Painting outlets
by
Andrea
+2
We recently removed outlet covers, ceiling fans, basically all we could so painters could come in and paint paint our new condo walls, ceiling and trim (that's too much fumes for me, as I have quite a few respiratory issues, and my husband doesn't have the time). We are replacing the outlet covers (bright white). However, the receptacle itself is still a beige cover, and we really can't afford to replace all those receptacles (plus rewiring). I was told you can't paint it, because you don't want to get paint down in the electrical area. But, if you're very careful, it CAN be done. Has anyone ever done that before, and if so, how did you tape over the holes; what kind of paint did you use? Basically, how did you safely do it? I really don't want white outlet covers with beige interiors. :(
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Yes Andrea. I have painted them for years. Paint them while they are still off. Let it dry & reinstall. Easy!
It's very simple to replace the electrical outlet, just look at the wires on the old ones first and reattach the new ones exactly as they were. TURN OFF THE ELECTRICITY BEFORE YOU START!!! New outlets are pretty inexpensive . You COULD also paint the old ones, but, it doesn't look as good and it comes off the more you use them.
Just regular enamel paint, use some emery cloth to lightly sand them-it a thin pop stick in eachliightly paint
Awesome y'all. Thank you!
I don't know if you tackled this project yet. Another DIYer had the same problem you're having. Instead of having to uninstall and unwire the old outlets, then install and rewire new outlets, she found these covers at Home Depot & they fit right over the existing electrical outlets.
http://dreamdesigndiy.com/easy-electrical-outlet-cover-tip/