Time

1 to 2 hours plus dry time

Complexity

Beginner

Cost

$20-$40

Introduction

Learn how to paint a mailbox like a pro. This project ensures a durable, attractive finish that instantly boosts your home's curb appeal.

Tools Required

Drill

Materials Required

Black spray paint
Cardboard
Dish soap
Microfiber towel
New installation screws
Plastic painting sheets
Red spray paint
Sponge
Spray paint & primer
Steel wool

We all want to enhance our curb appeal while keeping costs low and not dedicating too much time to the projects. Painting your mailbox is a task you can complete on a Saturday morning and requires only a few materials. Before you begin, make sure to check the forecast! You don’t want to get caught in a thunderstorm or work in temperatures outside the 50-90-degree range.

Using spray paint is the quickest and easiest method to paint a mailbox, but you must work outside or in a well-ventilated area and never in an enclosed space. I went with a sleek black protective enamel spray paint for my metal mailbox to give it extra defense against the elements. Taking down the mailbox was a breeze, but I did have to swap out a few rusty screws.

Preparing before spray painting is the trick to making the mailbox look great. This means smoothing out dents, clearing away debris, and tackling any rust. I discovered more rust than I expected, so I had to put in some extra time to clean it up. Next time, I would wait until the final coat of spray paint has dried and hardened completely before handling it. I had to fix some smudged spots and repaint them, so as tempting as it is, be patient and don’t rush!

Project step-by-step (10)

Step 1

Detach the mailbox

Detach the mailbox from the mailbox post using a drill to unscrew it from the bottom. Make sure to save the screws, as you will need to use them to reattach the mailbox later. Cover the post with a plastic paint sheet if you cannot remove the mailbox.

A close-up of a person using a yellow Ryobi power drill to drive a screw into a black metal surface. The background is blurred, showing some green trees, indicating an outdoor setting. TMB STUDIO

Step 2

Prepare a work area

Lay a plastic sheet and cardboard under the mailbox. If needed, the cardboard will make it easy to move the mailbox while drying.

Step 3

Remove the flag

Remove the mailbox flag from the mailbox.

A person wearing a black glove is assembling a black mailbox on a cardboard surface. They are using a red tool, and there are small red components scattered nearby. The person is wearing beige pants, and grass is visible in the background. TMB STUDIO

Step 4

Remove the rust

Prepare the surface by removing rust using a wire brush or steel wool. With a putty knife, scrape off any stickers still stuck on the mailbox.

A person wearing black gloves is sanding a black mailbox placed on a piece of cardboard. The person is kneeling on what appears to be a plastic sheet covering grass. Red plastic components rest on the cardboard near the mailbox. TMB STUDIO

Step 5

Clean the mailbox

Use a clean sponge with soapy water to clean the mailbox. Rinse and dry with a clean microfiber towel.

A person wearing gloves is kneeling on the ground and scrubbing a black mailbox with a sponge. Next to them is a blue bucket filled with soapy water. TMB STUDIO

Step 6

Prime the mailbox and flag

Spray the flag with a thin primer coat, then spray primer on the mailbox. You may need to apply two coats depending on how well the first coat goes on. If there are areas that need additional primer, spray on another coat.

A person is spray painting a black mailbox placed on a piece of cardboard. The mailbox is set on a plastic sheet spread over the grass. The person is kneeling and wearing beige pants and a pink shirt. TMB STUDIO

Step 7

Paint the mailbox and flag

Once the primer is dry, apply two thin coats of black spray paint to the entire mailbox. Then, apply two thin coats to the flag using red spray paint. Two coats are necessary for full and even coverage.

Wait until the mailbox is completely dry. Then, use a drill to install the mailbox back onto the post with screws.

A person wearing brown shoes and beige pants is spray painting a black mailbox on cardboard sheets, with clear plastic covering the surrounding area. In the background, there is a paint-splattered piece of cardboard. TMB STUDIO

Step 8

Reattach the flag to the mailbox photo

Reattach the flag to the mailbox once it is completely dry.

A person wearing a pink shirt and sunglasses is opening a black mailbox with a red flag. The mailbox is situated on a grassy lawn. The person is reaching inside the mailbox, possibly checking for mail. TMB STUDIO

Step 9

Attach address numbers

After painting your mailbox, remember to add your house number.

For those who live in a city or town, the United States Postal Service guidelines state that every curbside mailbox must display the house number “in contrasting color using neat letters and numerals at least one inch high.” If you live in a rural area, you may also be required to put the road or highway name in the mailbox. This text should be visible on the side of the box facing the carrier’s regular approach or on the mailbox door if they are grouped together.

A black mailbox labeled with the number 258 stands on a neatly maintained lawn near a tree. In the background, a sign indicating a speed limit of 25 mph is visible along the road. TMB STUDIO

Step 10

FAQ

How do you remove mailbox sticker numbers?

To avoid scratching or damaging the mailbox, gently scrape off the numbers with a plastic putty knife. If the adhesive from the sticker numbers is stuck on the mailbox, use an adhesive remover such as Goo Gone.

Do I have to use a primer before painting a mailbox?

Yes, a primer should be applied before spray painting the mailbox to achieve the best results. Primer ensures proper bonding of the spray paint to the surface and enhances the overall look of the finished paint job.

How To Paint a Mailbox

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Introduction

Tools Required

Materials Required