How to Tile an Electrical Outlet Cover
Add a crafty touch to an electrical outlet or light switch cover with this handy technique.
Instructions
- Step 1: Apply safety gear Put on safety goggles and gloves before starting this project. Tile shards are sharp and can cut or blind you.
- Step 2: Smash tile Wrap the tile in an old towel and use a hammer to break it into large pieces.
- TIP: Check your local craft store or antique shop for tile that matches or complements the other accents on your wall.
- Step 3: Sort pieces Sort the pieces, looking for corners and edges that can maintain the faceplate's clean edges.
- Step 4: Rough up faceplate Unscrew the faceplate. Scratch the faceplate using fine grit sandpaper to give the tile adhesive something to stick to and to remove dirt or paint.
- Step 5: Glue tile on to faceplate Use a Popsicle stick or small putty knife to apply tile adhesive to each piece of tile and then stick them to the faceplate.
- TIP: Start from the corners and work along the edges towards the center.
- Step 6: Apply grout Allow the tile adhesive to dry before working the grout into the cracks between the tile pieces. Wait 24 hours before reinstalling the faceplate.
- FACT: The first electric generators went online in 1882 and served customers in lower Manhattan for $5 per kilowatt hour.
You Will Need
- Safety goggles
- Gloves
- Tile
- Old towel
- Hammer
- Sandpaper
- Outlet cover
- Tile adhesive
- Popsicle stick or small putty knife
- Grout
- Craft store or antique shop (optional)