Is your mailbox looking old?Is it faded under the hot sun?It is possible to give your mailbox a new lease on life with just a few coats of paint.The article will show you how to paint your mailbox.It will give you some ideas on how to finish it.
Step 1: If you can, remove the mailbox from the wall or post.
It needs to be screwed on.You need to save the screws so that you can get the mailbox back.If you can't remove the mailbox, you need to cover it with masking paper and painters tape.
Step 2: If possible, remove all parts from the mailbox.
The numbers, flag, hook, and latch are included.You can mask them off if you can't remove them.
Step 3: Use an all-purpose cleaner to clean everything.
Use a scrubbing sponge to scrub the mailbox after spraying it with an all-purpose cleaner.All dirt, oils and dust will be removed.You will need to clean the post if you are going to paint it.
Step 4: Place the mailbox in a container of water and let it dry.
You should rinse the post if you cleaned it.Allow the parts to dry overnight.
Step 5: To remove rust or mold, use a wire brush, steel wool, or sandpaper.
You can use a flat, sanding sponge if you are working on a wooden post.An electrical sander can be used to speed up the job.It will give you a clean surface to work on.If you see rust on the flag, be sure to clean it off.
Step 6: Dust can be wiped away with a tack cloth.
If you don't do this, the dust will get caught in the paint and give you a rough finish.
Step 7: If you don't want the parts to be painted with painters tape, cover them.
If you weren't able to remove the hook, cover it with painters tape.Wrap the flag with a plastic bag and secure it with painters tape.
Step 8: Check the weather.
You can paint your mailbox on a dry, windless day.The paint may not cure if it is humid.Dust and debris can get caught in the paint if it is too windy.On a hot day, paint will dry quicker than on a cooler day.You will end up with a bad finish if the paint dries too quickly.
Step 9: There is a well-ventilated area where you can work.
Outside is the best place to work.If you can't work outdoors, be sure to leave a window open so that you do not get a headaches.If you get a headaches while painting, take a back and step away from your project.Once the headaches go away, return to your project.
Step 10: The spray paint primer should be applied to the mailbox.
The spray paint primer is intended for metal.It doesn't matter what color you use, a medium grey seems to be the most neutral base to work on.Hold the can 6 to 8 inches away from the surface and apply the paint using light, even strokes.Use a side-to-side motion.If you want to prevent gaps, over lap each stroke by a little bit.If you are going to paint a flag or mailbox, you should wait until you're done painting the mailbox.If you want to cover the rim of the mailbox, open the flap and paint it first.Wait until the paint dries before closing the flap.You will have to paint around the flag if you weren't able to remove it.This can be accomplished by painting the mailbox, moving the flag, and painting a bare patch underneath.
Step 11: Wait for the primer to dry before applying a second coat.
It is better to apply multiple thin coats.This will give you a smooth finish and it will prevent puddles.
Step 12: Once the primer dries, apply the first coat of spray paint.
The spray paint is meant for metal.Hold the can 6 to 8 inches away from the surface and apply a light, even coat using a side-to-side motion.If you want to prevent gaps, overlap each stroke.The mail box should be painted with the flap open or closed.The paint will get stuck if the flap is not closed.Move the flag up and down as you paint to get the areas under it.
Step 13: Before applying a second and third coat, allow the paint to dry.
Before applying a second or third coat, allow each coat to dry.If you don't wait for the paint to dry, it may not cure properly, and result in a sticky, tacky finish.
Step 14: Paint the hooks and flag.
First, spray them with primer.Once the primer is dry, apply spray paint.You can experiment with different colors.If you painted your mailbox white, try painting the latches and hooks black and the flag bright red.Put the loose parts on a plastic tablecloth or masking paper.If you flip them over, you can get the back as well.Pull off painters tape and plastic bags if the parts are still on the mailbox.Make sure the paint on the mailbox is dry, then wrap it in masking paper or plastic, but leave the hooks, latches, and flag exposed.Wait to remove the paper/plastic from your mailbox until the paint has dried.
Step 15: Let the paint dry before you move on.
When a paint is dry to the touch, it does not mean that it is cured and dry underneath.For specific drying times, refer to the label on your paint can.Some paints only need 2 to 4 hours to dry and cure, while others need anywhere from 6 to 72 hours.The drying times will be affected by both temperature and humidity.When the air is dry and humid, paint will dry quicker.
Step 16: Attach the hooks and flag to the mailbox.
Remove the screws and screw them back on.
Step 17: The mailbox should be screwed onto the wall or post.
It should be facing the right way and hanging straight.
Step 18: Remove the numbers from the post.
It will be easier to paint it.Most numbers can be changed.If you pry the numbers off, you might be able to bend them.You will have to get new ones if that happens.
Step 19: If you haven't done so already, sand the post down.
This will give you a smooth surface to work on and remove mold, moss, and mildew.
Step 20: If you have holes or cracks, consider filling them.
You can use wood products.Use your fingers to smooth the paste.If the paste is too sticky, try dipping your finger in water and smoothing it down again.It will give you a smooth finish, but you don't have to do it.
Step 21: The post needs two coats of primer.
An outdoor quality primer can be applied with a large paintbrush or foam roller.This will make the surface easier to work on.Wait for the first coat to dry before applying a second coat.
Step 22: The post is being painted using outdoor quality paint.
You can use a foam roller to do this.Use long strokes to apply the paint.
Step 23: Wait for the paint to dry before applying a second or third coat.
You will usually need at least two coats in order to get enough coverage.Before applying the next coat, allow it to dry.
Step 24: Consider painting the numbers.
You can either update them with a new look or leave them as they were.The spray paint primer is intended for metal.Once the primer is dry, apply spray paint.A contrasting color might make them more visible.
Step 25: Before moving on, let the paint dry.
It does not mean that a paint is completely dry.It is a good idea to check the label on your paint can for exact drying times.Some paints only need 2 to 4 hours to dry and cure, while others need anywhere from 6 to 72 hours.
Step 26: Attach the letters again.
Put the screws back in if the letters were screwed in.It was difficult to remove the letters if they were hammered in.If you want to prevent this from happening again, you should get some screws.
Step 27: Consider painting a design on your mailbox.
You can either leave it blank or add designs here.There are a few ideas in this section.You don't have to use all of them, just choose the ones you like the most.Make sure you use an outdoor quality paint.Allow the paint to dry before spraying the mailbox with a clear, outdoor sealer.This will help protect your work.
Step 28: You can make a mailbox for your family.
This works well on mailboxes.Pick some bright colors and have your family members write their names on the mailbox.They can leave a little drawing or handprints if you want.
Step 29: stencils can be used to create unique designs.
Place the stencils on the mailbox where you want them to go.If you are using non-adhesive stencils, secure them with painters tape.The paint can be applied with a foam brush or a stencil brush.spray paint can also be used.Make sure the paint you use is outdoor quality.Pull the stencil off and let the paint dry.The designs will be more visible if you use a color that contrasts with your mailbox.Try using white for the stenciled part if your mailbox is black.
Step 30: The mailbox should be painted a different color.
The body of the mailbox can be one color, the flap another, and the flag a third.It will add interest to your mailbox.
Step 31: The inside of your mailbox could be painted.
You can either use the same color as the rest of your mailbox or use a contrasting color to make it more interesting.
Step 32: There are designs on the mailbox.
You can either sketch the design out with a pencil or use a paintbrush to paint it.You can start by painting something garden related, such as butterflies, ladybugs, tulips, daffodils, or ivy.Random designs, such as spirals and swirls, can be painted.If you like animals, you can paint them, and they can be found in gardens.The flap of the mailbox becomes the mouth if you paint it to look like a cat, cow, or dog.It can be painted to look like a bus, barn, house, or anything else that has a similar shape.