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How to Make a Glitter Light Switch Cover Plate

Written By

Published: Nov 24, 2010

Updated: Nov 20, 2021

3 minute read

Create designs with several different colors of glitter, using painter's tape or stencils to separate one section from another.

Things You Will Need

Newspaper
Paper plates
Soft rags
Fine-grit sandpaper
Foam brush
Decoupage medium
Toothpicks or cotton swabs

Tip

To create stripes or chevrons, paint the cover plate after scuffing up its surface. Use spray paint in a well-ventilated area while wearing a dust mask. Once the paint dries, apply strips of painter's tape to create the desired design, such as stripes, diagonal stripes or chevrons. Add decoupage medium between the tape strips and sprinkle the glitter over the decoupage medium, allowing it to dry before removing the tape. For a stenciled design, paint or cover the entire cover plate with one color of paint or glitter. Once it dries, hold a small stencil over a specific area; then apply decoupage medium with a foam brush through the stencil. Sprinkle the glitter onto the wet decoupage medium. Create designs with different colors of glitter by brushing decoupage medium onto one area after taping it off to create a clean line. Sprinkle glitter over that area; once dry, repeat the process elsewhere with another shade of glitter.

Cover the work surface with newspaper. Set the cover plate atop the paper, along with a paper plate.

Wipe down the cover plate with a damp rag to remove fingerprints or residue. Wipe it again with a dry rag or allow it to air dry.

Scuff up the cover plate with a fine-grit sandpaper to make any coating on it more receptive to glue. This should be done whether the cover plate is made from wood, metal or plastic. Wipe away the dust with a soft rag.

Set the cover plate atop a paper plate. Brush a layer of decoupage medium over the front of the cover plate, avoiding the screw holes.

Sprinkle your favorite color and size of glitter over the cover plate. Shake the glitter straight out of the container, or fold a paper plate in half and pour glitter into the crease, using the plate to shake the glitter over specific areas of the cover plate.

Lift part of the cover cover plate at an angle by placing a toothpick or cotton swab stick with the cotton removed through one of the screw holes. Shake the cover plate gently to allow loose glitter to fall back onto the paper plate. Set the cover plate back down and sprinkle more glitter over it, lifting and removing loose glitter, until the plate is covered to your liking. Allow it to dry for an hour or so before handling.

Brush loose glitter onto the paper plate with your fingers. Apply another coat of decoupage medium over the dry cover plate, if desired, to help prevent the glitter from coming off.

The Drip Cap

Give a plain light switch cover a glittery makeover for a splash of glitzy sparkle for a teen or tween's room.
Wipe away the dust with a soft rag.
Brush a layer of decoupage medium over the front of the cover plate, avoiding the screw holes.
Shake the glitter straight out of the container, or fold a paper plate in half and pour glitter into the crease, using the plate to shake the glitter over specific areas of the cover plate.
Set the cover plate back down and sprinkle more glitter over it, lifting and removing loose glitter, until the plate is covered to your liking.

References

Resources

Mod Podge Rocks: DIY Halloween Decor: Typography Glitter Plaque

Photo Credits

Sadie Porter/Demand Media

Kathy Adams

Kathy Adams is an award-winning journalist and freelance writer who traveled the world handling numerous duties for music artists. She writes travel and budgeting tips and destination guides for USA Today, Travelocity and ForRent, among…