Option #1
The following contractor is available to repair, paint, and/or recondition your existing mailbox unit which may include installation of a new all-steel replacement mailbox, etc. (David Powers 859 223-5259) All work contracted with Mr. Powers will be completed in a quality manner according to the required neighborhood specifications. Estimates can be provided at no cost.
Option #2
Following are step-by-step instructions on how to paint and/or repair the mailbox yourself. Remember that all mailboxes must conform to the neighborhood-wide standard regarding style of mailbox, color of mailbox, flag and horse head, decal font and style.
(Only Oil-base paint has been used on Palomar’s mailboxes. Because oil-based may take on a faded, chalky appearance after three years, there is new option for residents to use, latex (water-based) paint. Preparations to paint with oil-base and latex will vary slightly. This will be indicated in the instructions.)
*Proper preparation of mailboxes is necessary to achieve the best and longest lasting results.
Materials Needed:
►metal primer paint : Use Rust-Oleum spray automotive primer that is acceptable for application of enamel or latex paint.
> Metal sandpaper, light & heavy grit
> New or clean paint brushes
►gold paint : spray or brush on gold metallic
►clear coat sealant spray: optional, but enables gold on horse’s head to last longer
►bright red paint : 1/2 pint is sufficient
►mailbox green : buy from Superior Paint on Regency Road, 276-5264. Ask for “Palomar Green Oil Base” or Palomar Green Latex”, by Benjamin Moore; (Note that Olde Bridge Estates uses glossy black only)
►decals : Decals may be purchased at the following locations; Instant Signs, 246-1185, located at 1011 South Broadway. (This is at the corner of South Broadway and Red Mile Road); Sign A Rama, 272-7886, 4013 Nicholasville Rd. Your mailbox must include the house number and flourish; your name is optional. The decals are custom-made upon ordering, therefore, you will need to call first and place your order. Payment is required when you place your order. Credit cards may be used to reserve your order until time of pick-up-there is a one-day turn-around. The font style must be Times New Roman; all numeric characters must be 11/4” high; all alpha characters must be upper case and 1” high; if using the word “The” in front of your surname then the “T” must be upper case and the “he” must be lower case; lastly, the flourish must be 12” in length,
►trash bag : 30 gallon, or larger, polyethylene trash bag to prevent overspray
►masking tape
►light bulb : new automotive, #1157, 12-volt light bulb packaged as back-up light for trailer
►cut and bend coat hanger : to facilitate holding the flag while painting it
►new mailbox : (if needed) The new all-steel replacement mailbox is available through David Powers at (859) 223-5259 or may be purchased from Lowes. It is an “Ironside Rural Mailbox” with a magnetic door available in two colors, black (model MB801B-04) and taupe(model MB801T-04). If you plan to purchase the replacement mailbox and install it yourself, please remember that the mailbox must meet all of the neighborhood requirements regarding paint color of box, flag and horse head, font style and size, etc. Don’t forget that all mailboxes must contain the respective house number and fleur de lis design; family name is optional.
Equipment Needed:
►safety goggles
►wire brush, or electric drill plus chuck mounted rotary wire brush plus long 3-prong
> metal drill bits
> hand pliers
> hammer
> heat gun (for application of decals in colder weather)
> GROUNDED extension cord to plug into GFI receptacle
►cabinet-blade screwdriver for removing red flag
►needle-nose pliers for reshaping/reinstalling ring in horse’s nose
►small level
Methods:
Step 1: Remove the two screws holding the flag onto the mailbox and thoroughly wire-brush and sand to a smooth surface the entire exterior surface of the mailbox, including the horse’s head and the post. Use the wire brush and heavy grit sandpaper to remove ALL traces of the previous decals, both on the mailbox and the apron underneath. DON’T try to paint around the decals (this will be more time and effort for you and the end result is a poor appearance). This is the most important component of mailbox refurbishing because if the old rust, loose paint and faded decals are not removed the new paint will not adhere for long and you will be wasting your time. This is also the proper time to repair the horse’s nose ring, install/replace the 12-volt light bulb, repair the hinges of the mailbox door (they should be riveted because nuts and bolts work loose, look terrible and may rust), tighten the loose handle on the mailbox door, and straighten minor bending on the mailbox apron (severe damage probably means your mailbox needs replacing).
Step 2: (for oil-base) Prime the entire mailbox, horse’s head, post and mailbox apron with the spray primer. Follow the instructions regarding drying and re-coating
* Step 2: (for latex paint) Clean the entire mailbox, horse’s head, post and mailbox apron with TSP Cleaner. (TSP cleaner must be used because latex is going over oil-base paint. TSP may be purchased at hardware or paint store.) Areas where rust has been removed, prime with rust inhibited primer.
Step 3: Carefully cut a 2” diameter hole in the bottom of the trash bag, and then slip the bag over the horse’s head. Use the masking tape to hold the bag securely over the mailbox, apron and post. This will protect all but the horse’s head from getting unwanted gold spray paint, which may fall or drift from the wind onto the surfaces that will be green.
Step 4: Spray paint the horse’s head gold metallic, and when dry, apply the clear coat sealant to the gold. While waiting for the gold to dry, wire brush (lightly) the red flag that was detached from the mailbox earlier. DO NOT use wire brush the flag while on the mailbox at this time or dust and dirt will stick to the wet paint on the horse’s head. Next, insert a cut and bend coat hanger into the hole of the flag (to facilitate holding it) and spray primer onto all areas of the flag. Allow to dry and apply two thin coats of the red paint and then allow to dry for about 2-3 days.
Step 5: Remove the trash bag and apply the green paint to the mailbox, apron and post. * (Two coats recommended when using latex paint.)
Step 6: When the green paint is thoroughly dry (allow 1 full week of dry weather), apply the decals carefully (use the masking tape and a level to create a temporary horizontal line to help align the street number, and optional names). Then, reattach the red flag and holder. Check for proper flag operation before tightening the screws.
On behalf of the association and your neighbors,
thank you for keeping your mailbox in good condition!
Management
*Procedures provided by Mr. David Pienkowski.