Decoupage Switchplate Directions and Ideas

How-To Instructions for Decorative Paper Covered Light Switch Plates

By Kyle McKeown Mansfield

• Supplies Needed: Varnish, decorative papers or photos, plain light switchplate cover, scissors, brush, Xacto knife or small boxcutter, wax paper. A metal switchplate with straight edges is recommended because it provides a rigid surface that will not flex; straight sides provide a crisp edge for folding and covering corners. Avoid plates with a rounded surface or curved edges as these are more difficult to work with and may cause the paper to wrinkle.
• Step 1: Varnish the Paper - Trim a piece of decorative paper roughly 3/4" larger in each direction than the switchplate you intend to cover. Working on a piece of wax paper, paint the surface of it with varnish and allow to dry.
• Step 2: Varnish the Switchplate - Brush the surface of the switch plate cover with an even coating of varnish.
• Step 3: Press Paper to Switchplate - Working on a hard surface, lay the switchplate on top of the back side of the decorative paper and press. Flip over and gently smooth the surface with fingers, or with a brayer if you have one, working from the center to the edges, pressing out any wrinkles or bubbles.
• Step 4: Cut Corners and Center - Using the Xacto knife or boxcutter, make a diagonal cut out from each outside corner, cutting in slightly behind switchplate - this is where the paper will slightly overlap when folded back. For the centers, cut an "X" in the center opening for a toggle switch. If working on an outlet, making more cross cuts (like cutting a pizza) will create a smoother edge when folded to the back. On a large Decora style opening, you may need an extra cut at the corners as well - any area with a slightly rounded edge will require more cuts so that smaller sections can be folded back.
• Step 5: Fold Over Edges - Working from the back of the switchplate, add more varnish to the edges and center, then fold back the center wedges of paper and press into place. They should stick immediately. Next, press two opposite sides over and into place.
• Step 6: Trim Corners - Using scissors, trim back corners at the edges of the two sides pressed into place.
• Step 7: Finishing Step - Press remaining two sides up against edges of plate, slightly overlapping corners on the front. Cut back paper at a slight angle from corners and press into place, making sure you have crisp, smooth edges with no gaps or wrinkles.
• Step 8: Open Screw Holes - Working from the front of the switch plate, cut a tiny "X" at the screw holes with the Xacto knife. Then, using a pen or pencil, push the hole open. The conical shape of the pen will neatly press the paper into place. Allow to dry. That's it! You're done!

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