Categories: Flat Pack Assembly

Why You Must Remove Light Switches When Painting

We’ve seen it far too many times across North London homes: a freshly painted room looking pristine, except for the hideous edges where the paint has puckered around the light switches. Why? Because someone didn’t remove the light switches when painting.

1. The Lazy Tape Trick is a Lie

You know the one: someone tapes around the light switch plate and thinks they’re being clever. Here’s the truth: paint seeps. It creeps. It crumbles. And the moment you peel that tape off, that paint will bind to the edge of the light switch. Now, as soon as someone comes to remove it, let’s say to change a switch, you’ll get an almighty mess.

2. Clean Edges Are King

If you remove the light switches when painting, you get that satisfying, razor-sharp paint edge that looks like a pro did the job. Because you did it right. The wall looks like it came out of a home decor magazine instead of a toddler’s craft box.

3. You’re Just Making More Work Later

Ever tried to remove a light switch plate after it’s been painted over? It’s like peeling a sticky note off wet plaster. And then you’re stuck sanding, patching, maybe repainting… all because someone didn’t take 2 minutes to remove a switch at the start. Just. Take. It. Off.

4. Safety First (Because Paint + Electricity = Nope)

When you’re painting around switches, you’re probably getting closer to wires than you should be. Want a shock with your eggshell white? Didn’t think so. When you remove light switches when painting, be sure to turn off the power to the switches at the main consumer unit.

Pro Tip from a North London Installer

We’re not just ranters, we’re electricians too. And trust us: whenever we’re doing light installations in North London, we always recommend repainting rooms before we fit new switches. Clean install, clean paint. Simple.

Stop trying to paint around light switches like you’re Michelangelo. Do yourself (and your walls) a favour, remove the light switches when painting. Your future self will thank you, and your walls won’t look like they’ve survived a paint explosion.

Need help with light switch installation after your fresh paint job? We’re your North London lighting specialists. Contact us today to get that polished finish your room deserves!

Should I unscrew light switches to paint?

Yes, absolutely! You should unscrew light switches to paint for a cleaner, more professional finish. Removing the faceplate avoids messy paint lines, drips, and peeling when the paint dries and clings to the edges. Just make sure to switch off the power at the fuse box before touching any screws.

How do I remove paint from light switches?

To remove paint from light switches, first make sure the power is off. Then, carefully unscrew the faceplate. Use a soft cloth with warm water and mild detergent for latex paint. For dried or oil-based paint, try a plastic scraper or a dab of rubbing alcohol. Avoid using anything abrasive that could damage the switch or its finish.

How to take paint off light switches safely?

The safest way to take paint off light switches is to switch off the electricity, remove the faceplate, and clean the surface using non-corrosive methods like rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover (acetone), or gentle scraping with a plastic tool. Avoid metal tools or harsh chemicals that could damage the plastic or affect the internal mechanism.

Can I loosen plug sockets to paint around them without switching off the electrics?

You can, but we highly recommend that you DON’T. Never loosen or remove plug sockets without switching off the electrics at the fuse board. It’s dangerous and not worth the risk. If you want a clean edge, always turn off the power before attempting to loosen or remove the socket to paint properly around it.