Funny Nature & Travel Art & Stage Going Viral Science Greetings Inspirational

Edit Profile Recently Viewed Favorites

Main > Tips & DIY > Tips, Life Hacks and DIY

How to Paint Plastic Outlet Covers So They Don't Chip

Edited By: Tamar Z.

Font Size:

A+ A-

So you painted your bedroom a fresh coat color, and now, your stark white outlet covers seem to stand out with contrast. Maybe you even tried painting over them, but the paint chips away easily and doesn’t have a smooth finish. In this article, we'll cover how to paint outlet covers, plastic and metal ceiling registers, and how to wallpaper an outlet cover as well.

Painting plastic switch plates

Painting plastic outlet covers - unscrewing the covers

When painting plastic hardware, two things must be considered: the difference in color and the difference in material between the wall and the covers. The color of your plastic outlet is not identical to that of the wall (even if they are both white). The two must be matched. The difference in material affects the method of painting.

For plastic covers, you'll need:
* An abrasive sponge or sanding paper of 220 grit.
* Oil-based primer.
* The same paint you used for the wall.
* A small foam roller.

1. Unscrew and clean the outlet covers. Use a simple solution of warm water and dish soap. Let it dry completely.
2. If there are any paint stains or a full layer of paint, use rubbing alcohol to remove it. Avoid paint thinner, as it might melt the plastic.
3. Scuff and smooth down the surface with the sponge or sandpaper.
4. Apply a spray on oil-based primer in a single, even, and thin layer. Do this outdoors from a distance of at least 10 inches. Let it dry completely and sand again to smooth out the surface.
5. Work with well-mixed paint and apply the paint with a small foam roller. Start with a light coat and let it dry completely. Once dry, place it up against the wall to see if the colors match. If another layer of paint is needed, scuff the cover again before you apply it. Repeat this process until the colors match.
6. Paint the heads of the nails too. Before installing, finish the paint job with a clear protective finish – it doesn’t have to be shiny if you’re not after that look.
7. Carefully reinstall the socket cover. For the next two weeks or so, be extra careful around your newly installed painted switch covers. It may seem dry, but paint does take a while to dry completely.

Painting plastic outlet covers - spray painting

Decorative painting
If you'd like to take a finer brush and paint a decorative pattern, the preparation process should be just about the same.

1. After removing the cover from the wall, cleaning it, and scuffing it, apply the primer.
2. Let the primer dry and scuff with the sponge or sandpaper.
2. Paint on a smooth base layer - this can be any color you like, but you must do it to cover the primer completely.
3. Using a fine brush, draw your design and let it dry.
4. Do not scuff- simply cover with the clear finish layer and reinstall the cover once dry.

Painting metal covers

For metal ceiling registers and other covers, you can skip the sanding and scuffing. Simply wash them with warm water and dish soap, let dry, apply the primer, and follow up with the paint.

If there is rust, a five-hour vinegar bath should treat it. Rust-neutralizing products will also work. Let them sit for 24 hours and paint the next day.

Applying wallpaper to outlet covers

This process requires some finessing and patience, but it pays off. Follow the instructions on the video below, and your socket should be perfectly hidden!

having trouble playing this movie? click here

Source: 1, 2, 3.

Like Next Post Send Share WhatsApp

Copy Link

Did you mean:

Continue With: Facebook Google

By continuing, you agree to our T&C and Privacy Policy

Report copyright infringement

Print this content

You may also like:

Tips, Life Hacks and DIY

3 Tried and Tested Problem-Solving Methods

GUIDE: Learn 3 Proven Problem-Solving Methods

Your ability to solve problems, or lack thereof, has a great bearing on whether you can be happy and successful. Try these 3 problem-solving methods.

Tips, Life Hacks and DIY

11 Mistakes Any DIY-er Should Avoid

Before you begin your long awaited project, take a look at these common DIY mistakes and make sure you’re not making any of them along the way.

Tips, Life Hacks and DIY

Spruce Up Your Home and Hide Eyesores In These Clever Ways

There are some pretty and clever ways to hide the eye sores that you detest throughout your entire home. Find out!

Tips, Life Hacks and DIY

How to Prevent and Treat Bed Bug Infestations

Here's How You Can Prevent and Treat Bed Bug Infestations

Here Are 7 of the most efficient ways of preventing and treating bed bug infestations.

Tips, Life Hacks and DIY

12 Perennial Flowers For a Colorful Summer Garden

These Flowers Add Color With Very Little Gardening Effort

If you want to have a colorful summer garden but don't fancy dedicating all your free time to it, all you need are these 12 flower varieties. Read on for more.

Tips, Life Hacks and DIY

10 Essential Tips to Revamp Your Home on a Budget

Looking to renovate your home? Here's how to do so on a budget.

Family and parenting

Guide: How To Manage Anger as a Parent

Learning to manage these emotions effectively isn't just important for your own well-being - it's crucial for your children's development and the overall health of your household.

Art

3:02

This Incredible Dance Blew Away Everyone!

This is the Maayas dance troupe, and their coordination and precise movement a total delight to watch.

Send Comment

Related Topics: tips, wallpaper, how to, guide, home, DIY, plastic, home improvement, paint job, decorative, small projects, fix it

Quizzes

Underrated But Brilliant Films

Think you know your under-the-radar masterpieces? Let’s see if you can spot these unpolished cinematic treasures, and if not - we've left you some clues...

What Happened First?

Which event happened first, can you tell us?

Complete the Series

We’ve put together 19 tough questions that will push your thinking to the limit - you have to complete each series using nothing but logic.

Most popular in Tips, Life Hacks and DIY

4:08

Lost a Key and Need to Pick a Lock? Do This!

Need to pick a lock? Here's how to do it.

11 Gardening Myths That MUST Be Debunked

Some erroneous gardening myths managed to spread far and wide, despite being ineffective and even harmful. Here are 11 of such common gardening myths.

Once and For All, Is there a Right Side to Aluminum Foil?

Many home cooks have pondered the question 'should I use the sticky or the dull side of an aluminum foil'? We're here to answer this question once and for all

Make a Room Soundproof Using the Cheapest Method

15:06

How You Can Make a Room Soundproof on the Cheap!

This video will teach you how to create an almost completely soundproof room for the cheapest prices.

How to Properly Remove a Pesky Tick From Your Pet

Our beloved cats and dogs love playing outside just as much as we do and, just like us, they are susceptible to picking up the odd tick every now and again. Ticks carry a wide range of disease so you don't want one on your beloved pet. Here's how to