How to Wallpaper Around Sockets & Switches (Easily!)

There is nothing like a fresh coat of paint or new wallpaper to give your home a refreshed look. But what do you do when you come to a socket or switch that is in the way? Wallpapering around them can be tricky – but it does not have to be! In this post, we will show you how to wallpaper around sockets and switches easily, so you can get on with giving your home a makeover. Let’s get started!

What tools do I need?

Wallpapering around sockets and switches can be a bit tricky, but with the right wallpaper tools, it is doable. Here is what you will need:

A wallpaper steamer

This will help to soften any glued-on wallpaper so that it can be removed easily.

A putty knife

This will come in handy for scraping off any wallpaper that is left behind after steaming.

A wallpaper perforator

This tool is used to make small holes in the wallpaper so that you can better manoeuvre it around the sockets and switches.

A wallpaper brush

This will help you apply glue or paste evenly to the back of the wallpaper.

A smoothing tool

This is used to smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles in the wallpaper once it has been applied.

With these tools, you should be able to wallpaper around sockets and switches like a pro!

First, turn the electricity off

First, turn the electricity off to the sockets and switches you will be wallpapering around. This is important because of the moisture in wallpaper paste, which can be a hazard if it comes into contact with a socket or switch.

How to wallpaper around electrical sockets

Wallpapering around electrical sockets can be a bit tricky, but with a little patience and attention to detail, it can be done quite easily. The first thing you need to do is remove the front plate from the socket. To do this, simply unscrew the two screws that hold it in place. Once the front plate is removed, take a close look at the socket itself. There should be two small tabs near the top of the socket. Gently pull these tabs away from the wall until the socket pops out.

Next, measure the width of the socket. Add 1/2 inch to this measurement and cut a piece of wallpaper to size. Apply a thin layer of wallpaper adhesive to the back of the paper and press it into place around the socket. Make sure that the adhesive is evenly distributed and that there are no air bubbles.

Finally, replace the front plate and screw it back into place. Wallpapering around electrical sockets may seem daunting at first, but following these simple steps will help you achieve a professional-looking finish.

Where should you start when wallpapering?

Now that you know how to wallpaper around sockets and switches, the next step is to decide where to start wallpapering your room. Generally speaking, it’s best to start in an inconspicuous corner or at a doorway so that any mistakes are less visible. This will also help you get used to working with wallpaper before tackling more difficult areas.

Once you have chosen your starting point, work in a clockwise direction around the room, cutting each strip to fit as you go. Carefully paste and position each strip and then use your smoothing tool to eliminate any air bubbles or wrinkles. With some patience and practice, wallpapering will become second nature!

Which wallpaper paste should I use?

Wallpaper paste is an adhesive that is used to attach wallpaper to walls. There are various types of wallpaper paste, and the type that you use will depend on the type of wallpaper that you are using. For example, pre-pasted wallpaper has a dry adhesive on the back that is activated by water. Although this type of wallpaper is easy to apply, it can be difficult to remove.

Self-adhesive wallpaper has an adhesive that is already applied to the back of the paper. This type of wallpaper is also easy to apply, but it may not stick as well as pre-pasted wallpaper. The traditional paste is a wet adhesive that must be applied to the back of the paper. Although this type of paste requires more work, it usually provides a better bond between the paper and the wall. When choosing a wallpaper paste, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to choose the best option for your needs.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Wallpapering around sockets and switches is easy when you know how. Just take your time, be patient, and follow these simple steps for a beautiful finish that will last for years. Have you ever wallpapered around sockets or switches before? What tips do you have to share?

Read more about wallpaper tips and tricks with these hand-picked guides:

• How Long Are Wallpaper Rolls?
• How to Wallpaper Behind a Radiator
• How to Stop Cats Scratching Wallpaper