Removing Paint From Electrical Outlets

By

go2jared

This is a great tip! Thanks! While I removed the covers to the outlet, paint on the outlet just seems to get on when the roller went crazy...

Needless to say, a tip I learned to avoid this in the future (in addition to removing the cover plate), is to put painters tape over the outlet face. So, if the roller or brush slips and gets paint on it, it will be on the tape and not on the outlet.

By

bulrush

The metal contacts are actually 3-4mm inside the plastic part of the outlet so touching the outlet will not shock you. You need somethings skinny to put inside the outlet holes to get shocked. Otherwise try a plastic knife. It has a firm sharp edge and is non-conductive. Plastic will not scratch plastic.

By Janet (Guest Post)

When the paint is slightly dry you can scrape it off with a thumb nail. Tedious but it works.

By (Guest Post)

Remove the cover plates (2 screws) BEFORE you paint next time. If you want to try to clean these, take them off now . New ones are very cheap in home imp. stores.

By Richard (Guest Post)

Remove the cover and clean with paint remover or Acitone