How to refresh a stone mailbox

[Sharath2507]

Hi everyone 👋

Looking to give our old stone mailbox a fresh new look without replacing it completely if possible. Would love some ideas or tips on how to clean it up, refresh the stone etc. Any suggestions welcome!

Attached the screenshot for reference

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Sharath2507,

A great place to start is by giving the mailbox a good clean. Begin by brushing away any loose debris, dirt, or cobwebs using a soft-bristled brush like this Oates Bannister Brush. Then wash the surface with a mixture of warm water and detergent such as this Gerni Concrete And Stone Cleaner and a scrubbing brush.  

For tougher stains, a pressure cleaner would be handy, but you'd want to avoid the mortar lines, as it could contribute to cracking or damage.

Once the stone is clean, it’s worth inspecting the mortar between the stones. If there are issues, repointing the joints with fresh mortar will not only improve appearance but also strengthen the structure.

When cleaned and restored, you could seal the stone with something like this Crommelin 1L Natural Finish Penetrating Sealer And Water Repellent. This will help to bring out the natural stone look as well as protect it from the weather.

Depending on the opening in the stone, you might also be able to replace the mailbox with a new brick in mailbox.

You could also grab some new house numbers in a style of your choice.

Allow me to tag @EleventhCoastal, @Noyade and @DIYGnome to see if they have any ideas to spruce up your mailbox.

Jacob

[Noyade]

I think @JacobZ has covered it.

Just curious @Sharath2507  - enormous depth on this mailbox corner? A long arm needed to reach the mail?

What is that on top? My eyes are not good.

Cheers!

[Sharath2507]

Thank you @JacobZ  for the information. Appreciate that

[Sharath2507]

Thanks @Noyade . There’s a small chip of mortar that has come off at the top.

[EleventhCoastal]

Hi @Sharath2507, 

Apologies for the delay in responding but as Jacob mentioned I would definitely start with a good clean up, fixing of the mortar, would it look out of place if once you have cleaned it and repaired the mortar to paint it?  Or even render it if that matched the front of your home better. How far along the front do the stones go?