Tutorial: DIY Fabric-Covered Switch Plates and Outlet Covers
- Step 1: Prepare and cut the fabric. If you, like me, are upcycling upholstery samples for this project, you’ll first need to remove the paper backing from each sample. ...
- Step 2: Glue the upholstery fabric to the switch plate. Lay the fabric face down on your work surface, and the switch plate face down on the fabric. ...
- Step 3: Cut and glue the center holes.
Full Answer
How can I Make my Electrical cover look better?
Whether your electrical device is mounted at an angle, or your junction box is tilted up or back, or the wall surface is lumpy, you'll find solutions to get your electrical cover looking its best. By simply adjusting screws, or by using goof rings, spacers or flexible metal wall plates, we'll help you get your job done fast.
How do you put spacers behind an electrical outlet?
Then you just put the screw back in and slide the spacers on it behind the outlet: Do this for both the top and bottom screw and then tighten them like usual. You may need a longer screw if you need to add this much behind the outlet or switch – I had to get longer screws because the ones that were there were too short with the spacers added.
How can I Make my outlets flush with the backsplash?
If you tile your backsplash you’ll want to use these to make the outlets flush against the tile instead of inset. By the way you’ll need these if you use the pretty switch covers I told you about here: They are pretty thick and will need a spacer or two to make the switches flush again.
How do you fix a crooked electrical outlet box?
Another fix for a crooked outlet box - especially if it's the top or bottom that's sitting further in the wall - is to add a goof ring underneath your receptacles. Goof rings slip into the electrical box but sit flush against the wall surface. Devices are then installed over them, which fixes any alignment issues from tilted or angled wall boxes.
What do you need to do with plastic spacers?
How far out is a spacer?
Can you put an outlet flush with the wall?
Can you use outlets flush against tile?
Do you need a spacer for a flush switch?
What can I use to cover an outlet?
One roll should cover every low-lying outlet in the house. Covering them with tape makes them inaccessible and way less appealing to a curious toddler. You can also use duct tape if you want it to stick a little better; however, duct tape could leave a sticky residue on your outlets and walls.
How do you cover an electrical outlet yourself?
0:041:38How to Cover a Power Outlet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce you've got the glue on the power outlet go ahead and place your paper on top and press down.MoreOnce you've got the glue on the power outlet go ahead and place your paper on top and press down. Turn it over and you're going to use your exacto knife again just to cut out the perimeter.
How do you make your own light switch cover?
1:144:43DIY Light Switch Covers | (EASY DIY) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAround or past the actual size of the switch plate. And then you're going to take your hole punchMoreAround or past the actual size of the switch plate. And then you're going to take your hole punch and punch out the holes for where the screws go then take your craft knife. And cut out the openings.
How do you make a decorative switch plate cover?
0:265:42DIY: CUSTOMIZED SWITCH PLATE COVERS (using a greeting card!)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou will need a greeting card with a design that you like I love collecting cards with beautifulMoreYou will need a greeting card with a design that you like I love collecting cards with beautiful prints and saving them for projects like this a blank switch plate cover. These are very inexpensive.
Can you use an outlet without a cover?
Don't: Leave Outlets without Cover Plates Even if you don't think certain outlets in the apartment work, you should never leave outlets exposed without the cover plates in place. Cover plates are simple to replace, as most fit a standard size and require only two screws to keep in place.
Can you cover outlets with tape?
Answer: No. Although the application of electrical tape to conductive parts, as described above, will likely reduce worker exposure to the shock hazards of uncovered receptacles, it is not an acceptable alternative to retaining receptacle covers in place or turning off power.
How do you decoupage an outlet cover?
0:286:023 Ways to Update Outlet Covers - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCover the front of the outlet with strips of tape and wrap the ends of the tape around to the. Back.MoreCover the front of the outlet with strips of tape and wrap the ends of the tape around to the. Back. Use scissors or a razor blade to cut carefully around the openings.
How do you cut plates on a wall?
0:083:24How to Cut Down a Plastic Switch Plate or Outlet Cover - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what you want to do first is mark. It. Then grab a speed square and reference your mark all theMoreSo what you want to do first is mark. It. Then grab a speed square and reference your mark all the way across the switch plate. Cover.
How do you cover a light switch with paper?
2:535:37How to Decoupage a LIGHT SWITCH COVER / EASY DIY / CustomizeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPress it all around the corners and make sure it's sticking really well to that mod podge and then iMorePress it all around the corners and make sure it's sticking really well to that mod podge and then i like to use the card just to press it down firmly.
How do you decorate a wall outlet cover?
2:2622:06Light Switch Cover Makeovers: 6 Fun Ideas! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe're going to use the gloss mod podge formula. That is our just traditional formula. And we're justMoreWe're going to use the gloss mod podge formula. That is our just traditional formula. And we're just going to do this right onto a light switch plate.
How do you decorate a light switch cover with fabric?
Switch plate cover. Small piece of fabric. Plastic or something to cover your work surface....Start with your average outdated switch plate cover.Cut fabric just a little bigger than your switch plate.Cover the switch plate with Mod Podge.Lay your piece of fabric on top of the Mod Podge, and press down all surfaces.More items...
How do you cover a plate with fabric?
1:3512:59Make Cute Holiday Fabric Plates Using Mod Podge! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust cover the whole thing with a good layer make sure you get the edges. Well. Not too far notMoreJust cover the whole thing with a good layer make sure you get the edges. Well. Not too far not around the other side but just on that top side here. We're gonna just cover this whole thing.
Is covering an outlet a fire hazard?
Is Covering an Outlet a Fire Hazard? Outlet covers are not a fire hazard and can work as a safety precaution in several situations. Covering your outlets is highly recommended for those with toddlers in the home. They may also come in handy if you notice an ill-fitting plug and you need to get your outlet checked out.
How do you close an unused outlet?
You simply need to convert the outlet into a junction box :Flip the circuit breaker off.Unscrew the hots, neutrals, and ground from the outlet and remove the outlet.Splice the hot, neutral, and ground from both sides (charge and load) and put wire nuts on.Cover the box with a junction box lid.Flip the circuit back on.
Can you change outlet cover without turning off power?
Stay cautious when replacing an outlet cover because electric currents are still running through them and can potentially cause harm if not handled properly. Before you begin this repair, we recommend you to turn off the electricity in your household to avoid electrocution.
Can you cover an electrical outlet with a mirror?
You're fine just so long as the receptacles is accessible and as long as you can take the mirror down to service it as need be I don't see a problem.
How to make your electrical outlet flush - YouTube
Quick tutorial on how to make your electrical outlet flush with your wall plate
outlets/switches not flush w/ drywall ...
I thought I posted this last night, but can't for the life of me find it, so here it is again ... What do you do if an outlet/switch box is not flush with the drywall? In some cases we are talking 1/8 to maybe 1/4 inch. This was done some time ago, so no 'fire the electrician comments' .. I don't ev...
Switch Plates Don't Fit Flush, WHY? - DoItYourself.com
Electrical - AC & DC - Switch Plates Don't Fit Flush, WHY? - Hello everyone, I had the interior of my house painted recently and the switch plates were removed during the painting. I told the painter that I would reinstall them. When I went to reinstall them I noticed that most of them don't fit flush against the
What do you need to do with plastic spacers?
You’ll need these plastic spacers from the electrical aisle: First thing you need to do is make SURE the power is off to the outlets or switches your working with. Turn them off at the breaker, then double check with a voltage tester like this: No light or a short light and/or beep means the power is off.
How far out is a spacer?
Each spacer is 1/8th of an inch, so you can measure to see how far out you’ll need.
Can you put an outlet flush with the wall?
Any time you put anything on the wall that adds to the thickness you’ll have an issue with the outlets and switches – the outlet itself won’t be flush with the wall anymore, like this:
Can you use outlets flush against tile?
Of course this works when installing tile too. If you tile your back splash you’ll want to use these to make the outlets flush against the tile instead of inset.
Do you need a spacer for a flush switch?
They are pretty thick and will need a spacer or two to make the switches flush again. (On that outlet we have dimmers installed, that’s why the switches are different.)
Is it Good to Install Outdoor Outlets?
Having an outlet outdoor is almost as useful as having an outlet inside. If you want to mow the lawn, for instance, you will need electricity to power the lawnmower.
Do You Need to Cover Outdoor Outlets?
All outdoor outlets should be covered, whether they are used or not. This is especially important for those ones that are likely exposed to the rain.
What to do if switchplate exposes damaged drywall?
If the switchplate exposes damaged drywall around the electrical box, you can get an oversized cover plate as an easy and inexpensive fix.
How to shift electrical devices?
You can shift electrical devices by (first, turning off the power at the circuit breaker), then loosening the screws mounting them to the electrical box. The devices all have an elongated oval screw hole that allows them to be shifted around to ensure that they line up with cover plate openings. ...
Can you bend a cast metal switch plate?
Cast metal plates are too rigid and won't bend to fit the wall. Choose flexible metal switch plates to cover uneven surfaces. Durable steel switch covers can be cinched down tightly against the wall. Once your switches and outlets are straightened out, make sure your standard size cover completely covers the hole in the drywall. ...
Do you need a spacer for an electrical outlet?
If your electrical devices are sitting in a box that is rotated forward or back, you may need to use spacers to bring the top or bottom of the outlets or light switches forward. For minor adjustments, you'll just need a single spacer.
What do you need to do with plastic spacers?
You’ll need these plastic spacers from the electrical aisle: First thing you need to do is make SURE the power is off to the outlets or switches your working with. Turn them off at the breaker, then double check with a voltage tester like this: No light or a short light and/or beep means the power is off.
How far out is a spacer?
Each spacer is 1/8th of an inch, so you can measure to see how far out you’ll need.
Can you put an outlet flush with the wall?
Any time you put anything on the wall that adds to the thickness you’ll have an issue with the outlets and switches – the outlet itself won’t be flush with the wall anymore, like this:
Can you use outlets flush against tile?
Of course this works when installing tile too. If you tile your back splash you’ll want to use these to make the outlets flush against the tile instead of inset.
Do you need a spacer for a flush switch?
They are pretty thick and will need a spacer or two to make the switches flush again. (On that outlet we have dimmers installed, that’s why the switches are different.)
