How to Paint Scenes on Mailboxes
A decorative mailbox adds interesting curb appeal to any house. Of course, painting scenes on mailboxes can prove challenging for those without prior artistic training. Fortunately, the right approach makes the task easier. While you may not be able to paint scenes with the flare of Vincent Van Gogh or Winslow Homer, you can get a decent-looking mailbox painting with just a few hours of work.
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Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
- Adjustable wrench
- Plastic sheet
- Dish detergent
- Sponge
- Spray primer
- Transparency slides and projector
- Stencils
- Painter's tape
- Artist's paintbrushes
- Exterior acrylic or oil-base paint
Instructions
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1
Remove the mailbox from its post with a screwdriver or adjustable wrench. Many mailboxes are fastened to their posts with simple screws or bolts. Removing the mailbox will enable you take it indoors for better lighting and atmosphere control as you work. If the mailbox is welded or glued to the post, then just leave it as is.
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2
Place the mailbox on top of a plastic sheet in a well-lit, well-ventilated area. If you're working outdoors, make sure the day's weather forecast is clear and sunny. Nothing will ruin your scene painting quicker than a sudden downpour as the paint is drying.
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3
Clean the mailbox with dish detergent, water and a sponge. A used mailbox is likely covered in dirt and grime from outdoor weather conditions.
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4
Spray an appropriate primer onto the mailbox. Primer will provide you with an easily paintable, neutral canvas. For metal mailboxes, use a rust-inhibitive primer. Cover wooden mailboxes with stain-blocking wood primers. Prime plastic mailboxes with bonding primer. Wait for the primer to dry. Drying can take several hours; you should consult your primer's label for the most accurate time estimates.
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5
Trace an image onto the mailbox using a pencil. If you're skilled at drawing, you can outline your mailbox scene freehand. If you're a beginner artist, make a transparency slide of the scene you want to paint. Project the slide directly onto the side of the mailbox and trace the outline.
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6
Apply stencils to the mailbox. If you're not tracing your picturesque scene, then a stencil is your best bet. You can find intricate stencils featuring trees, rivers, animals and other scenic elements. Arrange these stencils to fit your ideal scene's design, and secure them with painter's tape.
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7
Paint your mailbox scene using acrylic or oil-base exterior paints. Small, fine-tipped brushes are available at art supply stores to help you paint precisely on your pencil outlines. For stenciled features, any-sized brush will work. Let the paint dry for at least 24 hours.
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8
Remove the stencils and erase any leftover pencil marks.
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9
Reattach the mailbox to its post.
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