Curb address numbers are fairly easy to paint. You can get everything you need for a simple black and white curb number at your home improvement store for under $15. There are many complex and colorful designs you can attempt, but if you’ve never painted a curb, start with a basic black numbers on a white background or white numbers on a black background. Here’s what you’ll need:
- One can each of black spray paint and white spray paint. I recommend Rustoleum brand and use their basic flat enamels. You can improve the overall look by using a specialty paint like Painter’s Touch but the basic flat enamel works great.
- 1/2″ wide masking tape.
- Masking paper.
- Three inch high numbering stencils
- Small brush for touch ups.
To start, figure out exactly where you want the numbers to appear on your curb. Using the 1/2″ masking tape, tape your numbers together lining the stencils up along the edges. If you use the recommended stencils I linked to above your numbers will be about 1″ apart. (Numbering stencils used to be available at Home Depot, but recently I have not been able to find them there…maybe they were just out of stock).
Once you locate the spot for your numbers, use a heavy brush to knock off the dirt from the curb, then mask an area 5″ high by 11″ wide. This width can vary depending on the actual numbers you are painting. For example, if your address is 1111 Fox Avenue, you will not need all of 11 inches. Tape your numbers together, then measure the combined width, then add 1-2″ on each side. You can tape some newspaper around your painting area to protect the surrounding area from over spray. Then simply apply your background color. If you want white numbers, apply a black background. Use a back and forth motion and lightly cover the entire area, paying attention to the edges and corners. Continue spraying until you have good coverage. Rough concrete requires a little extra paint. Let your back ground dry for a few minutes until the surface feels dry to a light touch.
Once your background is dry enough to apply tape to it, center your assembled number stencil to the background, and tape it securely on all edges. Mask the remaining background from getting painted.
Paint the stencils carefully using short bursts of paint. You can wear rubber gloves and use your fingertips to press the edges of the numbers as you go and that will minimize under spray. Once complete, you can remove the stencils immediately and allow the numbers to dry a little.
If you have some under spray, spray a little paint into the cap of the paint can and use a small brush to touch up any areas that need it.
Finally, remove all your masking and you will have new curb numbers that should last for years!
