How to Paint Curb Numbers (DIY Guide)
If you want to paint your own curb numbers, here's exactly how to do it right — materials, prep, stencils, paint. We'll also be honest about where DIY usually goes wrong, and the math on whether it's worth it vs. paying a pro $30.
Materials: $40–$60
Painter's tape, stencils, primer, exterior concrete paint (2 colors), brushes. More than $30 once you total it up.
Time: 2–3 hours
Prep, mask, paint two coats, wait for drying between coats. Most first-timers underestimate by half.
Skill: Medium
The trickiest part is keeping crisp stencil edges. Bleed-through is the #1 thing that ruins DIY curb jobs.
What You'll Need
Materials list: 1) Stiff brush or pressure washer for cleaning, 2) 80-grit sandpaper or sanding block, 3) Painter's tape, 4) Number stencils (4-inch is standard — buy them or print and cut), 5) Primer for concrete (~$15), 6) Black exterior latex paint (~$10 quart), 7) White exterior latex paint or curb-grade reflective paint (~$15), 8) Two cheap brushes or a small roller, 9) Drop cloth or cardboard to protect the street.
Step 1: Prep the Curb
This is where most DIY jobs fail. Scrub or pressure-wash the curb to remove all dirt, grass clippings, oil, and any old paint flaking off. Sand the entire painting area with 80-grit to give the new paint something to bite. Wipe clean and let the concrete fully dry — at least 24 hours if it was wet. Painting wet or dirty concrete = paint peeling off within months.
Step 2: Mask and Paint the Background
Tape off a rectangle on the curb where your black background will go — usually 4–5 inches tall and 12–18 inches wide depending on how many digits. Apply two coats of black exterior latex inside the tape, waiting 2 hours between coats. Pull the tape while the second coat is still slightly tacky for the cleanest edge.
Step 3: Apply Stencils and Paint Numbers
Once the black is fully dry (overnight is safest), position your number stencils on the black background. Tape them down firmly — any gap = paint bleeding under the stencil = blurry numbers. Use a stiff brush or small roller and dab paint downward (don't sweep — sweeping pushes paint under the stencil). Two thin coats look cleaner than one thick coat. Peel the stencil while paint is still slightly wet.
The Honest Math
Real DIY cost: $40-60 in materials + 2-3 hours of your time + the risk of redoing it if the stencils bleed or paint peels. Our flat rate is $30. We're done in 30 minutes. We have professional stencils, premium concrete paint, and we've painted over 1,000 curbs — we know exactly how to avoid the mistakes that wreck DIY jobs. For most homeowners, $30 for a 30-minute service vs. an afternoon of effort is an easy call. But if you enjoy the project and want the pride of having done it yourself, the guide above gives you a real shot at a clean result.
Frequently Asked
What kind of paint should I use for curb numbers?
Exterior latex or premium concrete/masonry paint. Avoid craft paint and standard interior paint — they'll fade or peel within months. Look for paint rated for horizontal concrete surfaces.
Where do I get curb number stencils?
Amazon and Harbor Freight sell reusable plastic stencil sets. Cardboard stencils printed at home also work but tend to bleed more. The bigger and stiffer the stencil, the cleaner your edges.
How long does DIY curb paint last?
If prep is done well, 2-3 years. If prep is skipped (most DIY), as little as 6 months before peeling starts.
Is it really worth paying $30 if materials are similar?
For most people, yes — you skip the 2-3 hour time investment, get a guaranteed clean result, and the materials don't sit in your garage afterward. But if you're already a DIYer with most materials on hand, doing it yourself is a fun afternoon project.
Can I get reflective DIY paint?
Yes — Rust-Oleum and a few specialty brands make reflective masonry paint. It's pricier (~$25/can) and trickier to apply evenly. Reflective paint is included in our $30 standard service, which makes it a notable price advantage.
Skip the DIY — $30 Done in 30 Minutes
Call or text 539-368-8266 — pricing starts at $30, same-day response.
Call 539-368-8266