![[Laser cut and engrave] Light Switch Plates/Covers](https://image-res.xtool.com/resource/xtool/community/attachment/xtool-community/c5568f08-01ac-4c13-8dfa-5eca1b850b49?x-oss-process=image/resize,w_1200,h_900,limit_0/interlace,1/format,webp/auto-orient,1)
Light Switch Plates/Covers
Instruction
Information
Dress up your home with your very own personalized light switch covers. This particular design is for a single toggle, rocker, or electrical plate with lavender flowers engraved (or you can score). There is a separate piece that you will glue on to the back before placing the switch plate cover on your wall that will afford the necessary space.
Instruction
Step1: Engrave (blue) layer - may also be scored to save time
Since this is a detailed image, engraving takes a while. If you choose to score this instead, I recommend two passes for a deeper detailed image.
Step2: Engrave (purple) layer (the screw holes)
The purple layer is the layer used for the screws (which is on the cut layer), and the surrounding area is engraved rather deeply to allow the screws to depress into the wood a bit. Three passes usually is a good depth, but you may need to adjust based on your machine. If you get too deep of an engrave, cut the passes back to two.
Step3: Score (green) layer
The green layer will score an outline around the outside edge of the front of the switch plate. You can ignore this particular layer if you choose.
You can also change the lavender flowers to score if you choose (this will save time, as engraving will take a while due to the detail in the flowers).
Step4: Cut (red) layer
The red layer is the cut layer. The outer edge of the front of the switch plate will be cut and screw holes will be cut as well. The other piece which is a rectangle inside of a rectangle - this will be cut and then glued to the back of the front piece which allows necessary room between the switch plate cover and the electrical box.
Step5: Assembly
After cutting all of your pieces, I recommend cleaning the edges with a baby wipe or by lightly sanding. Even a cotton-tipped applicator dipped in alcohol would be a good idea. Clean out the engraved screw holes and clean out the lavender engraving (or scoring if you chose to score). Lightly sand the front, back, and all sides.
Use a tack cloth to remove any sand dust.
Use a good glue to assemble the cut rectangle-inside-a-rectangle piece to the back of the front piece. E-6000 or any other good strong glue will work. Wood glue may also be used.
Clamp the pieces together, making sure they are perfectly aligned, and allow time for the glue to dry.
After the glue dries, I usually will sand the edges all the way around again, just to make sure I did not miss anything.
You can choose to stain or paint at this point. You can also choose to stain or paint prior to engraving, scoring, and cutting.
You can obtain switch plate screws on Amazon. Most screws are ½" but if you have a rocker switch, you may need 5/16".
Happy crafting!
