Light Switch Cover: From Ordinary to Magical
Have you ever looked at a plain light switch cover and imagined it could be something magical instead of ordinary?
This project shows how a simple plastic wall plate can become a tiny piece of wall art using decoupage, layered painting, and dimensional clay embellishments. With crescent moons, butterflies, and delicate flowers, this small surface becomes a charming decorative accent.
Watch the full video tutorial below before getting started.
Step 1: Preparing the Surface
Because plastic is smooth and non-porous, the light switch cover is first coated with Polyvine Multi Surface Lacquer (Dead Flat). This removes the shine and creates a bonding layer that allows paint and decoupage paper to adhere properly.
For best results, this base coat is allowed to dry overnight before moving on.
Step 2: Preparing the Rice Paper
The celestial rice paper image is separated using a water brush. Instead of cutting, the edges are torn so they blend more naturally into the background.
Factory-cut borders and excess background are removed so only the decorative elements remain.
Step 3: Decoupaging the Design
The image is adhered using Polyvine Heavy Duty Varnish (Satin), which functions as both glue and protective sealer.
After positioning the rice paper, the edges are lightly sanded with medium-grit sandpaper to remove excess paper. The switch opening is trimmed carefully and the paper folded inward and glued to the back.
Another coat of varnish is applied to seal the edges before blending paint.
Step 4: Blending the Background
To hide the paper edges and extend the design, a custom blend of Light Orchid and white paint is mixed. The color is brushed and sponged around the edges of the image.
The paint is blended directly onto the rice paper to create a seamless transition between the printed design and the painted background.
Small darker dots are added to mimic the original pattern in the rice paper.
Step 5: Adding Clay Embellishments
Dimensional decorations are created using Das air-dry clay pressed into molds. The molds are briefly placed in the freezer so the clay releases easily without damaging delicate details.
The embellishments are attached while still damp using Aleene’s Tacky Glue, allowing them to conform naturally to the surface as they dry.
The piece is then left to dry overnight.
Step 6: Painting the Embellishments
Once dry, the clay decorations are painted using several Pentart colors:
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Purple
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Royal fuchsia
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Bubble gum pink
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Silver for moons and stars
The flowers at the bottom receive pink tones with gold centers.
Give the entire cover plus the embellishments another coat of varnish and let dry.
Step 7: Antiquing for Depth
To highlight the details, custom antiquing mixtures are created using glazing medium and paint.
Black glaze is used to emphasize butterfly wing lines, while Victorian blue glaze tones the flowers so they match the rice paper more closely.
After wiping the glaze back, the embellishments gain depth and shadow. Light dry brushing softens the colors and blends everything together.
The entire cover receives another protective coat of varnish to seal the design.
Step 8: Final Highlights
A small amount of Old Silver wax rub is applied to raised areas to create shimmer and highlight the dimensional details.
The once-plain light switch cover is now a whimsical decorative accent that adds personality to the room.
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