Painting a cast aluminum mailbox is a great way to revive its look and make it pop in the surrounding landscape. Whether you’re looking to give your metal mailbox a rustic touch with a weathered look or a glossy, modern finish, there are a few steps all homeowners should consider when taking on a paint job for an aluminum mailbox.
When you buy the best cast aluminum mailbox you are sure that it will withstand the elements and last for years. However, after a few years of exposure to the sun and rain, it may start to look a bit dull and faded. If you carefully follow the steps outlined below, you can make it look new and fresh.
Gather the materials needed to paint a cast aluminum mailbox
First and foremost, it’s important to take your time and select the right type of paint for aluminum. Oil-based paints are usually the best option for cast aluminum mailboxes since they are more resistant to water, rust, and weather. You will also need a primer, a few inexpensive brushes, and maybe a sealant.
Our recommendations:
- Paint Brushes: Pro Grade – 5 Ea – Paint Brush Set
A set of five inexpensive and simple-to-hold paint brushes. - Primer: Rust-Oleum 8781502 Stops Rust Aluminum Flat Primer, 32 Fl Oz
The Rustoleum primer is long-lasting and simple to apply on aluminum. - Paint: Majic PAINTS Interior/Exterior Satin Paint, 32 Fl Oz
This is the best paint for aluminum mailboxes.
High adherence, and amazing value for money! - Sealer: Rust-Oleum 245197 Universal Enamel Spray Paint, 12 Ounce
Cheap and simple to use.
Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
While you’re selecting a type of paint, it’s important to consider the color you’re aiming for and what you think best reflects your style. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide the color and sheen, but the most popular choice for a cast aluminum mailbox is a sleek black color that adds a timeless look.
Step 2: Cleaning
Once you’ve decided on a type of paint and color, you have to make sure the mailbox is clean. You can do this with mild soap, warm water, and a sponge or cloth rag. While gentle scrubbing, make sure to pay special attention to any areas where there is already damage or fading – these spots need to be particularly clean for the paint to adhere. Rinse thoroughly to make sure no detergent residue is left behind and let it dry. Learn more about cleaning a cast aluminum mailbox.
Step 3: Sanding
Now it’s time to prep the surface of the mailbox by lightly sanding the mailbox and removing any tough residue if needed. The goal here is to create a smooth surface. Afterward, it’s important to clean all of the dust off the surface before continuing with the painting process.
How to sand a cast aluminum mailbox before painting it?
Sanding aluminum before painting is important for two reasons. First, roughening up the surface helps the paint adhere better and longer. Second, removing rust and grime helps ensure a professional-looking finish and effect. To begin, you’ll need coarse-grained sandpaper. Start by light sanding to roughen the surface evenly, followed by doing with finer grit sandpaper for a nice smooth surface. When finished, make sure to brush off all of the dust and dirt particles, before applying a coat of primer and your desired finish.
Step 4: Prime before painting cast aluminum mailboxes
For anyone looking to spruce up the appearance of their cast aluminum mailbox, the use of a primer in the painting process is a must. Priming aluminum for painting is important because it creates a surface to which the paint to adhere. It will also provide more protection from rust and corrosion.
A primer acts like a base coat on the surface, helping the paint adhere to the metal surface. Before beginning any painting project, it is important to ensure it is clean, dry, and free of any debris.
First things first, cover the parts that you won’t paint with painter’s tape Once the surface has been smoothed and prepped for painting, the application of primer is the best way to begin.
A quality applicator brush should be used to give a smooth and even undercoat. Starting at the top of your metal mailbox, slowly and evenly apply a primer in long, even strokes. As you work your way down, be sure that each and every aluminum area of the mailbox is fully covered. Let the primer dry fully before moving on to the next step.
Note: Sometimes, to achieve thorough coverage, you may need to apply multiple coats of primer. This will give the best results and have your mailbox looking great once it’s all said and done.
Step 5: Painting cast aluminum mailbox
Once the aluminum mailbox has been fully primed and dried, you’re ready to begin applying the paint of your choice. Use a brush that has been designed specifically for metal to ensure it won’t damage the surface.
Painting a cast aluminum mailbox is an easy task. However, it’s important to apply multiple thin layers when painting an aluminum mailbox to ensure even coverage and to maintain a smooth finish throughout it.
After each layer is applied, any excess, drips, or bubbles, should be wiped away with a cloth. Let the metal surface dry for a couple of hours before continuing. It may take two or three layers of paint to get the desired look, but be sure to let each layer completely dry before applying the next one.
Maintaining cast aluminum mailbox paint with a sealant
If you’re looking to sustain the paint on your metal mailbox, it’s sometimes helpful to use a high-quality sealer or topcoat to help protect the mailbox’s metal surface. It’s recommended, to use a top coat to protect the paint from the elements. A good sealant will help protect the paint from rain, snow, and extreme temperatures.
To apply a sealant on an aluminum mailbox after painting, make sure that the mailbox is clean and dry. Clean it, rinse it well, and let it dry completely. Then apply a thin layer of sealant to the mailbox. Let the sealant dry for a few hours. Be sure to evenly coat the entire cast aluminum surface.
Maintaining the paint on your cast aluminum mailbox is just as important as applying the paint itself.
Summary
Painting cast aluminum mailbox paint takes time and patience. But with just a few simple steps and the right brushes, primes, paints, and sealants, you can ensure your metal mailbox looks great for years to come. You can also use these steps to paint the best cast aluminum outdoor furniture. Just be sure to use products that are specially designed for aluminum.
