The mailbox is a key part of our country’s postal system, but not everyone knows the rules required for a mailbox to be painted.
This article will outline everything you need to know about painting your own residential or rural mailboxes and the regulations you must follow as per federal law.
Here’s What Colors Mailboxes Can Be:
Mailboxes do not have to be of a specific color. You can paint your mailbox black, white, silver, or any other color. Also, the color of your mailbox has no bearing on whether or not the mail gets delivered, so you can feel free to paint it whatever color you like.
Do Mailboxes Have to Be of Certain Colors?
There aren’t any laws dictating how many colors you can use on your mailbox regarding regulations.
If you’re looking for a more practical reason to repaint your mailbox, consider this: White is a good choice because it reflects light and doesn’t fade as quickly as other colors. Green is also a good choice because it blends into the surroundings and won’t attract attention to your mailbox, making people think it’s abandoned.
Although the mailbox can be of any color, the carrier signal flag can be any color except for any shade of green, brown, white, yellow, or blue, which are prohibited.
Fluorescent orange and red are the preferred color for the flag. It is also important that the flag’s color contrasts strongly with the mailbox’s primary color.
Whether you’re looking to paint your mailbox or replace it entirely, deciding on the color of your mailbox is an important step.
Here are some basic rules to follow:
- Decide what kind of mailbox style you want for your new mailbox.
- Whatever style you choose fits in with the rest of your neighborhood’s mailboxes.
- If you’re painting your mailbox, make sure it’s a non-toxic paint that can withstand weather conditions and extreme temperatures.
- Think about the amount of time and effort it will take to maintain your mailbox after its initial installation and how easy or difficult it will be to remove graffiti from its surface.
Can You Have a Custom Mailbox?
Yes, you can have a custom mailbox. Custom mailboxes must conform to USPS regulations and be designed to be easily recognized by the carrier.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) stated that you must use their approved design and color options for any new mailboxes on your property.
If you want a custom mailbox, however, there are some things you can do to make it happen:
- Choose an approved USPS design and color option.
- Make sure the mailbox design meets all USPS requirements.
- Submit a request form to get approval from the USPS before installation.
Also, there are some things to consider when choosing your mailbox color. For example, some colors are more likely to fade or become discolored in direct sunlight.
Therefore, a darker color, like black or dark brown, are preferable if you live in an area where the sun shines for longer periods.
Mailbox Colors That Fade Easily:
If you’re looking for a mailbox that will stay bright and beautiful throughout the years, consider choosing one of these colors: Black, Dark Brown, White, and Silver.
Mailbox Colors That Are Easy To Clean:
If you want something that will stay clean longer than others but still looks nice, consider these options: Red, Blue, Orange, and Yellow.
These colors won’t show dirt or grime as easily as other shades, so they’ll look great for long stretches without cleaning, which means less work!
Once your mailbox is installed by a professional contractor trained in installing mailboxes according to all local regulations, you’re set. You now have an officially sanctioned custom mailbox in your town or city.
Can You Design Your Mailbox Yourself?
Yes, you can, but there are some rules to follow:
First, you must have a mailbox approved by the United States Postal Service (USPS). Contact your local post office or visit their website to determine if the USPS approves your mailbox.
Mailboxes must be manufactured in the United States by an American company. This rule is set by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), the only organization that can create standards for mailboxes.
All mailboxes must be made of metal or plastic, not wood or glass. Metal mailboxes are more durable than plastic ones, so they’re preferable if you live in an area prone to harsh weather conditions like hurricanes, tornadoes, or even snowstorms.
The height limit for a mailbox is 4 feet high by 3 feet wide by 6 inches deep, including its flag.
Also, if you build or buy a custom-made mailbox, it must meet the PMG standards. If you have a custom-made mailbox, show it to your local postmaster for approval.
What Kind of Paint is Best for Mailboxes?
When it comes to painting your mailbox, you have a few options. There’s spray paint, brush-on paint, and vinyl stickers—but which one is right for you?
Spray Paint:
While this might be the most popular choice among homeowners, there are some drawbacks.
It can get expensive if you have an unusually large mailbox or if you have to buy more than one can per coat of paint.
It also has the potential to drip onto surrounding areas of your property and neighboring mailboxes and vehicles (which will require additional cleanup).
This method also requires ample ventilation because of its toxicity levels—not something desirable in a small area like yours.
Brush-On Paint:
This type of painting is not only easy but also affordable—it’s just like using any other kind of brush, except that it’s meant to go on wood surfaces instead of canvas or paper.
However, depending on how often your mailman delivers packages from Amazon Prime or how much junk mail gets dropped into your box, brushing a thick layer over the top may not cut it without multiple coats.
Vinyl Sticker:
If money’s no problem for you, aesthetics matter more than anything else when choosing between these 3 options.
We’d recommend going with stickers instead because they’re less permanent than either spray or brush methods.
However, they still protect against harsh weather conditions such as rain and snow while adding flair at the same time!
Final Thoughts
Depending on the type of mailbox and where it is located, different rules may apply.
If you want to get technical about what color your mailbox should be, look no further than USPS regulations.
They’re pretty clear that your mailbox can be of any color, but custom mailboxes must be approved by the USPS first.