Whenever you paint or wallpaper around a light switch or electrical socket, you must always switch off the power at the mains, and identify and remove the fuse for that circuit.
Wallpapering around obstacles such as these requires a steady hand and a great deal of patience: don't rush, otherwise you will spoil the effect. After all, it's these little details that make the difference to a professional finish. There are two ways of making wallpaper 'fit around' switches: you can either remove the faceplate of the switch - but only after the power is switched off - which makes working easier, or, if you prefer, you can very carefully cut around the switch or socket. Use decorator's scissors and make sure the blades are kept free of paste.
1 Loosely hang the drop of paper
When you arrive at a switch or socket, loosely hang the drop of wallpaper on the wall. Using a paperhangers' brush gently press the wallpaper against the switch or socket to make an impression - but not a hole - in the wallpaper. Carefully cut a 'star' by making four small diagonal cuts from the centre to the corners.
2 Trim away excess
Fold back the four pointed triangles pressing their edges into the angle between the wall and the switch. If you take the faceplate off the switch or socket, you can smooth the cut edges and replace the faceplate to hide them. Alternatively, carefully trim away the excess with scissors or a craft knife and brush the paper's edges into the angle.
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