Classy Copper Mailbox Is Really Painted Plastic

Copper Mailbox Project

Ya’ll I used a can of spray paint on a new plastic mailbox and now I have a copper mailbox. At least it looks like copper. My neighbor was taking her daily walk as we were replacing the old mailbox with the new “copper look” box and she said “I like your copper mailbox”. That tells me it looks like the real thing.

Copper Mailbox (don’t tell, it’s our secret)

I wrote a blog post about choosing paint colors for our mailbox 3 years ago and I’m just now getting around to painting the box. Actually I’m painting a new one because the JTS came home with a new mailbox in a box several months ago.

He knew when he brought the mailbox home that the white would not stay white. He knows me so well.

Since the box was plastic or poly something I used Rustoleum Primer before I sprayed on the metallic copper. Notice how I put painters tape all over that little red flag. I also opened the door of the mailbox in order to paint the area covered by the flap.

Once the primer was dry I spray painted the mailbox with Rustoleum Bright Coat Metallic Finish in Copper. I LOVE this color. I painted a mirror, furniture legs, a vanity stool,  and various other pieces this color.

I ran in to what could be a problem. I didn’t notice until I was painting the box that the metallic copper spray paint is for indoor use, no mention of outdoors. I decided I better apply a coat of sealer and hope for the best. I bought the Krylon Satin Crystal Clear because that was the only clear satin sealer the store had on the shelf. I sprayed several coats of the sealer on the mailbox allowing for time to dry in between coats.

The stick on numbers were not my first plan. I was going to stencil our name and the box number but then I got to thinking. The numbers should be the reflective type and I didn’t have paint that would do. So stick on numbers it is.

While all that stuff was drying I cleaned up the mailbox and paper box. The paper box had bird poop all over it and I used sandpaper to get it off. Whatever works right. The only problem is the scratches from the sandpaper showed up under the metallic paint. Oh well, that paper box is so old. I need to see if I can get a new one…….then paint it.

I sprayed the paper box and the mailbox pole with the metallic copper paint and then with the clear sealer.

I was going to change out the mailbox myself but if I did that I couldn’t get photos of the process. I’m glad I got the JTS to do it because as you can see there were issues. That mailbox has been on the pole for many, many, years and the bolts and screws were rusted and set in stone.

Hubby finally took the box with the pole fitting things (?) off of the pole and took them to the workshop. After a bit of time he was able to get the box off of the fittings and put the new box on them.

Only thing left to do was put the new box on the pole. I still need to touch up the new screws to match the mailbox. Once the paper box was back on the pole the area I didn’t spray paint was covered by the box.

Lookin’ good. I just hope it stays that way. Maybe the sealer will keep the paint looking fresh.

I’ll keep you guys updated. If the metallic paint washes off I’ll paint it again with an outdoor paint. My original plan was to paint our old metal box while it was on the pole. That would definitely have worked. I didn’t get rid of the old box. Maybe use it as a flower planter this Spring and Summer.

How do you like our copper mailbox? Does your mailbox need painting? It doesn’t have to be copper. Leave me a note!

One more home improvement project down. I’m thinking we need to paint our shutters and front door a different color. Stay tuned.

Find the metallic spray paint on the Petticoat Junktion Amazon Page along with my other favorite diy supplies. (affiliate link, disclosure here)

Tomorrow I have a furniture project for you along with a new distressing technique. Thanks for being here and have a great day, Kathy