We often forget our mailbox as an important part of our curb appeal. Today I decided to paint my wooden mailbox post as the paint was peeling and looking worn out.
The first step was to remove the old plastic newspaper holder.
I don’t know why I was keeping that box on my post since they routinely toss the newspapers on the ground. It has probably been decades since they neatly placed the newspaper in the box.
Now I only get advertisements from others placed into this box. With COVID-19, I do not want more people to touch my mailbox than needed.
Newly Painted Mailbox Post
Removing Dated Newspaper Box Holder
Surprisingly, the newspaper box was still securely attached to the post.
I had to undo a couple of screws and also pull out one extra-long nail. I then had to remove a small piece of wood that was attached to the post.
I prepared the post prior to painting by sanding and scraping off the old paint.
I also filled in a couple of holes with wood putty.
For painting I used an exterior paint which I had previously used to paint my garden gate. I found the paint on the reject pile at a local big box store for only $2.00.
After stirring well, I was ready to paint.
Painting Wooden Mailbox Post
This photograph shows my mailbox post being half painted.
The post is still sturdy and I think it has some life left in it.
For painting the bottom of the pole, I pressed an envelope close to the base of the pole so I wouldn’t get my paint or paint brush dirty.
I actually used up all the left over paint, so I have more storage in my basement.
The mailbox post is looking much better and just in time for my front yard landscaping.
Newly Painted Post
FYI – For for curiosity sake, I looked up the price of a vintage plastic newspaper holder with a mounting bracket. It’s for sale on eBay for $59.99. Humm . . . .