Welcome!
Please see our video, step by step guide, and FAQs for everything you need to know about painting & restoring your pole. What is it that makes a pole great? Is it the fact that it supports the cables that delivers energy to our homes? Or… is it the fact that it is an opportunity to express your artistic creativity?
How-to-Paint-a-Pole video:
Watch Beth Threlfall & Emily Grav explain how to paint a pole on Gladstone Avenue:
Steps in painting a telephone pole:
- Pick-up a Pole Painting Kit—find out when and where here.
- Design your pole! Bold graphics & stencils make for a great design and are easier to paint.
- Check with your neighbours before painting a pole. Download, print and use our letter to your neighbour.
- Use thick gloves and remove any nails and obstructions to your artwork.
- Cover the ground to ensure no paint is spilled on anything other than your canvas.
- Prime your pole with a base coat of paint on the Friday before Pole Painting Day so it has time to dry.
- Paint your design anytime on Pole Painting Day on the second Saturday in September.
- Clean-up all your supplies & paint, put up a wet paint sign, and admire your work!
What are the rules?
- No splatter or drip painting
- Avoid using text in your design
- No logos or commercial images
- No overt political and religious symbols or messaging
- No painting is allowed on the sidewalk or any surface other than the pole
- Have fun!
Frequently Asked Questions & Signage Downloads:
How do I register or sign-up to paint the pole outside my house?
There is no formal registration for painting a telephone pole. To ensure you get to paint the pole you wish, please download and print or pick up a “This Pole has an Artist” sign and tape it to your pole. When your design is created, please inform your neighbours, letting them know what art you will enjoy together. Please feel free to use our letter template: Pole Painting Project Neighbour Letter. Fernwood NRG does not assign poles.
What does a pole painting kit include?
- An info sheet about pole painting
- One large container of primer/basecoat paint
- Four to five containers of colourful paint (you choose the colours)
- Signage: “This Pole has an Artist”, “Drive Slow”, and “Wet Paint” signs
- A letter for your neighbour letting them know what you would like to paint on the pole you’ll enjoy together
- Paint brushes
- Sponges
- Shelf liner/MacTac (to create stencils)
When do I paint my pole?
Pick up your Pole Painting Kit—find out when and where here. Paint your pole on Pole Painting Day—the second Saturday in September.
How long does it take to paint a pole?
It takes approximately 2-3 hours to paint a pole. You will need to apply a basecoat (primer) and potentially clean up the pole before painting. We suggest doing this on Friday evening. Then Saturday, paint your design. We recommend preparing your design beforehand and using stencils to create your graphics.
My pole is already painted, am I allowed painting over it?
The beauty of the Pole Painting Project is the temporary nature of the art, the community spirit, and vibe it creates. While it is not our role to choose who gets to paint which pole, we highly suggest using our letter to inform and discuss with your neighbour before painting.
If it has tags on it but the pole is still beautiful, please take this time to restore your pole! If it is looking old, perhaps some new art is welcome. This is all up to you, the neighbourhood!
I would rather the pole near my house not be painted, how do I ensure this?
Please download and print a “Please leave this Pole Blank” sign or come by our office to pick one up. Post it to the pole near your house that you wish to not be painted.