How To Make Decorative House Numbers

Are you ready to add a splash of country charm to your home? This DIY project will help you create your very own unique house numbers that not only serve a practical purpose but also add that perfect rustic touch to your cottage-style home. Let’s dive in and create something beautiful together!

Looking for decorative house numbers for your home? Maybe something to add a little of that farmhouse touch to the front of your home?

Making your own decorative house numbers is a great way to bring some of that country charm right to your doorstep. This project requires just a few materials, but the results are stunning.

Making these milk cans is unbelievably easy, and best of all, they require no previous painting skills.

Let’s get our paint on!

How To Make Decorative House Numbers

Welcome to the world of DIY projects! Making your own decorative house numbers is easier than you may think. With some simple supplies and a bit of creativity, you can design beautiful, personalized pieces that will make your home stand out from the rest.

Supplies Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Milk can (or cans if you have a long house number)
• High-quality outdoor paint (I love this brand from DecoArt. You will need one color for the can and one for the number.)
• Paintbrush
• Stencil (optional)

Decorative House Number Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions on how to paint your house numbers on a milk can…

Step 1: Clean the milk can

Start with any milk can! You can often find these at flea markets and farm auctions. Most of the time, they will be rusty.

Knock off as much rust as you can and give the can a good cleaning.

You can clean the milk can by scrubbing it with steel wool and dish soap.

Step 2: Paint the milk can

Once the milk can is prepped and cleaned, it’s time to start painting.

Start with a base coat of your chosen color. You can use either flat or gloss paint, depending on your preference. Just make sure it’s a good-quality paint!

I used DecoArt Americana Outdoor Living in Morning Glory for the base color. One coat of black paint is usually enough, but it may take two coats depending on how much rust was knocked off in step one.

Allow the milk cans to dry completely before continuing.

Step 3: Paint the house numbers

Now you can add your decorative house numbers to the front!

I actually free-handed mine on the front, but you can use a stencil if desired. Since the surface is curved and probably rough, I would recommend tracing the stencil with a pencil and filling that area in with paint.

You will probably have to give the house number a few coats, especially if you are putting black over white.

Allow everything to dry completely, then add your fun new decorative house numbers to the front of your home. I put my house number on a milk can outside of the front door!

FAQs

If you have questions about making these decorative milk cans, I have answers for you! Please leave your question for me in the comments if you don’t see it already answered below.

What type of paint should be used on the milk can?

You will want to use high-quality outdoor paint, such as DecoArt Americana Outdoor Living. This paint is made for outdoor projects and holds up well to the elements.

Does the milk can need to be sealed?

No, you do not have to seal the milk can after painting. The paint should hold up well against the elements and will not need an extra sealant.

Is there a way to make the numbers look more decorative?

Yes! To make your house numbers stand out, you can add details with colored paint or glitter. I bet it would turn out so cute!

More craft ideas

If you love this project and want to make your own house decor, we have those for you! Just follow the links below.

• Rustic Chalkboard for Your Farmhouse
• Farmhouse Kitchen Ideas
• Vintage Farmhouse Decor on the Porch
• Farmhouse Kitchen Decor
• Over 30 Rustic Sign Projects

How To Make Decorative House Numbers

Are you ready to add a splash of country charm to your home? This DIY project will help you create your very own unique house numbers that not only serve a practical purpose but also add that perfect rustic touch to your cottage-style home. Let's dive in and create something beautiful together!

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Supplies

• Milk can or cans if you have a long house number
• High-quality outdoor paint I love this brand from DecoArt. You will need one color for the can and one for the number.
• Paintbrush
• Stencil optional

Instructions

• Start with any milk can! You can often find these at flea markets and farm auctions. Most of the time, they will be rusty.
• Knock off as much rust as you can and give the can a good cleaning. You can clean the milk can by scrubbing it with steel wool and dish soap.
• Once the milk can is prepped and cleaned, it’s time to start painting.
• Start with a base coat of your chosen color. You can use either flat or gloss paint, depending on your preference. Just make sure it's a good-quality paint!

  I used DecoArt Americana Outdoor Living in Morning Glory for the base color. One coat of black paint is usually enough, but it may take two coats depending on how much rust was knocked off in step one.
• Allow the milk cans to dry completely before continuing.
• Now you can add your decorative house numbers to the front! I actually free-handed mine on the front, but you can use a stencil if desired. Since the surface is curved and probably rough, I would recommend tracing the stencil with a pencil and filling that area in with paint.
• Allow everything to dry completely, then add your fun new decorative house numbers to the front of your home. I put my house number on a milk can outside of the front door!

Tried this project?tag us to show off your work!