Wiring Household Plug

Wiring Household Plug

Wiring Household Plug

Because a backsplash is such a focal point in a kitchen, it really needs to make a design statement. Spending a lot of money on a backsplash and then having to have electrical receptacles mar its beauty, is not desirable but necessary. By following these steps, these receptacles will almost disappear and leave only the dramatic statement you intended to make with your beautiful backsplash in the first place.

Materials Needed

  • Spray or brush on primer of your choice
  • Styrofoam plate, tray or a cardboard box to punch screws into
  • Newsprint or drop cloth to protect the garage floor from over spray
  • One or two 1’ to 2” chip brushes. Some artist’s brushes if you need to paint a detailed design as shown in the photo
  • Acrylic paint to match the wall color (There are many colors available in small craft size bottles. Any craft store should carry them. Purchase a few bottles for the average sized room. Pick colors that appear in the backsplash.)
  • A small paint roller

Instructions for Painting your Switch and Plug Plates

  • Turn off all power to the area you are working in. Cutting power at the breaker box is best.
  • Remove all of the plates at once, including screws. Use a Styrofoam plate or tray and punch the screws into the foam. Lay the plates on drop or paper in the garage to prevent over spray. Spray paint them with a primer or stipple primer on with a brush. Two light coats is better than one thick coat. Try to get a primer that is close to the color you will be painting your plates. You can have paint or primers tinted any color. Do only the surface and not down into any of the holes in the plate.
  • Now you will need to paint the receptacles on the wall. Again, make sure electricity is off. Be sure not to use a wet rag or metal objects around the receptacles. Use a chip brush or a small plastic roller and be careful not to touch the wires on the sides. Since you cannot remove the receptacles from the wall, you will have to paint them in place. Cover the area under each receptacle to prevent over spray or dripping. To protect the wall around the receptacle, cut a hole in a piece of cardboard so it fits loosely around the receptacle. Make sure the piece of cardboard is big enough to block the over spray of the primer or the spread of a brush if you are stippling the paint on. It is better to give each receptacle a few light coats of primer rather than one heavy coat.

Pick the right Base Coat Color for your Best Results

  • Decide on a base coat color for your switches and mix up enough paint to cover all of the plates, receptacles and screws. Again, two light coats are better than one heavy one.
  • Once all the plates and plugs are dry, set the plates back onto each receptacle temporarily. Mark each plate with a number on the back and label your receptacles correspondingly. If the backsplash varies in color or design, each receptacle and plate will need to be painted differently. For example, a grout line may hit where the receptacle is placed and you will want to paint that in the proper place in order to really make the receptacle and plate disappear. Use light pencil marks or use a watercolor pencil to draw the lines in. This can work if the backsplash has been wallpapered too. Put the plate in place and try to pencil in the design that surrounds it.
  • If your backsplash is granite, marble or stone, practice on a piece of cardboard to see if you can come up with colors that will match correctly. Study the wall to determine the colors that are in it. Try layering different colors with a natural sponge to see if you can simulate the backsplash colors correctly. As you are working, write down the colors you are using so you will be able to reproduce it correctly.
  • Remove each plate from the wall and paint your designs with acrylic, craft paints. Let them dry completely.

Not Every Part of the Receptacle should be Painted

  • Don’t paint the switches with primer or paint; they get handled too much and the paint will eventually wear off. Tape over them and leave them white.

To Ensure Durability, Top Coat with Clear Acrylic

  • The next step is very important in making sure that the receptacles and plates will remain durable over the years. Be sure to let everything dry completely and then spray your plates, plugs and screws with a clear, satin acrylic spray. Apply at least 2 coats of acrylic spray. Brush on clear, satin acrylic works fine if spray is not available. Let dry completely to ensure durability.
  • As you install all of the switch and plug plates to their rightful places, be careful not to scratch them with your screwdriver. Don’t tighten the screws all the way for a few days.