Save yourself from this scenario with a simple fix used by professional painters and design-savvy homeowners alike: Write the paint information on the back of your outlet cover.
How the Outlet Cover Hack Works
Once your touch-ups or newly painted walls are completely dry, grab your outlet covers and a permanent marker. Choose one cover per room, then neatly record three details on the back (the side that faces the wall):
• The paint brand
• The color name and manufacturer code
• The paint finish or sheen (matte, eggshell, satin, semigloss, etc.)
You might write, for example, “Farrow & Ball, Green Smoke No. 47, eggshell.” To really cover your bases, dab a little paint sample on the cover with your finger.
Screw the cover back on, and you have a sneaky record hiding in plain sight. The backs never get painted over, so the information stays put as long as you keep those outlet covers. If you ever sell, consider it a small gift to the future owners — it saves them the guesswork of matching paint years from now.
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What To Do if Your Outlet Covers Aren’t Plastic
Many outlet covers are plastic, but if yours are brass, glass, or another specialty finish, permanent marker may not stick or show up well. The workaround is just as easy: Write the information on a piece of painter’s tape or a label, and stick it to the back before reinstalling the plate. This way, you won’t damage the cover, and the writing will hold up over time because it’s protected from sunlight. (Just beware that if it’s in a bathroom, moisture may cause the tape to curl.) This route is also a smart nonpermanent option for renters.
