Is painting your mailbox illegal?

Is painting your mailbox illegal?

The mailbox may be any color. The carrier signal flag can be any color except any shade of green, brown, white, yellow or blue. Although the USPS does not regulate the design of mounting accessories, it is pointed out that no part of them is permitted to project beyond the front of the mounted mailbox.

What kind of paint do you use on a mailbox post?

Water-based paint is suitable for covering galvanized metal posts and other surfaces that won't rust. When painting a mailbox post, use a water-based latex paint that contains an all-acrylic binder to provide durability during adverse weather.

Can I paint a metal mailbox?

When you paint metal you need to do so in a well-ventilated area and with a drop cloth in place. Always use a drop cloth regardless if you are painting inside or outside in your yard. The paint can easily destroy a floor or kill a lawn. In order to paint the mailbox, you need to remove it from the mailbox post.

Can I use acrylic paint on a metal mailbox?

The enamel coating on metal mailboxes is too smooth and the paint on your paintbrush will not adhere to it very well, so the enamel needs to be roughed up a bit. Our preferred method is to use fine grade (around 300) sandpaper and sand the entire mailbox. We use acrylic paints as well as enamel paints.

How do you paint a mailbox post?

To paint the mailbox post, remove the mailbox and any address numbers. Sand the post to remove any moss, mold or mildew. Then, fill any cracks or holes with wood filler or paste. Apply two coats of primer and once dry, apply the first coat of paint.

Can I paint over paint on metal?

Metal surfaces require specialized primer and paint for good paint adhesion. However, if you want to paint over prepainted metal, you're in luck. Prepainted metallic surfaces can be treated almost like any other basic latex or oil-painted surface.

Should I paint my mailbox post?

The primer and paint for your mailbox should be outdoor quality paint. Apply two coats of primer, making sure the first coat is dry before applying the second. Once both coats of primer are dry you can apply the first coat of paint. To paint the mailbox post, remove the mailbox and any address numbers.

What paint to use on painted metal?

You can use either a water-based acrylic paint or an oil-based paint, as long as the container identifies "for metal" somewhere on its labeling. Oil-based paints take much longer to dry, and they need a high-quality paintbrush that doesn't shed during application.

Can I paint a plastic mailbox?

Steps: Using an ammonia based cleaner, wipe down mailbox to remove any dust or particles. If the plastic is new, wipe down with paint thinner for best results. Completely tape off any area that you do not wanted painted.

What is the red flag on a mailbox for?

The red flag is used to indicate to your mail carrier you have outgoing mail. When the flag is placed in the up or out position, the carrier should stop to pick up any outgoing mail, and they should return the flag to the original position.

How do you paint an aluminum mailbox?

Apply a spray rust sealer to any rusted areas of the aluminum mailbox. Allow the sealer to dry for two hours, and then apply a coat of etching primer to the entire mailbox. Allow the etching primer to cure for four hours, and then apply two coats of acrylic spray paint to the mailbox.