How to Paint an Ugly Electric Meter Box

Last Updated on August 19, 2024 by lindseymahoney

Painting your electric meter box might not be at the top of your home improvement list, but it’s a small project that can make a big difference in the curb appeal of your home. An electric meter box, especially if it’s located in a visible spot, can stick out like a sore thumb.

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

Fortunately, with a little bit of paint and some simple steps, you can blend it seamlessly with your home’s exterior. Here’s how to do it.

How to Paint Your Electric Meter Box Outside Your House
1 | Gather Materials to Paint
2 | Clean the Meter Box
3 | Tape the Glass Cap on the Electric Meter
4 | Protect the Surrounding Areas
5 | Paint the Electrical Meter Box
5 | Remove the Tape
Painted Electric Meter | REVEAL
FAQs
Similar Content You Will Love

How to Paint Your Electric Meter Box Outside Your House

[Affiliate links included in this blog post, thanks for supporting Building Bluebird!]

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 look of the exterior of your home. 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.

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

1 | Gather Materials to Paint

Materials Needed to Paint Electrical Meter:

Spray Paint (with the ability to withstand extreme weather)
Krud Kutter
Rag
Painter’s Tape
Cardboard
Wire Brush
Dropcloth

When it comes to choosing the right type of paint for your electric meter, there are a few factors to consider. First and foremost, you’ll want to select a durable paint that is specifically formulated for outdoor use. This will ensure that it can withstand the kinds of weather conditions in your area 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.

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

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.

2 | Clean the Meter Box

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 actual 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. If your utility box has rust on the surface, use a wire brush to remove any loose rust before painting.

3 | Tape the Glass Cap on the Electric Meter

Quick and affordable DIY to camouflage your ugly electrical meter

Take special care to tape off the glass meter cover to protect it from paint. This still needs to be visible after the meter box cover is painted.

4 | Protect the Surrounding Areas

Lay down a drop cloth or a piece of cardboard underneath the meter box to catch any drips or spills. It’s not a bad idea to use painter’s tape to mask off any other areas where you don’t want paint spraying onto the exterior wall of your home.

I did this project in a quick and dirty way using leftover cardboard in my garage. Holding the cardboard behind the meter box, as I sprayed different areas of the electrical box.

5 | Paint the Electrical Meter 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 paint primer first.

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

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.

Painted 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 DIY garden projects like installing a brick border for your flower bed and upcycling an old, rusted arbor.

Painting your electric meter box is a simple DIY project that can enhance the look of your home’s exterior. By following these easy steps, you can turn an eyesore into a feature that blends beautifully with your home.

FAQs

What are the 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 do you camouflage an electric meter?

Along with paint, I have planted perennials strategically to help in camouflage the meter box.

Tall grasses and plants like hollyhock are great options to plant to help hide your electrical meter box.

Can you paint the exterior of the electrical equipment?

As long as the meter reader can read it accurately and it functions properly, it can be painted. Remember to use the right paint that will withstand all weather conditions!