Painted outlets- have I gone too far?

13 years ago

Okay, finally got my backsplash in - Much thanks to Tateland for the inspiration! Couldn't talk my DH into plugmold, so now i have tried to hide the outlets by painting them to blend.

I will paint the outlets themselves a more neutral grey. Is this too hokey? should I have just gone with grey?

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Comments (28)

sabjimata
13 years ago
OMG you should advertise/sell your talents! Looks great!
nishka
13 years ago
That is soooo cool and creative. I love it. The outlet cover blends perfectly into the backsplash.

How did you do that?

Are you taking orders??? :)
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antiquesilver
13 years ago
That took some serious talent; I'm envious. But instead of painting the actual receptacle, why not just install a gray one or will it be the wrong shade? It's not a big deal to do & the color won't wear off.
desertsteph
13 years ago
wow!
jterrilynn
13 years ago
That looks great! I did the same thing in my last house and people had to really look to see the plug. Good job!
sammiecanada
13 years ago
I think it looks great too! I wish all backsplash came with matching plug covers!
paintergirl94
13 years ago
I also paint the outlet covers to match different materials, textures and patterns, but please do not paint the actual receptacle or the toggle switches. You can actually buy these in a few different colors (white, off-white, black, red, etc...)
twosit
13 years ago
That is awesome. I like the idea of just doing a grey receptacle. I would assume that wear and tear would cause the paint to wear off the receptacle itself.
vampiressrn
13 years ago
You did a GREAT JOB!!! They look very nice.
pudgybaby
13 years ago
You have absolutely NOT gone to far! I wish I had the talent to do that - it would save me $400 to $500 which is what I expect the professional painter who does this will charge me for my 8 outlets/switches.

Here's the photo gallery part of his website - I have no connection to him except for hiring him.

Here is a link that might be useful: professional outlet/switch plate painter in Denver area
calimama
Original Author
13 years ago
Wow! Thank you! I wasn't looking for praise, just wanted to make sure it wasn't overkill. It was actually kind of fun, i just painted the covers with a spraypaint for plastic and used acryllic paints for the rest and sealed it with a matte finish.

I will certainly look for the colored outlets. Pudgybaby, that site is amazing- Wow! I hope you post pictures when yours are done - it is a lot of work for an amateur (me), so i am sure you are in for a treat! Thanks all, you have made my day!
allnewappliances
13 years ago
Great job!!
formerlyflorantha
13 years ago
Wow! How many outlets are there that got such treatment?

(You know you really didn't want advice, just an audience, right? You can have it, gladly. Deserves admiration!)
dlr98004
13 years ago
SWEEEEET! Love it and plan to copy it! What type of paint did you use? Any protective coating?
clergychick
13 years ago
Fantastic!

Definitely change out the plugs and switches -- I was thinking the dark brown color would just disappear behind those plates.
User
13 years ago
I have painted the outlet itself and the wear is not excessive - if you add a layer of clear urethane it would be even more durable.
bmorepanic
13 years ago
Wow, just wow!
ccoombs1
13 years ago
That is amazing!!!!! Don't paint the outlet though as it can create a fire hazard. The link below explains why.

Here is a link that might be useful: don't paint outlets
granite-girl
13 years ago
Wow those are great! my hisband would never be able to find them. He'd be constantly cussing me, cuz he can't find the plug......
advertguy2
13 years ago
Probably a bit too late now, but has anyone ever used these bad boys? All you end up seeing is a small circular outlet/receptacle. No idea on the price. i would imagine they're pretty pricey...

Here is a link that might be useful: Bocci 22
gillycat
13 years ago
that is excellent. an amazing job.
i would rather replace the outlet though with a gray set. a safety issue I am sure

I think I might have to copy your idea if I may ( different design of course)
claudia_2010
13 years ago
lol! very cool!
flwrs_n_co
13 years ago
OMG, I was visiting my DS & DDIL in OK when this was first posted (no time for internet while I was there). Calimama, you did an absolutely amazing job on your light & outlet covers!! I am blown away by this! I have a feeling you could start your own business doing this.

Pudgybaby, the website you posted is amazing! I live in the Denver area, too. Would you mind giving me contact information for this business (can't find it on the Flickr site)? Thanks!
pudgybaby
13 years ago
flwrs: I've linked his regular website. He will paint mine next week - can't wait!

I know personally 2 people that have used him and one other GWer, though I forget who. Everyone has been pleased, and says that they are durable (one has used hers for 2 years and has one outlet that she uses often for small appliances. She says there is no chipping).

Good luck!

Here is a link that might be useful: taken for granite website
Circus Peanut
13 years ago
Impressive paint job!

Lutron makes gorgeous colored receptacles, toggles, etc etc in all styles (15smp, 20amp, GFCI) and a host of colors that would fit yours: desert stone, limestone, taupe. I have them all over the house in spots where I didn't want white/black/brown, and they're great!

Here is a link that might be useful: random store link from the web: shop around!
kerrys
13 years ago
I love the idea of painted switch plates. Years ago I wallpapered the switchplates to match the walls. I really liked it! Yours look amazing!

I'm also delighted to run across folks from Denver as that's where I live. Please feel free to send me a private email to share your remodel experiences. I need all the help I can get!
carecooks
13 years ago
I put in some outlets in white on my island. I just thought that they would be painted to match and both my painter and GC said "no way". I'd like to change them out for black. I know that the plate isn't difficult, but what about the outlet itself. Is that a big deal to change (er, meaning costly since I'm at the end of the remodel)?
bethohio3
13 years ago
carecooks asked: "I know that the plate isn't difficult, but what about the outlet itself. Is that a big deal to change (er, meaning costly since I'm at the end of the remodel)?"

They are both easy--the outlets are inexpensive--under $1 for 'regular' outlets and about $3-4 for 'decora' outlets. It is definitely a task many people do themselves.

It does help to have a couple of (not too expensive) tools, including a 'tester' to ensure that the outlet is really powered off before you start to removed it and is wired properly after it is replaced.

If you still have a GC around, you can ask him if he'll switch them if you pick them up at HD or Lowe's :-). It doesn't take more than 5 minutes or so to swap out an outlet.

If you were near here, I'd do it for you!

Painted outlets- have I gone too far?

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sabjimata

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Painted outlets- have I gone too far?

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