How to Decoupage a Switchplate

Cut a piece of paper so it is slightly larger than the switch plate on all sides. The extra should be enough to wrap around to the back of the switch plate. Flip the paper over and center the switch plate face down on the paper.

Mark the openings for any switches with a pencil by tracing the opening, then score an "X" that goes from corner to corner into each of these rectangles. Remove the switch plate.

Use the brush to cover the back of the paper with an even layer of glue. Lay the switch plate face down in the center of the paper and flip it over. Rub the paper with your hand to get rid of any air or glue bubbles, and push the triangle flaps through the switch openings and adhere them to the back of the switch plate.

Cut off the corners of the extra paper on the sides of the switch plate. Fold the edges of the paper around to the back, adding more glue if necessary to make them stick. Use the end of a paintbrush to push the paper through the screw holes.

Allow your switch plate to dry for at least 30 minutes. Cover the top of the paper with a layer of decoupage glue, using a fine paintbrush to limit any brush strokes. Check for bits of dirt or fluff and remove them, then allow the switch plate to dry for another 30 minutes.

Apply two more coats of decoupage glue, allowing each coat to dry before adding the next coat. This seals and protects the paper coating on the switch plate. To make your switch plate easier to clean, you should also add two coats of polyurethane finish. Once the final coat is dry your switch plate is ready to use.