im looking for tips or instructions on how to paint and seal metal mailboxes.

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All Forums >> [Casual Banter] >> Off the Grid >> im looking for tips or instructions on how to paint and seal metal mailboxes.

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im looking for tips or instructions on how to paint and... - 4/6/2013 2:32:40 PM

LittleGirlHeart

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I'm thinking paint them, or stickers, or modgepodging papers or something.
It needs to be able to go outside in the elements once sealed.

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RE: im looking for tips or instructions on how to paint... - 4/6/2013 2:42:24 PM

MasterCaneman

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Is it a new mailbox or used? If it's new, you just have to make sure its free of oil and grime before applying adhesive. If it's used, repeat the process and either use paint stripper or sand off the old paint before applying a primer base (at least three coats and sand between applications), or just spray on a few coats of primer and don't mind if rust peeks through.

Apply your pictures/artwork with either spray or brush-on adhesive, let dry thoroughly, and then finish with several coats of urethane sealer. Do this in a well-ventilated area or outside. Voila, artsy-looking mailbox.

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RE: im looking for tips or instructions on how to paint... - 4/6/2013 2:55:45 PM

LittleGirlHeart

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NEW.:)

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RE: im looking for tips or instructions on how to paint... - 4/6/2013 3:57:07 PM

MasterCaneman

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Then it'll be no problem. If you want to have a different background color other than black or grey, I'd rough it up a bit with some fine sandpaper or 0000 steel wool first to give the paint something to 'bite' into. Obviously, you need to use color sense. It's easier to tone up a light color if you want to go on the brighter, hotter colors. Be prepared to put on as many coats as possible, thoroughly drying and sanding between applications.

Are you planning on using an airbrush or rattle cans? That can make a big difference. Airbrush allows you to very evenly spray the paint, rattle cans are cheap and handy. Either method can produce good results. If you use rattlecans, get one of those pistol-grip things that snap on the top, saves a lot of cleanup and makes it easier to apply paint evenly. It's even more important to make sure its dry between sandings with cans. The mixture has more volatiles in order to increase usable shelf life. If you have a heater or sunlamp, it can speed up the process a bit, but don't go crazy, too much heat can blister the can-based paint. Good luck

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RE: im looking for tips or instructions on how to paint... - 4/6/2013 5:47:04 PM

LittleGirlHeart

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,actually, was thinking paint and paint brushes , same as you would for paper.

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RE: im looking for tips or instructions on how to paint... - 4/6/2013 6:07:14 PM

freedomdwarf1

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Forget all the preparation - it's not needed!!

Use a couple of decent coats of Hammerite paint in whatever colour you fancy.

Pick a flat colour, matt, satin, or gloss; with or without the hammerite 'hammered' finish.
It works a treat.
It'll paint right over rust.
It's completely weather-proof.
Easy to apply too!
Once fully dry (I'd give it a good 24 hours), it'll be hard as nails and chip-proof.

Tip: use a decent bristle brush to paint with - those cheap nylon ones aren't that good.

ETA: It'll last for years and years - won't need to re-paint for at least 10-15 years!

< Message edited by freedomdwarf1 -- 4/6/2013 6:09:27 PM >

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RE: im looking for tips or instructions on how to paint... - 4/6/2013 6:29:15 PM

littlewonder

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outdoor spray paint for metal. If it's brand new, you really shouldn't have to do any work. If it's not new then you will need to sand it down first.

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RE: im looking for tips or instructions on how to paint... - 4/6/2013 6:40:33 PM

DesFIP

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Spray paint, I recommend Rustoleum brand, ones marked for exterior usage. Unfortunately modge podging won't stand up to weather. The stickers will fade in the sun.

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RE: im looking for tips or instructions on how to paint... - 4/6/2013 6:52:09 PM

freedomdwarf1

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FR~

Spray paint chips quite easily - even those 'outdoor' types.
To get any sort of decent finish, you'll need several coats at least.

When I re-painted our BBQ, I tried several exterior spray paints - including radiator enamels.
The finish was too thin and didn't last long even with 2 undercoats and 5 top coats.
A few knocks and some nasty weather and a few rust spots showed through in no time at all.
I re-painted it 3 times in one year alone!
I ended up doing it in hammered-finish copper colour.
That was 5 years ago and it still looks like I only did it yesterday.
I use a pressure washer to clean the gunk off and the paint doesn't come off (unlike the spray paint).
It's not the cheapest option but by far the best I've done so far.
If I had used Hammerite in the first place I would have saved more than I spent on all the other undercoats and top coats of other spray paints.

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RE: im looking for tips or instructions on how to paint... - 4/6/2013 10:08:21 PM

peppermint

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In Mexico they do lovely paintings on mailboxes. They use spray paint, crumpled plastic, and pieces of cardboard to make lovely mountain and desert scenes. If you google "mexican painted mailboxes" you can see images of the work those artists do. It's amazing. I was hoping to put the link here but it was awfully long.

I wonder if utube might have a video of the guys painting.

We had our satellite dish painted for $40. When we got it home we put a couple coats of clear on it to protect it.

< Message edited by peppermint -- 4/6/2013 10:09:52 PM >

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RE: im looking for tips or instructions on how to paint... - 4/6/2013 10:12:38 PM

LittleGirlHeart

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I am going to paint details and make an image. Spray paint will never, at least as far as I know do fine brushwork details.

This will be a piece of artwork. I don't know what kind of image yet, but it will be pretty lol.

I'll hodgepodge and sticker an indoor one. Could be a fun way to organize.

quote:

ORIGINAL: DesFIP

Spray paint, I recommend Rustoleum brand, ones marked for exterior usage. Unfortunately modge podging won't stand up to weather. The stickers will fade in the sun.

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RE: im looking for tips or instructions on how to paint... - 4/7/2013 7:45:23 AM

littlewonder

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If you're doing brush work on it then I would suggest putting a few layers of outdoor polyurethane on it. Otherwise it won't last very long at all.

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RE: im looking for tips or instructions on how to paint... - 4/7/2013 9:54:49 AM

LittleGirlHeart

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Ok!

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RE: im looking for tips or instructions on how to paint... - 4/7/2013 4:59:19 PM

MercTech

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A good oil or alkyd based paint will work well outside. The ultimate would be a two part epoxy paint.

Don't use a urethane paint as sunlight degrades it and it will have a whit "scum" coating in a few months.

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