I have been painting and selling mailboxes for approximately 8 years. Usually, I take orders for special scene mailboxes.  If some wants a certain scene on their box, I'm only too happy to make it.

I have painted a mailbox with elephants on it for someone who collected elephants.  Once I had an order for a mailbox with apples and bees on it.  I wondered why until I found out that it was a gift for some name "Applebee".

Hand painted mailboxes are a wonderful way to spice up your home decor or garden decor. You can make a delightful painted mailbox even if you have never painted.

I do mine free hand, but there are some wonderful stencils you can use to make the design on your mailbox.  You can make a beautiful box whether you live in an area that you can get a big post mounted rural mailbox or you live in an area that you can mount a beautiful box on the wall outside your home.

• Always get a galvanized steel box
• Use a piece of fine sand paper and lightly sand the whole box.  Sand just a little to dull it.  Be sure to wipe down the whole box after sanding.
• If you use a stencil, tape it down.  Then pencil on your design.  After penciling it in, you can paint the design. If you free hand, you can paint now.  Always use outdoor acrylic paint.  You can use the type of brush you are comfortable with.
• When you are done with the painting, let your mailbox sit and dry for 24 hours to cure.
• Always put on at least 3 coats of sealer.  Be sure to let the sealer dry completely between coats.  Be sure that you use a non-yellowing sealer, such as Crystal Clear Enamel.  If you spray sealer, be sure to be in a very well ventilated place.  Let the box sit for 24 hours.
• This last step is optional, but one I always do.  Bake the box in your oven at 200 degrees for 15 minutes.  This really sets everything and makes your mailbox shine.

Your mailbox is now ready for mounting.  You have made a beautiful decoration for your home that will last for years!!

Happy Painting