How Do I Wallpaper Without Damaging Power Sockets?

pennypincher3562

Hi

I am about to re-wallpaper some walls in my house.

The last time I did it I used a Stanley knife to create a 'cut out' around my power sockets. This was done by placing the wallpaper over the socket, and then initially slashing the paper in a 'criss-cross' pattern.

The above method left score marks on my power sockets.

Could any 'wall-papering pros' out there, give me some tips on how to avoid leaving score marks on my power sockets whilst wall-papering?

Thanks.

chrisw

Turn the power off, loosen the socket screws and tuck the wallpaper behind the socket plate. Retighten screws.

pennypincher3562

chrisw wrote: »

Turn the power off, loosen the socket screws and tuck the wallpaper behind the socket plate. Retighten screws.

Good idea Chris.

Ok, but I've just had 2nd thoughts about this. I can't totally remove the power sockets from the wall (there are tons of wires behind them.)

How will slightly loosening the power sockets help me avoid scoring their surfaces? Surely they have to be totally removed (which I can't do.)

Thanks.

chrisw

It's easier if you take the wires out and remove the socket completely if you're confident, then reconnect afterwards.

pennypincher3562

chrisw wrote: »

It's easier if you take the wires out and remove the socket completely if you're confident.

Will look into it. I've rewired stuff in the past, but am not so confident these days. Thanks for your idea.

Cornucopia

Can't you use scissors to cut the "cross" into the paper over the socket? Alternatively get a thick plastic bag and tuck that into the sides of the socket so it covers the front whilst you are papering and then swap it out when you tuck the paper in.

Whichever option you go for, do make sure to switch the power off whilst you are using wet paper & paste near electrical outlets.

Norman_Castle

Loosen the socket so its 1/8" from the wall. Put the paper over the socket. Bodge a hole in the centre of the socket then cut to each corner with scissors. With the paper flat to the wall around the socket you will have four triangles of paper sticking out. Cut these off to about 1/4" and tuck behind socket preferably with something non conductive.
Hope that makes sense.

pennypincher3562

Cornucopia wrote: »

Can't you use scissors to cut the "cross" into the paper over the socket? Alternatively get a thick plastic bag and tuck that into the sides of the socket so it covers the front whilst you are papering and then swap it out when you tuck the paper in.

Whichever option you go for, do make sure to switch the power off whilst you are using wet paper & paste near electrical outlets.

This is probably the best option for me. I will try and tape some sort of protective material over the socket, before cutting the wallpaper.

glasgowdan

Cover the socket with gaffer tape then crack on

googler

pennypincher3562 wrote: »

Good idea Chris.

Ok, but I've just had 2nd thoughts about this. I can't totally remove the power sockets from the wall (there are tons of wires behind them.)

How will slightly loosening the power sockets help me avoid scoring their surfaces? Surely they have to be totally removed (which I can't do.)

Loosening the mounting screws will allow the socket to be moved. Make an X cut in the wallpaper as you apply it, centred on the socket. Do this with wallpaper scissors, or implements that don't require you to apply a sharp blade leaning against the socket. Start small, so that the X doesn't overlap the outside edge of the socket. You should be able to turn the socket to move it through the X, and you then finally position the wallpaper behind the socket, cutting the excess off the X as you do.

Yes, you WILL get some wallpaper paste on the socket, possibly on the wires, but that's why you turn off the power beforehand. The paste is water-soluble, and will come off with a damp cloth.

Removing the wiring at the back of the socket, to be replaced after you paper, is also an option, but more inconvenient.

HOWEVER - won't your decorating job look SO much better if you take the old socket away and install a brand new one?

stator

It depends if you have flush mounted sockets or surface mounted sockets