If you are planning on repainting the post, you will need to clean that too.
If you see any rust on the flag, latch, or hook, be sure to clean it off too.
Paint will dry the fastest on a hot day – but don’t choose a day that’s too hot. Then, the paint twill dry too quickly and you’ll end up with a bad finish.
If you get a headache while painting at any time, step away from your project and take a back. Return to your project once the headache goes away.
If you are planning on painting something that is currently covered up (like the flag) wait until you are completely done priming and painting the mailbox. Paint the entire mailbox first, then open the flap and paint the rim that’s normally covered up by the flap. Wait until the paint dries before you close the flap, or it will get glued shut. [4] X Research source If you weren’t able to remove the flag, you will have to paint around the flag. Do this by painting the mailbox, then moving the flag, and painting the bare patch that was underneath. [5] X Research source
As before, paint the mail box once with the flap closed, and once with the flap open. Never close the flap while the paint is wet, or it will get stuck. If you left the flag on, remember to move the flag up and down as you paint, so that you get the areas under it.
If the parts are loose, simply set them down onto a plastic tablecloth or masking paper. Be sure to flip them over so that you can get the back too. If the parts are still on the mailbox, then pull off any painters tape and plastic bags. Make sure that the paint on the mailbox is dry, then wrap the mailbox in masking paper or plastic, but leave the hooks, latches, and flag exposed. Wait until the paint dries before removing the paper/plastic from your mailbox.
Keep in mind that both temperature and humidity levels will affect drying times. Paint will dry faster when the air is dry, and it will dry slower when the air is humid.
Make sure what you are using an outdoor quality paint. When you are finished painting your design, consider letting the paint dry, then spraying the mailbox with a clear, outdoor sealer. This will help protect your beautiful work.
Consider using a color that contrasts with your mailbox; this will make the designs more visible. For example, if your mailbox is black, try using white for the stenciled part.
Paint something garden related, such as butterflies, ladybugs, tulips, daffodils, or ivy. Paint some random designs, such as spirals and swirls. If you like animals, you can paint your favorite animal, or animals commonly found in gardens, such as birds, frogs, and squirrels. Paint the mailbox to look like something different, such as a cat, cow, or dog (the flap of the mailbox becomes the mouth). You can even paint it to look like a bus, barn, house, or anything else that has a similar shape.
