DIY Mailbox Makeover

In this simple mailbox makeover, we’ll show you how some new paint and a little attention to detail can make your mailbox the star of your front yard. It’s an instant curb appeal boost.

Just follow our step-by-step instructions.

Mailbox Makeover

Supplies for Mailbox Makeover

• Mailbox
• Mailbox Post
• Drop Cloth
• Medium Grit Sanding Sponge
• Respirator Mask
• Wiping Cloths
• Tack Cloth
• Latex Gloves
• Rust-Oleum Professional Aluminum Primer
• Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Gloss Protective Enamel – Gloss Black
• Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Gloss Protective Enamel – Sunrise Red
• Adhesive Metal House Numbers
• Sand Paper
• Rust-Oleum Universal Metallic – Pure Gold
• Painter’s Tape
• Letter Stencils
• American Accents Metallic Leafing Pen – Gold
• Screw Driver

Before You Start

To protect surrounding items and surfaces from spray paint, spread your drop cloth over your working table and nearby items.

Step 1 — Sand the Mailbox

First, sand the mailbox and flag with the medium grit sanding sponge to loosen dirt and rust. Wipe down the mailbox with a wet, soapy cloth to remove dirt. Once the mailbox and flag are clean, continue to sand until the metal no longer has a glossy surface.

Do a final wipe of the entire mailbox and flag with your tack cloth to remove any remaining dust.

Step 2 — Prime the Mailbox and Flag

Remove the flag from the mailbox and set aside.

To stop the paint from blistering, flaking and peeling off your mailbox, use Rust-Oleum Professional Aluminum Primer before painting. This will make sure your hard work lasts!

Shake the primer for about one minute after the ball begins to rattle. Hold the can 10-16 in. from the surface of the mailbox, and spray the primer in a steady back and forth motion. Apply 2-3 coats a few minutes apart.

Repeat these steps to prime the flag.

Step 3 — Spray Paint the Mailbox and Flag

Once the primer is dry, apply Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Gloss Protective Enamel – Gloss Black to the entire mailbox.

Similar to applying the primer, shake the can for one minute after the ball begins to rattle, hold the can about 10-16 in. from the surface, and apply 2-3 coats in a back and forth motion—allowing a few minutes in between each coat.

To paint the flag, follow these same steps using Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Gloss Protective Enamel – Sunrise Red.

Let the mailbox and flag dry for 24 hours before reattaching.

Step 4 — Sand and Paint the Mailbox Numbers

To make your house numbers, first sand each number with sandpaper until the surface is no longer glossy.

Next, use Rust-Oleum Universal Metallic – Pure Gold to paint the numbers.

Shake the can for one minute after the ball begins to rattle. Hold the can upright 8-12” from the numbers and spray in a back and forth motion. Apply 2-3 medium coats.

Allow the numbers to dry for 24 hours.

Step 5 — Add Letters to the Mailbox

Once the mailbox is completely dry, tape the letter stencils to the front of the box, spacing them evenly.

Use the American Accents Metallic Leafing Pen – Gold to fill in the letters. Allow 2-4 hours to dry before recoating if needed.

Step 6 — Attach the Mailbox and Numbers to the Post

To finish your mailbox makeover, attach your house numbers to the post.

Reattach your new painted mailbox to the base with screws, using new hardware if needed.

Now step back and admire your “new” mailbox! To get our fun fall look, add some pumpkins and corn stalks to the base.

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