How to Paint Mailbox Flames
A mailbox can be dull in appearance. Instead of having a mailbox that looks like dozens of others in your neighborhood, you can add an individual touch by painting flames on your mailbox. If a hood on a hot rod can look good with painted flames, a mailbox can look good, too. Paint flames on your mailbox to give it an artistic flair, and you'll be able to admire your artwork every time you go to retrieve the mail. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Clean your mailbox. Because a mailbox is usually exposed to car exhaust, it can accumulate many layers of carbon and dirt. Use a scrub brush and isopropyl alcohol to clean off the years of dirt from your mailbox. Allow your mailbox to dry completely.
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2
Paint your mailbox with a new color. Painting flames on your old mailbox paint scheme can be done, but the flames will look better with a fresh coat of background paint. The flames will stand out well against a plain white or black background color.
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3
Allow your background color to dry. This can take several days, depending on temperature and humidity levels. Test the back of the mailbox with your finger to check if your background paint is dry.
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4
Draw the outline of your flames with a pencil on your mailbox. If you make any mistakes at this point, it is easy to simply erase your line. Many flame patterns have the flames connected along the bottom of the mailbox with flaming fingers licking up from the bottom.
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Begin painting your flames within your pencil outlines by painting the entire area red. Add orange paint where needed, usually along the base and toward the upper half sections of the individual flame fingers. Add yellow paint toward the top of the flame fingers and near the edges of your flame outline. Mix the paint colors directly on the mailbox to create colors that are more realistic.
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Paint a thin black line around the edge of your flames. The black line will help your flames stand out.
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Don't forget to add your address to your mailbox. You can either paint it on or use adhesive numbers.
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Tips & Warnings
Draw your flame outline with a space in the middle so that you can add your street address after the paint is dry.
