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How to Spray Paint a Mailbox

How to Spray Paint a Mailbox

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In my book that I co-wrote, Living a Rich Life as a Stay-at-Home Mom, I mention our mailbox that was falling apart. Instead of buying a new sturdy one at $130+ I decided to ‘Jimmy Rig’ it. Then last summer, while garage selling I found a perfect mailbox that I could fix up and paint for $15.00 (paint and supplies costing another $10.00)!

Please ignore our grass/weeds in the before photos. We bought a foreclosed house with no lawn. In the after photos, you’ll see our new sod.

Follow these steps on how to make over and spray paint a mailbox.

Step 1: Make sure the weather is right. You don’t want to spray paint a mailbox if the humidity or heat is too high. You also don’t want to spray paint in the cold either. Follow the directions on the cans of primer and spray paint. I primed and painted when it was about 70 degrees outside. Typically spray paints will say that temperatures should be between 50-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid painting when humidity is higher than 85%. It’s also best to avoid painting in direct sunlight. I painted on an overcast day, which was good because the metal wasn’t too hot.

How to Spray Paint a Mailbox

Before mailbox was scrubbed and washed.

Step 2: Wash the item you are going to paint really well. I sprayed it with our hose and used a scrubbing pad on it. Let it dry out, or dry it completely.

How to Spray Paint a Mailbox

After a good clean

Step 3: Put newspapers around the base so that you don’t spray paint the lawn (if you care).

How to Spray Paint a Mailbox

Step 4: Tape off anything you do not want to be painted. I taped off the red flag.

Step 5: Remove any nearby items you do not want over spray getting on (a vehicle parked in the driveway, a bike, etc.).

How to Spray Paint a Mailbox

Step 6: Prime the mailbox. I used Rust-Oleum’s aluminum professional primer. I love using the Rust-Oleum’s spray paint handle/grip. It really makes the process go so much faster and much easier on your hands, fingers, and wrists. How to Spray Paint a Mailbox

Allow primer to dry for the recommended time in between coats (15 minutes or so depending on brand). Add a second coat of primer.

Step 7:  Once the primer is dry (about 15 minutes depending on brand). Add the final coats with the type of paint you want. I used Rust-Oleum Textured outdoor white spray paint that stops rust. Remember to spray lightly and to follow directions on the cans. I ended up adding about 3-4 light coats of spray paint on top of the primer.

How to Spray Paint a Mailbox

Step 8: Allow to dry and check for any really light areas; touch up.

Step 9: Follow the same instructions on the top of the mailbox, hardware, and/or other parts. I took this top from my old mailbox and screwed it on to the one I bought at the garage sale to make it look a lot nicer.

How to Spray Paint a Mailbox

Step 10: Remove tape and newspaper. We also put a piece of 2×4 into the ground to help it stay stable and packed dirt around it.

How to Spray Paint a Mailbox Another fun idea of making over a mailbox would be to personalize it with vinyl lettering (your last name or address), using a Silhouette Cameo or Cricut—I may do this in the future.

How to Spray Paint a Mailbox

Finished!

How to Spray Paint a Mailbox

I painted my mailbox over five months ago and despite, hot days, heavy rains, and lots of snow, etc., it looks just like the day I painted it. The paint job is holding up really really well. My mailbox looks new, matches my home, and I saved over $120.00!

Supply List

Rust-Oleum’s aluminum professional primer

Rust-Oleum’s spray paint handle/grip

Rust-Oleum Textured outdoor white spray paint

Silhouette Cameo (optional)

Cricut (optional)

Enjoy your project. If you have questions/comments please leave them below.

Anita

For other ‘rich living’ and DIY home update tips, please subscribe, like me on Facebook, and follow me on Pinterest and Instagram.

How to Spray Paint a Mailbox

 

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Friday 17th of June 2022

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Gloria Robbins

Sunday 28th of January 2018

Hi Anita. I am so glad I found this site. My husband use to take care of stuff like painting a lamp post, but he died this past June and now I have to do it and I'm trying to save money by doing things myself. I wrote down the primer and paint, so I get the right thing. I also have a mailbox that's black that I'm going to paint. My question is, can I paint the inside. I hate it being black. Can't hardly see inside. Thanks. Gloria.

Anita

Wednesday 28th of February 2018

Yes you can paint inside too! I did. Best of luck! My condolences about your husband. I find it admirable that you are doing things yourself and being frugal.

John Mahoney

Tuesday 28th of March 2017

I didn't know that it wasn't a good idea to spray paint in the humidity. IT makes sense that knowing all these trick can help you get the best results. I can see that consulting with a professional can help you find the best paint and materials to make sure the item you paint is compatible with the type of product you choose.

regina

Saturday 13th of August 2016

Question? I used did my mail box. But I painted it on. Today after a rain ...Its pealing. What did I do wrong? New mail box and all.

Anita Fowler

Thursday 8th of September 2016

Regina- Make sure you follow the directions on the spray paint can when you paint the mailbox. Thanks.

Suzanne

Tuesday 21st of April 2015

This is SO fun! Thank you for sharing (:

Anita Fowler

Monday 27th of April 2015

Thanks for stopping by!