Types and Preparation

• Light switch plates come in a variety of sizes, materials and colors. Although most commonly made of plastic, some plates are manufactured of resin, metal or materials you may not be able to identify if the home is quite old. Regardless of material, your switch plates need to be prepared for painting or the paint may not stick. Sand the cover plates one by one to rough up their surfaces and remove any inherent sheen, especially on shiny plastic plates.
  
  

Remove the Switch Plates

• Removing switch plates, as well as outlet covers, before priming or painting them is important. If you paint these pieces while they're still attached to the wall, you might not be able to remove them easily later. The paint may seal the screws in their holes, making them hard to loosen. Paint also could adhere the plate to the wall itself, and removing it could damage the wall by pulling up paint or even drywall. Remove all switch plates -- and outlet covers, too, if you'd like them to match -- and paint them all at one time for color consistency.
  
  

The Importance of Priming

• Primer is important whether painting plastic, metal or other types of light switch plates. The primer is what helps the paint stick to the switch plate without peeling or flaking off once it dries. Most modern indoor house paints are latex water-based paints. Use latex primer on your switch plates if you plan to paint them with the same latex paint that's on your walls. Wait for the primer to dry thoroughly before painting on the color topcoat. Keep the switch plates separated so they don't stick together as they dry.
  
  

Paint Considerations

• If you want the switch plates to match the wall color exactly, use paint from the original can, if possible. If you don't have any paint left, take a color swatch or picture of the existing wall paint color to a paint store or home improvement center to have a matching batch of paint mixed. You could also use acrylic craft paints to stylize each switch plate with a theme that matches your room. Another option is spray paint, but make sure the paint is formulated for your switch plate material, whether plastic, wood or metal. Add durability to the painted switch plate by spraying with a clear coat sealer appropriate for the type of paint you used; check the can for recommendations and warnings. Use all spray paints and clear coats outdoors or in well-ventilated areas.