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Curb Address Number Painting Frequently Asked Questions:
Is the paint reflective?
The paint can only be made reflective and durable enough to last if a light color such as white is used for painting the numbers and the reflective surface is applied on the surface of the white paint while still wet. Applying it on black would do nothing to add reflectivity as the black color would absorb all the light, and using a white background with reflective coating would make it impossible for black numbers to adhere to the coating. Except if your existing numbers or those of neighbors are currently white on a black background and you want to keep the status quo, black numbers on a white background are recommended, being the vastly preferred aesthetic choice of colors. Black numbers on white also match the color scheme of most neighborhoods in the USA and conform to all known municipal regulations to our knowledge where any may exist.
Also, having tried the method of reflective white numerals on a black background, the additional benefit of reflectivity is very minuscule as the surface area of the numerals is vastly smaller when compared to long and wide reflective interstate stripes. It doesn't nearly justify reversing the more aesthetic white background with black numbers. The black on white contrast is by far the main factor in maximizing visibility, not reflectivity.
How long will the paint last?
Twenty nine years of experience have consistently shown by far the dominant factor in wear is the amount of mildew on the concrete surface prior to painting. Some painted in brand new neighborhoods with new curbs and few trees have looked almost new after 10 years, yet in neighborhoods with older cement with many trees dropping leaves, acorns, or pine straw, any paint used would wear quickly - in these situations, we instinctively use more paint than necessary in preparation for more wear. For best results in cases of excessive mildew, we suggest the homeowner pre-treat with a home pressure washer or simply douse with bleach. No sealants would help much as the vast majority of wear is from the mildew under the surface of the paint on the concrete.
Can curb address numbers be painted on curved surfaced curbs as well as flat curbs?
Yes, very easily! Painting on a curved surfaced curb is no problem.
Is there extra cost to repaint two or more spots that are already painted?
No, we like to keep things simple - there is no extra cost to repaint a residence with curb numbers at two spots, or in cases like where there is not enough room on the curb and the numbers can only be painted on both corners of the driveway where the drive aprons up. For rare case of painting the numbers at three or more spots, the charge is $10 more for each additional spot. In the comments section of the contact form, please describe how many spots you require and describe where.
Doesn't GPS make the need for curb address numbers obsolete?
NO, not by a long shot! When GPS announces that you are arriving near an address, it often can announce this when the vehicle is many houses away, or even past the address. Many GPS systems will divide the length of the street by the number of homes on that section of street and come up with the calculation that on a street for example ten houses long, each house takes up one-tenth of the street, not taking into account that often all of the properties have a different frontage length to the street. And good luck with GPS on small cul-de-sacs where at the end all the driveways meet almost next to each other like at the center of spokes on a wheel!
Which are better: attached curb address numbers or painted curb address numbers?
Painted curb address numbers are the hands down, no-brainer far better choice than attached curb address numbers. Anything that can be installed or attached on the curb can and will come off. Similarly, any paint that is used to paint the curb numbers will wear eventually. The big difference is that when paint wears, repainting is done without hindrance. When installed or attached numbers become worn or detached, complete removal must be done before re-installing. This can and often is very laborious, even if the curb itself is not damaged (as it often is). Tires or other objects can remove part or all of the installed numbers, leaving a partial damaged or missing number or the anchor bolts that attached them. Also, replacement is more difficult after removal because the exact address needs to be ordered individually and replaced vs. just doing a quick repainting if the numbers had originally been painted instead of attached.
Is the paint reflective?
The paint can only be made reflective and durable enough to last if a light color such as white is used for painting the numbers and the reflective surface is applied on the surface of the white paint while still wet. Applying it on black would do nothing to add reflectivity as the black color would absorb all the light, and using a white background with reflective coating would make it impossible for black numbers to adhere to the coating. Except if your existing numbers or those of neighbors are currently white on a black background and you want to keep the status quo, black numbers on a white background are recommended, being the vastly preferred aesthetic choice of colors. Black numbers on white also match the color scheme of most neighborhoods in the USA and conform to all known municipal regulations to our knowledge where any may exist.
Also, having tried the method of reflective white numerals on a black background, the additional benefit of reflectivity is very minuscule as the surface area of the numerals is vastly smaller when compared to long and wide reflective interstate stripes. It doesn't nearly justify reversing the more aesthetic white background with black numbers. The black on white contrast is by far the main factor in maximizing visibility, not reflectivity.
How long will the paint last?
Twenty nine years of experience have consistently shown by far the dominant factor in wear is the amount of mildew on the concrete surface prior to painting. Some painted in brand new neighborhoods with new curbs and few trees have looked almost new after 10 years, yet in neighborhoods with older cement with many trees dropping leaves, acorns, or pine straw, any paint used would wear quickly - in these situations, we instinctively use more paint than necessary in preparation for more wear. For best results in cases of excessive mildew, we suggest the homeowner pre-treat with a home pressure washer or simply douse with bleach. No sealants would help much as the vast majority of wear is from the mildew under the surface of the paint on the concrete.
Can curb address numbers be painted on curved surfaced curbs as well as flat curbs?
Yes, very easily! Painting on a curved surfaced curb is no problem.
Is there extra cost to repaint two or more spots that are already painted?
No, we like to keep things simple - there is no extra cost to repaint a residence with curb numbers at two spots, or in cases like where there is not enough room on the curb and the numbers can only be painted on both corners of the driveway where the drive aprons up. For rare case of painting the numbers at three or more spots, the charge is $10 more for each additional spot. In the comments section of the contact form, please describe how many spots you require and describe where.
Doesn't GPS make the need for curb address numbers obsolete?
NO, not by a long shot! When GPS announces that you are arriving near an address, it often can announce this when the vehicle is many houses away, or even past the address. Many GPS systems will divide the length of the street by the number of homes on that section of street and come up with the calculation that on a street for example ten houses long, each house takes up one-tenth of the street, not taking into account that often all of the properties have a different frontage length to the street. And good luck with GPS on small cul-de-sacs where at the end all the driveways meet almost next to each other like at the center of spokes on a wheel!
Which are better: attached curb address numbers or painted curb address numbers?
Painted curb address numbers are the hands down, no-brainer far better choice than attached curb address numbers. Anything that can be installed or attached on the curb can and will come off. Similarly, any paint that is used to paint the curb numbers will wear eventually. The big difference is that when paint wears, repainting is done without hindrance. When installed or attached numbers become worn or detached, complete removal must be done before re-installing. This can and often is very laborious, even if the curb itself is not damaged (as it often is). Tires or other objects can remove part or all of the installed numbers, leaving a partial damaged or missing number or the anchor bolts that attached them. Also, replacement is more difficult after removal because the exact address needs to be ordered individually and replaced vs. just doing a quick repainting if the numbers had originally been painted instead of attached.
