You may not be a designer but you need to make a change to your mailbox. It’s probably the first thing the passerby notices you. It may reveal the area where you live and your social status.
Your mailbox reflects your lifestyle, so why not make it more stylish? Here I bring to you some of the best mailbox designs for your inspiration.
If you are a newbie and don’t know the complete process of how to spray paint a mailbox then follow this blog post of mine to achieve the results which you are desiring for.
How to spray paint a mailbox?
Now I will explain the procedure which I follow myself and recommend to any newbie out there who wants to spray paint their mailbox at home with basic equipment and tools.
Don’t worry with this guide you will save yourself from doing mistakes.
Tools you need to spray paint mailbox
- Spray paint
- Primer
- Soapy water
- Medium grit Sandpaper/sanding block
- Drop clothes to protect nearby objects
- Painters tape/newspaper
- Gloves
- Goggles
- Mask
Wear protective gear
Before you begin spray painting your mailbox, it is important to protect yourself from the fumes and paint particles by wearing the proper protective gear.
This includes a respirator or face mask, goggles, and protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt and long pants.
You will also need to tape off any areas of your body that you do not want to get paint on. Once you have your gear on, you are ready to begin painting!
Prepare the area
In order to prepare the area around your mailbox for spray painting, you will need to clear away any debris or vegetation that might be in the way.
You should also make sure that the surface is clean and free of any dirt or grime that could potentially interfere with the paint job.
Once the area is clear and clean, you will need to tape off the mailbox itself so that only the area you wish to paint is exposed.
Once you have done all of this, you are ready to begin spray painting your mailbox!
Clean the surface
In order to clean the surface with soapy water before spray painting the mailbox, you will need to gather some supplies. You will need a bucket, some soap, and water.
Fill the bucket with water and add some soap. Use a sponge or cloth to scrub the mailbox with soapy water.
Rinse the mailbox off with clean water. Let it dry completely before you start spray painting.
Sand the surface
Once you have all of your materials, you will want to start by sanding the mailbox itself. You will want to use medium-grit sandpaper for this, and you will want to sand in the direction of the grain.
Once you have sanded the mailbox, you will want to use the vacuum cleaner with the hose attachment to remove all of the dust.
Next, you will want to sand the flags and numbers. You will want to use fine-grit sandpaper for this, and you will want to sand in the direction of the grain.
Once you have sanded the flags and numbers, you will want to use the tack cloth to remove any remaining dust. Finally, you will want to spray-paint the mailbox, flags, and numbers.
Apply primer and spray paint the mailbox
To apply primer and spray paint to a mailbox, first clean the mailbox with a degreaser and a wire brush. Next, apply a coat of primer, making sure to evenly cover the entire surface.
Once the primer is dry, apply a thin layer of spray paint, again making sure to evenly cover the entire surface. Allow the paint to dry completely before putting the mailbox back in use.
Apply 2-3 coats of primer and spray paint on the mailbox for a better finish and let the coats dry in between for great results.
Cleanup the area
It’s always a good idea to clean up the area around you after spray painting, especially if you’re painting something like a mailbox. Here’s how to do it:
- First, use a paper towel or rag to wipe up any excess paint from the area around the mailbox.
- Next, use a mild soap and water solution to clean the area.
- Finally, rinse the area with clean water and allow it to dry.
Do you have to sand mailbox before painting?
It is recommended to sand the surface of the mailbox before painting to ensure proper adhesion and an even finish.
Sanding will also remove any rust or loose paint, which will ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish.
Use fine-grit sandpaper and be sure to remove any dust or debris before applying paint.
How long does it take for spray paint to dry on a mailbox?
The drying time for spray paint on a mailbox will depend on several factors, including the type of paint, humidity, and temperature.
Generally, most spray paints will dry to the touch within 15 minutes to an hour, but it can take 24 hours for the paint to fully cure.
It is recommended to wait at least 24 hours before handling the mailbox or exposing it to the elements to ensure a durable finish.
How do you spray paint a plastic mailbox?
Here are the steps for spray painting a plastic mailbox:
- Clean the mailbox: Use a mild detergent and water to clean the mailbox, then rinse it thoroughly and let it dry completely.
- Sand the mailbox: Use fine-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the surface of the mailbox to roughen it up and create a surface that paint can better adhere to.
- Mask off any areas that you don’t want to be painted: Use masking tape and newspaper to cover areas such as the mailbox flag and hinges.
- Apply a plastic primer: Spray a plastic primer specifically designed for plastic surfaces, holding the can about 8-10 inches away and moving in a sweeping motion. Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Apply the paint: Hold the can about 8-10 inches away and spray in a sweeping motion, overlapping each pass slightly. Allow the paint to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Apply a clear coat: If desired, apply a clear coat for added durability and to protect the paint.
- Remove masking tape and newspaper.
- Allow the mailbox to dry for 24 hours before handling or exposing it to the elements.
Note that you should use spray paint that’s specifically designed for use on plastic surfaces and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
FAQ’s of How to spray paint a mailbox
Final thoughts on how to spray paint a mailbox
Thank you for reading this article on the topic of how to spray paint a mailbox, I hope that you found this article very helpful and informative.
I really hope that you will share this article with your friends and family and please feel free to leave your comments, reviews, and suggestions in the comment section below.
I really appreciate your feedback. Thank you again for reading I hope you will enjoy and have fun in your mailbox painting experience.
Matthew Edward is a professional painter who loves to paint and wants to share useful tips and tricks which he had learned in many years of experience in painting. He also used many products that can be used for painting he has tried and tested each and every product to give an unbias opinion about it in his review. This blog is very useful for those newbies who want to learn painting without making mistakes.
