I recently replaced the light switch covers and electrical outlet covers from the standard beige installed by the builder to oak covers. I would like to change the color of the actual light switch and plugs to match. Can I paint them?

Yes, but in my opinion it looks like *#$&. Paint gets dirty and wears off.

Plus you will likely push bits of paint into the socket, which could cause a problem, may not be likely.
And you say you want to Paint the Oak Covers? Regular plates may take paint better.

Bbagirl,

It's inadvisable to paint electrical devices. The paint, if allowed to touch connection points, could become a conductor of electricity causing either a short circuit or an arc. Either way, this could be a fire hazard. The cover plates themselves can be removed and painted quite easily.

All the best

Do simply paint it. Paint will get damaged easily. Do one thing take your take your light switch and plug to panting shop near to you actally a spray painting shop. From their you can one it very neatly and accuretly. It wiil be better . Spray painting will be more attractive than usual painting

Spray paint your switches and receptacle while they are removed from the wall. They may chip but its cheap and safe. Appliance epoxy will last longer

U may be able to buy outlet and switch in a color close to color of cover plates.

If plates are stained, will not be able to stain sw and outlet to match.

Do not paint sw and outlet with cover plate installed. Paint will go between and adhere plate to outlet. Will have to cut around outlet/sw to remove.

May break outlet when taking apart.

Chuck

Have you ever been in a house where they painted the outlets?

It looks totally redneck. And I can say that because I come from a family of outlet painters, and rednecks.

I myself can not stand a painted outlet, or light swtich.

I've seem some people paint over the cover plate and all..

Although, I will agree with those on here who said to try spray painting it. At least then it won't have the brush marks.

But that too will peel in time. You will have to constantly be painting the outlets all the time.

If the switches and receptacles are wiped clean with solvent the appliance epoxy I recommended will not peel. I agree, painting with a brush is going to look like junk and chip.

If you spray paint the switch you could get some paint into the toggel mech. Of the switch. The paint may be conductive at some point and cause a current path that could raise the temp of the switch. Also you caould also gum up the toggle mech and cause the switch the malfunction or worse still decrease the pressure that holds the electrical contacts inside the switch closed. This could cause arcing and or welding the contacts shut and not be able to turn the circu off.