Make Your Own Decorative Switchplate

Many people like to decorate kitchens in a particular theme, such as grapes, sunflowers or wine bottles. My kitchen is decorated in chili peppers and I couldn't find a switch plate with chili peppers. I went to my local super center Wal Mart and bought a very cheap switch plate. I also bought some acrylic paint and some glaze spray paint.

I got home and started to organize all of my items so I could paint my switch plate. I went online and looked for some chili pepper pictures that would look good on my outlet cover. I then printed it out for easier access and to view it closely so I can get a better finish.

I then mixed my colors and started to paint my cover with chili peppers. I let it dry outside for about 4 hours and then I sprayed the glaze over it and left it outside until the next day. The finished product looked amazing, like if I had purchased it at a store. I liked it so much that I did different types of covers and now I sell them. I make different types of switch plates, for the kitchen, bedroom or bathroom. Whatever room has a theme I make a switch plate to match.

I also add details to some of my covers to make them stand out a little more. I made one of a beach and I put real sand on it to make it look realistic. That one was a total hit.

The great thing about this is that anyone can do this, it is really easy and you can be creative. Make one for your child's room or as a gift for a friend or relative.

When buying a switch plate you can purchase the durable ones, it is a little more money but it is worth the price. I tried painting plastic covers that were a lot cheaper and they didn't look as good and were easy to break.

Another way of making a unique switch plate if you don't have any painting skills is to print a picture from your computer in the size of your switch plate. You can print it on a type of paper that is like a sticker. You can print it in the size of your cover and paste it on. This is a really easy way to make a switch plate and have it still be unique. Have fun when making a cover either for you or a friend, it's the process that makes it a lot of fun and seeing the finished product.