Update Discolored Outlets With Spray Paint

by Gypsy Girl Revivals

3 Materials

Have a bunch of older plug outlets that are totally functional, but just not the right color for your new decor? Nothing a little spray paint can't fix.

update discolored outlets with spray paint, painting

First tape off the area with painters tape to try to cut down on overspray. I used a spray primer made for plastic. Be sparing it is a super thin paint, and will try to run if you use to much. Several short spurts will do the trick.

After that has dried go back, and spray it with a white spray paint. I used a Krylon Fusion that was labeled for use on plastic. I then used a Krylon spray clear coat to protect my painted surface so it wouldn't scrap off with use.

Next remove tape after drying. If there is any overspray touch up your wall paint. Then you have yourself a brand-new looking outlet for not a lot of money. One can of primer, paint, and clear coat will do many, many outlets.

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Frequently asked questions

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3 of 9 questions

Annie on Aug 02, 2018

did you put something in the holes where the plug goes in?

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Ama34134828 on Sep 22, 2018

do you turn off the circuit breaker before doing this? does this apply to light switches too. I bought a fixer upper and we have those awful almond colored outlets and lights switches

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34354174 on Sep 13, 2019

I am curious as to why you didn't caulk the bottom of the cover.
Before doing anything to an electrical outlet or anything that can effect electricity, go to you local fire dept. and ask if it is allowed. Or call the city/county code dept for builders. They can tell you the answer.
I have painted mine with a brush and made sure I did not get paint inside the outlet.
The fire dept told me that paint, caulk, plaster mud, etc. if inside the socket can cause a fire due to the plug not resting properly inside and it is a huge fire hazard.

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4 of 21 comments

Cadence on Sep 15, 2019

I'm a little concerned about getting paint into the sockets, and onto the copper contacts inside. Maybe temporarily stuffing popsicle sticks, and wooden chopsticks cut to size, while spraying, might mitigate this issue.

3 Reply
- Mike Williamson on Dec 27, 2021
  
  Nothing should be put into an electrical outlet but the prongs of an electrical plug.
  
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Em on Jan 07, 2020

The first thing wrong is this plug is obviously by a water outlet (sink, tub or faucet).
By code it HAS to be a GFI plug. (Ground Fault Interrupter).
Second you DO NOT want to spray paint into a receptacle and you don't want to put anything in a live circuit to plug the holes WHILE you spray. This entire post is a no-no.
Cut the circuit, remove the plate cover, paint it and replace it. If the receptacle itself is the wrong color or not to your liking, WITH THE POWER CUT OFF COMPLETELY, REPLACE THE RECEPTACLE ITSELF. THEY ARE DIRT CHEAP AT THE HARDWARE STORE.

3 Reply
- Grace Gleason on Jan 08, 2021
  
  And while you are at it, purchase an oversized receptacle cover. Girl, you need one.
  
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