How to Paint House Numbers on Street Curbs

Homeowners all have different methods for displaying their house numbers. Sometimes, these methods make the numbers difficult to read from the street, especially at night, which creates difficulty for emergency vehicles. The solution many areas have adopted is to have the house numbers painted on the curb near the house. In some areas, this task is completed by the municipality, but sometimes it will be the responsibility of the homeowner. State and local laws, as well as homeowner's associations, will usually govern the painting of house numbers on curbs.

Things You'll Need

• Color paint
• Reflective paint
• Stencil
• Tape
• Applicator

Instructions

1. Check state and local codes as well as your homeowner's association, if applicable, to determine house number requirements for your neighborhood. Many times, the size and color of the house numbers and the type of paint to be used will be dictated by these entities.

2. Purchase the applicable paints, stencils and applicator based on your neighborhood requirements. The background color is usually dark green or black. The foreground color for the numbers is usually white with an additive to make the paint reflective. A roller is the best applicator to use with stencils, but a brush will work as well in most instances.

3. Paint a rectangle of the background color on the curb. The size of the rectangle will usually be pre-defined by law or rule, but in general it should be about 1 to 2 inches larger than the number stencils on either side and about as high as the curb.

4. Allow the background to dry and cure thoroughly. The time needed depend on the paint you use, but 24 hours is generally enough.

5. Attach the stencils to the curb over the background color with tape. Wide masking tape will work, but any tape that will secure the numbers while you are painting is acceptable.

6. Paint the numbers onto the background using the foreground color. Before you paint, double check to ensure the numbers are in the correct order and orientation.

7. Remove the stencils carefully by slowly peeling them up. Allow the numbers to dry and cure before allowing anything to come in contact with them.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the weather before beginning this project. You will need at least three days of calm, clear weather to be certain the project is not affected by wind or precipitation. Fog or heavy dew can also cause the paint to run or increase the curing time.

• It is vital you check laws and rules in your area before attempting this project. Improper house numbers painted onto curbs can, in many areas, result in fees or fines, some of which can be quite heavy.