How Do You Refinish a Mailbox Post?


This article discusses how you can refinish a mailbox post. If you think that your mailbox post is looking old and dull, you might want to refinish it and give it new life. Refinishing a mailbox post is easy and there are many ways that you can do it. Let us learn about the different ways how you can refinish a mailbox below.

How do you refinish a mailbox post? You can refinish a mailbox post by repainting or redecorating it. Choose a color that compliments the color of the mailbox. You can paint it the same color as the mailbox, but if you want it to look unique, you can paint the post a different color. Make sure to consult your postmaster about the rules and regulations when it comes to refinishing mailbox posts.

The mailbox is one of the things on your property that people notice so you must keep it well maintained. Of course, you also need to consider the mailbox post. It should be in good condition and can be able to provide a sturdy and strong base for the mailbox. If you think that your mailbox post needs refinishing, we have shared tips and ideas below that you can refer to.

How do you refinish a mailbox post
Photo by Daria Usanova from Pexels

Tips on How to Refinish a Mailbox Post

To refinish a mailbox post, make sure that you clean it properly before painting or decorating. Any damage in the post should be repaired. Check your mailbox for any damage and decide if it needs refinishing or not. Your mailbox is exposed to the different outdoor weather so it is inevitable that it will get damaged over time. Below are some tips on how to refinish a mailbox post.

Make Sure to Inspect It

You must check your mailbox for any damage. If your mailbox is leaning rather than standing in a straight line, you might need to replace the footer. You might also need to reinstall the post and use concrete to keep it steady. Moreover, you need to check the appearance of the post. Are there any hard-to-remove stains? Is it rusty? You need to consider these things as well. You can also check out this article that discusses if you can put a sticker on your mailbox. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.

Clean It Thoroughly

Once you have inspected the mailbox for any damage and dirt, the next step that you need to do is to clean it. Use a sponge to scrub and clean the surface of the mailbox and the post. In some cases, you might need to use a power drill with a cable brush installed to remove flaking paint and finish. Clean it thoroughly until the texture of the surface can be able to hold new paint.

Use Paint or Primer

Use the right kind of paint to refinish your mailbox post. Before painting, you need to prime it first. Start by applying primer on the post and let it dry. Once the primer is dry, you can use oil-based paint with the color of your choice. The good thing about using oil-based paints is that it provides a bright color that can improve the look of the posts.

✅ Video – DIY Mailbox Repair, Post Restoration, Painting Replacement

Jeffostroff shared the video below on YouTube. It shows how to repair and restore a mailbox post. If you are thinking about changing the look of your mailbox post and are wondering where to start, watch the video for helpful tips and ideas.

How to Repair a Leaning Mailbox

To repair a leaning mailbox, you need to dig a new hole in the ground to place it. You might also need to use concrete to keep the post from leaning. Dig a hole in the ground and place the post in an upright position. Next, fill the hole with sand, gravel, and rocks to keep it steady. You can also use concrete to secure it on the ground. Take note that it is normal for a mailbox post to lean over time. This can be because of rotting wood posts and soil conditions.

Choosing and Installing a New Mailbox Post

Molded plastic, metal-galvanized steel, aluminum, and wood are some of the materials that you can choose for a mailbox post. If you think that your mailbox post is no longer salvageable, you should replace it with a new one. You can find a wide array of mailbox posts available in hardware stores and home centers. Below are some of the choices that you can opt from.

Molded Plastic

One of the choices that you can have for a mailbox post is molded plastic. They come in a wide array of colors and sizes. The ideal thing about molded plastic mailbox posts is that they are durable and are best for outdoor weather.

Galvanized Steel or Aluminum

You can also choose between aluminum and galvanized mailbox posts. If durability is what you are after, a galvanized steel post is your best choice. On the other hand, you can also choose aluminum posts that are rust-free.

Wood

Another option that you can have is wood mailbox posts. They are affordable and are a popular choice for homeowners. You can choose between untreated and pressure-treated wood. They are available in various sizes and you can choose from the different types of wood.

How to Paint or Stain a Mailbox Post

There are some steps to follow when painting your mailbox which include preparation and painting. Let us earn more about these steps below.

Preparation

The first thing that you need to do is to prepare the mailbox post. Remove any mold or mildew on the post using a cleaner. Clean it thoroughly to have a good surface that you can easily stain and paint. Moreover, must find a ventilated spot when painting the mailbox. You can do it in the garage or on the porch. Make sure to inspect the mailbox post for any rust. If rust is present, you need to remove it.

Painting

The next step is to paint the mailbox post. You can use a paintbrush or a spray. Start by applying a layer of primer to the mailbox post. This will offer a textured surface so that the paint can easily stick to it. Let the primer dry before painting. Moreover, let the first coat of paint dry before you add another coat.

How to Stain a Mailbox Post

To stain a mailbox post, you first need to clean it to get rid of the dirt and debris. Choose a stain that suits the material of the mailbox post. Always follow the instructions on the packaging. Start by spraying the stain on the mailbox by section. You can choose to wipe off excess stain to make the coating look lighter or you can apply a second layer for a darker look.

Is it Okay to Paint Your Mailbox Post?

Make sure to check with your local postmaster for the rules and regulations when it comes to painting the mailbox post. The USPS states that you can paint your mailbox post. You can choose from different types of paint available on the market. Painting your mailbox post is easy and only takes a short time but it can change the look of your mailbox. We have also shared this article titled, what kind of paint do you use on a mailbox? You can check out the article for more tips and information.

Should You Prime a Mailbox Post Before Painting?

You must prime the mailbox post before you paint it. This will make it easier for the paint to adhere to the post. You can choose between oil-based and water-based paint. Oil-based paints are compatible with a wide array of mailbox post materials. On the other hand, if your mailbox post is made from metal, you should choose a primer that is suitable for metal surfaces.

What Type of Paint to Use to Refinish a Mailbox Post?

For outdoor structures such as your mailbox post, it is recommended that you use water-based paints such as acrylic or latex. They provide the best adhesion for different types of porous surfaces. Aside from that, water-based paints can be easily cleaned. However, oil-based paint is your best choice if you want extra coverage with only a few coats. Oil-based paints are also ideal for metal and wood surfaces.

What Finish Should You Choose for a Mailbox Post?

If you are after durability, a satin finish is your best choice. This type of finish is easy to maintain and looks attractive. On the other hand, flat finishes are an ideal choice if you want your mailbox post to look flawless. Choose a finish according to what you want the mailbox post to look like. You can also read this article that discusses if you can use acrylic paint on the mailbox. We have shared helpful information that you can refer to.

Conclusion

In this article, we have found out how to refinish a mailbox post. There are different ways that you can refinish the look of your mailbox post. You can paint it to change its look. Choose from a wide array of paint available on the market. You can also decorate your mailbox post to make it stand out. Thank you for reading!

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