How to Paint Your Electric Meter Box | DIY

Last Updated on June 8, 2023 by lindseymahoney

Are you tired of the eyesore that is your electric meter? It’s time to transform it from drab to fab with a fresh coat of paint!

How to camouflage an ugly electrical meter with paint and perennials | Building Bluebird #diy

Earlier this year we began updating our new backyard and planning the garden. When we removed the tall shrubs on one side of the house, the old electric meter box was front and center.

Backyard renovation with quick and easy DIY tips | Building Bluebird

Painting your electric meter is a simple and cost-effective way to improve the overall aesthetics of your property. It is a necessary element of our home, but I didn’t want it to be so visible! A fresh coat of paint can work wonders in transforming the appearance of this often-overlooked utility.

Benefits of Painting Your Electric Meter

Painting your electric meter is a simple and cost-effective way to improve the overall aesthetics of your property.

While it may seem like a small detail, the appearance of your electric meter can have a big impact on the curb appeal of your home. By painting it, you can instantly refresh the look of your exterior and make a positive first impression.

How to Paint Your Electric Meter Box Outside Your House

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This project took less than an hour and has helped tremendously with hiding the meter box.

1 | Gather Materials to Paint

When it comes to choosing the right paint for your electric meter, there are a few factors to consider. First and foremost, you’ll want to select a paint that is specifically formulated for outdoor use. This will ensure that it can withstand the elements and provide long-lasting results.

Opt for a paint that is weather-resistant, fade-resistant, and provides good coverage. Acrylic or latex-based paints are often a good choice for outdoor applications, as they dry quickly, are easy to clean up, and offer a wide range of color options.

Consider the color of your home’s exterior when selecting a paint color for your electric meter. You can choose a color that matches or complements the existing color scheme to create a cohesive look.

I chose a white paint color with a matte finish to blend seamlessly with the exterior of our home.

Materials Needed to Paint Electrical Meter:

2 | Clean the Meter Box

Step by step tutorial for updating your electrical meter box | Building Bluebird

Before you dive into painting your electric meter, it’s important to properly prepare it to ensure the best results. Start by cleaning the surface of the meter to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that may be present.

I used Krud Kutter and a rag to clean the electrical meter box of dirt and dust.

3 | Tape the Glass Cap on the Electric Meter

Quick and affordable DIY to camouflage your ugly electrical meter

Tape off the glass meter to protect it from paint. This still needs to be visible after the electrical meter is painted.

4 | Protect the House & Paint

I did this project in a quick and dirty way. I used leftover cardboard in my garage and held the cardboard as I sprayed different areas of the meters.

You can absolutely take more time to tape off the back of the house to prevent any overspray from getting on the home.

Use Frogtape to protect the glass electrical meter cap when spray painting the box

I used one can of spray paint to complete this project but it cut it close. I would recommend two cans to be safe and not run out. For a really professional finish, use a primer first.

5 | Remove the Tape

How to camouflage an ugly electrical meter with paint and perennials | Building Bluebird #diy #englishgarden #gardening

Once I finished painting the meter and gave it time to dry, I removed the tape from the meter.

Of course, the electrical meter is still visible, but it is not the first thing my eye travels to when I look at my garden growing.

Electric Meter Reveal

The leftover pole next to the meter is no longer in use so we are going to remove it from the wall soon.

As we continue to work on our backyard, we will remove old wires no longer in use and any other attachments like the metal rod next to the meter.

Update your electrical meter with spray paint and tall perennials #diy

The backyard at our new home we call the Cape Cottage is starting to resemble her name!

How to paint your electrical meter | Building Bluebird

If you enjoyed this DIY, check out our other garden DIY projects like installing a brick border for your flower bed and upcycling an old, rusted arbor.