Learn to switch off power safely, loosen switch and socket plates, and paint neatly behind them for a professional finish.
PSS-01Clear and protect the areaMove furniture away from the wall and lay a dust sheet on the floor. Wipe down each switch and socket plate with a damp cloth to remove dust and grease. This stops paint sticking to dirt and gives you a clean edge to work to.
PSS-02Turn off the power and prove it's deadSwitch off the relevant circuit at the consumer unit before you touch any faceplate screws. Use your voltage tester to prove each switch and socket is dead, not just switched off, since you'll be loosening screws close to live terminals. Never assume a circuit is off just because a light isn't working.
RULESKNOW THE RULES
Loosening a faceplate for redecoration isn't notifiable work under Part P, but you must still isolate the circuit at the consumer unit and prove it dead before touching any screws or terminals.
PSS-03Loosen the faceplate screwsUndo the two fixing screws on each switch or socket plate by a few turns only — enough to pull the plate slightly away from the wall, not enough to disconnect any wires. Let the plate rest forward on its wires. This lets you paint right up to the edge of the wall box instead of around the plate.
1 each · Screwdriver (flat or crosshead) PSS-04Mask the plate and cable entrySlide a small piece of card or masking tape behind the loosened plate to cover the wall box opening, so paint can't drip inside onto the wiring. Tape around the visible edge of the plate itself if it's a colour you don't want painted, such as chrome or brushed steel.
1 each · Thin card offcut PSS-05Cut in around the loosened plateUsing a small angled brush, paint the wall right up to and slightly behind the edge of the loosened plate. Work in short strokes and don't overload the brush, so paint doesn't run behind the plate onto the wiring. Leave to dry before the next coat.
1 each · Small angled cutting-in brush (25mm) PSS-06Roller the main wall areaOnce the cut-in edges are dry, roller the rest of the wall, blending into the painted edges around each plate. Apply a second coat once the first is fully dry, following the paint tin's drying time.
2.5 litre · Emulsion paint 1 each · Roller and tray set PSS-07Retighten the faceplatesOnce the final coat is completely dry, remove the masking card and push each plate back flat against the wall. Tighten the fixing screws evenly so the plate sits square, not crooked.
PSS-08Restore power and testTurn the circuit back on at the consumer unit. Test each switch and socket works normally before you consider the job finished.
PSS-09Clean upRinse brushes and rollers, wipe down any paint splashes on plates or skirting, and fold away the dust sheet. Dispose of empty tins responsibly at a household recycling centre.
1 bottle · White spirit or brush cleaner Some links may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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