Painted outlet and switch covers will blend right into the wall.
Many houses, especially new homes in subdivisions, have white outlet and switch covers throughout the house. This is fine when your walls are white, but can be unattractive when floating in the middle of your bright or deeply colored decor. If you don't want a glaring white plastic switch plate as the focal point of your living room wall, paint those outlet and switch covers to blend right in to the surrounding color.
Instructions
Preparation
1. Spread the tarp out on the floor. You'll use one end for sanding, the other for painting.
2. Remove the outlet covers from the wall using a screwdriver. After removing screws and covers, put the screws back into their place in the outlet. This way there are no loose screws to keep track of.
3. Bring the outlet covers to one end of the tarp. Wipe off all fingerprints and smudges with cloth and all-purpose cleaner. Alternatively, you can wash with soap and water and then dry with an old dish towel.
4. Sand the surface of the covers lightly using the sandpaper. You just want to take off some of the smoothness, so that the paint will adhere. Don't forget the edges.
5. Remove all dust from the covers using the soft dust cloth. Alternatively, you can rinse them with water and then dry with a towel.
Painting
6. Stack the sanded and cleaned outlets on the opposite, dust-free end of the tarp. Put on gloves.
7. Open paint and pour a small amount into the roller tray.
8. Dip the paint brush in the paint and remove the excess by brushing back and forth over the high end of the roller tray. You don't need a lot of paint on the brush.
9. Pick up the first outlet cover and carefully paint the edges. Use a light coat and try not to get a lot of paint on the back. Quickly brush away any drips. Don't worry about any streaks; this is only the first coat.
10. Place outlet cover face up carefully on a clean area of the tarp. Then lightly brush on the first coat. You can hold the cover in place by placing your fingers in the openings. You can always lightly touch up any missed spots from where your fingers may have touched. Use smooth strokes, in the same direction. This helps prevent noticeable brush marks in the finished product.
11. Repeat for the remaining outlets. Follow the paint manufacturer's guidelines for appropriate drying time.
12. Apply a second coat when the outlets are dry.
13. Screw the outlet and switch covers back into their places on the walls.
Tips Warnings
When outlet cover paint is still a bit tacky, carefully shift the outlets to a new place on the tarp. The painted edges can stick to the tarp, and it's easier and less damaging to move them when they are not completely dry.
Don't use heavy grit sandpaper or press too hard. You don't want to have big noticeable scratches or gouges in the surface of the outlet covers.
Do not paint the actual switch or outlet. Getting paint into the electrical mechanisms can be dangerous and will interfere with function.
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