Curb Appeal

Mailbox Refresh

deannaandcompany

Does an old weathered mailbox got your curb looking drab? Time for a refresh!

Start first by selecting a spray paint developed for exterior use and the type of mailbox you have. We had a sun-bleached brown plastic mail box, and found this spray paint by Behr, at the Home Depot (pictured here).

Our experience: This Behr indoor/outdoor spray paint was easy to work with and had good coverage. It came in a variety of modern colors, has corrosion protection, and states it adheres to “wood, metal, plastic, and more”. (We used it on plastic.) It has been several months now and our mailbox still looks shiny and new!

Note: Some paints will not cure properly in certain weather conditions. Different spray tips may have different prep instructions. Even if you’ve spray painted before, be sure to read the label for use and safety instructions BEFORE painting.

NOW, GRAB YOUR SAFETY GEAR AND HEAD OUTSIDE TO PAINT THAT MAILBOX!

  1. For maximum results, remove any stickers (like vinyl box numbers).
  2. Use newspaper and painter’s tape to snuggly protect any other areas you don’t want painted. Think prime areas for over-spray, like the red mailbox flag and the post. Stand the covered flag up before you start to paint, ensuring no paper or tape is touching areas to be spray painted. PRO TIP: Spray paint particles will drift in the air. Do not spray paint near cars, walls, or anything that you don’t want to accidentally mist.
  3. Read your paint’s label and follow the instructions. Prep your can as the label indicates, and do a small test spray on a scrap piece of newspaper or cardboard. You want a clean even flow with the paint. No spattering.
  4. Spray the box in long continuous strokes, keeping at least 6″ away from the mailbox. (If you spray too close, or for too long in any area, it creates runs and drips.)
  5. Let the box dry for about 30 minutes between coats.
  6. When the box is completely dry, remove the tape and newspaper.

SPRAYING IN A CONTINUOUS MOVEMENT IS THE KEY TO AN EVEN, PROFESSIONAL LOOKING FINISH.

I concentrated on the box part first, keeping the door open, and using a piece of cardboard to shield the edges to keep from spraying inside the box. After that dried, (about 2 hours) I loosely closed the door and spray painted it.

I left the box open over night to make sure nothing got stuck. I also put a little note in there that said “CAUTION: WET PAINT” incase the mail carrier got there early.

VOILA! A better-than-new mailbox!