope this helps. Please contact with any other questions.