Rust-Oleum Projects

Refinish a Rusty Mailbox

Browse Projects

  • Watering Can project
    Give an Old Watering Can New Life
  • Hammered Door Knocker project
    Rust-Oleum's Stops Rust Hammered Spray Paint Gives New Life to an Old Doorknocker
  • Estimated Time

    Approximately 2 hour

  • Challenge Level

    Easy

  • Tools & Supplies:

    • Stops Rust in Gloss Cherry & White
    • Mailbox
    • Bucket of Soapy Water
    • Sponge or Cleaning Cloth
    • Painter's Tape
    • Number Stencils
    • Wire Brush
    • Drop Cloth
    • Gloves
    • Towels

It's personalization. It's curb appeal. It's as simple as a few coats of spray paint on a rusty mailbox to revitalize your home. 

  1. To begin, you'll need to remove the mailbox if it's on a post and make sure it's clean and dry.
  2. Next, cover anything on the mailbox you don't want to paint, such as the flag, with painter's tape. Find a well-ventilated area, such as your garage, and lay down a drop cloth to protect the floor and other nearby items. 
  3. Prepare the spray paint by shaking the can for at least 1 minute after you hear the mixing ball begin to rattle. 
  4. You're ready to paint! Aim the can approximately 10" from the surface and spray 2-3 light coats of paint onto the mailbox, waiting a few minutes in between each coat. 
  5. Once your final coat of paint has been applied, let the mailbox dry for at least 20 minutes before removing the painter's tape and 1 hour before the next step. 
  6. Now, you can add your address numbers. Stencil them on with white spray paint or handpaint them if you have artistic flair. 
  7. Let all the paint dry for at least 1 hour before  reattaching your mailbox to the post.