DIY Switch Plates with Alcohol Ink

DIY Switch Plates with Alcohol Ink

Last fall, I decided to repaint my entire house. Big job but I was sick and tired of the ‘builder beige’ walls so it was totally worth it! Now, my soft gray walls with fresh white trim look so much better. While I love my walls, I did notice they need a pop of color. So, why not decorate the plain ole light switch covers? I recently discovered alcohol inks and absolutely love the unique watercolor effects you can achieve. Plus, alcohol inks are super easy even for beginners to use. So, let’s DIY some switch plates.

(This page contains affiliate links which simply means if you click through and buy or sign up, this site will get a small commission, at absolutely no extra cost to you.)

Supplies:

– Alcohol Inks

– White or Light Switch Plates

– Rubbing Alcohol

– Medium to thick Art Paint Brush

– Straw (optional)

– Clear Acrylic Sealer

– Disposable cup or dish

– Table cover

– Gloves (optional)

– Plain sheet of paper

Prep:

Cover your table with a plastic table cloth. Trust me, you don’t want alcohol inks on your table. Pour 1/2 cup or so of rubbing alcohol in your disposable cup. Now, place a switch plate on the piece of paper and open all of your alcohol ink bottles.

Paint the Switch Plates:

There are many different ways to use alcohol inks, this is just what I did:

Dip your paint brush in the rubbing alcohol and completely cover one of the switch plates. Make sure it’s totally wet. Now, drip some alcohol ink onto the rubbing alcohol and watch it flow. You can move the ink around with a brush or blow it with the straw.

Add more colors … Don’t forget the edges and the tops of the screws.

Finish:

Let your switch plates dry overnight. Now, carefully carry the plates outside (on the paper) and spray them with a thin coat of acrylic sealer. Hold the can of spray as far away as you can. The pressure from the spray will move the dried alcohol ink a little bit but the paint will blend back together before it dries. Wait the recommended time on the spray and add a second coat. Let dry completely and you’re ready to install your beautiful DIY switch plates.

Don’t you just love the bright colors? Why live with plain, ugly light switch covers when you can have little works of art instead? This technique could also be used to make some fun and funky coasters. Gift idea??

Also see Alcohol Ink Christmas Ornaments!

Enjoy!

Annette

FiberArtsy

Original article and pictures take www.fiberartsy.com site