Decorative Switchplates

Make your own custom switchplates for holidays, or for one-of-a-kind gifts.

What you'll need:

A plain plastic switchplate (available at the hardware store for about 50 cents)
A color photocopy of your desired image
Elmer’s glue
Acrylic polyurethane

1. Photocopy your photo or other image so that it will fit over a standard plastic switchplate. Use a photocopy instead of the actual photo. You can enlarge or reduce to fit. Also keep in mind where in the photo the hole for the switchplate will be. You don’t want the switch covering someone’s face. And resist the temptation to put the switch in someplace obscene. You know you were thinking it.

2. Using a sponge brush, apply an even coating of Elmer’s Glue to the front of the switchplate.

3. Soak the artwork in water to relax it. This makes the paper easy to work with, and it’s really good for adhering to Elmer’s Glue, surprisingly.

4. Place the wet paper on the switchplate. Making sure your fingers are wet, smooth the paper over the edges of the switchplate. Pinch the paper in the corners. Turn the whole thing over so you can see that the paper is pressed against the switchplate at all corners and edges. Let it dry completely.

5. When dry, use an x-acto knife to trim the excess paper from the edges. Then cut out the hole for the switch.

6. Apply two coats of acrylic polyurethane. (Don’t get too much polyurethane in the hole for the switch, or it won’t fit over the switch.) Use the x-acto knife to punch holes in the screw holes, and you’re all set.