How to apply wallpaper around outlets/sockets and switches
1 First, turn the electricity off!! (potentially check voltage, too)
Wallpapering around outlets/sockets and switches is actually very easy. The main thing to remember is to turn the electricity OFF so as to not endanger your life! Here are some details regarding applying wallpaper lengths along outlets/sockets and switches.
As a general rule, we recommend that you always switch off the electricity when working on walls with outlets/sockets or light switches. Splashes of wallpaper paste or dampness entering the electric circuit can be extremely dangerous, too, even if you are not actually working on the area in question. You will already have removed the covers/frames and plates/surrounds of switches and outlets/sockets when preparing the wall for wallpapering.
Before applying the wallpaper length to the wall containing outlets/sockets and/or switches, you need to turn the circuit breakers/fuses off.
A voltage or phasing tester can be very useful to determine whether there really is no more electricity going though the power line. These tools used by electricians look similar to screwdrivers and are equipped with a small light which indicates electric current when it flashes. In order to check the current, the pointy metal part (i.e. the one without insulation) is put directly onto the power line, one finger touching the button at the other end to trigger the contact. If there is there is any current/electricity, the little bulb will light up. Due to the specific safe design of this useful tool, the electricity going through the phasing tester is not harmful to the user.
2 Cut wallpaper crosswise and remove overlaps
Apply the length of wallpaper as usual, covering the outlet/socket and/or switch. The opening of outlets/sockets can quite easily be felt through the wallpaper, and light switches protrude slightly, which means they can be seen underneath the wallpaper. Now brush or roll towards the outlet/socket/switch. This will make the contours even more visible.
Use a utility/cutter knife to cut the wallpaper crosswise in the central part of the outlet/socket opening or light switch, just like our Wallpaper Girl does. Make sure that there is sufficient wallpaper overlap around the outlets/sockets or switches so that the frame will cover the wallpaper later on. In other words, do not cut too far into the area around the edges. Unfold the cross in the wallpaper and remove traces of wallpaper paste from the outlet/socket or switch and the surrounding areas (as far as you can reach them).
After the usual drying time, use a utility/cutter knife to carefully cut off the superfluous paper (don’t forget to leave an overlap of about 2 - 4 mm!). Now press the wallpaper down again along the edges.
To make sure that the remaining traces of wallpaper paste (which cannot be detected with the naked eye) have dried completely, please wait for at least 30 minutes before you reconnect the electricity.
