Turn An Electrical Box Eyesore Into A Beautiful Work Of Art

Not all power equipment is going to work in an indoor space, be it stored in your basement or an electrical closet. For lighting and equipment outside the house, wiring could be run through underground cable feeders, but you'll also see outlet receptacles in weatherproof boxes. Smaller metal bell boxes are common, with hot-dip galvanized cast iron being a good weatherproofing material, though you will also see aluminum, steel, and non-metallic options like PVC or plastic. However, there will also be less subtle options that house electronic goods outdoors, such as larger wall-mounted boxes or freestanding covers that create blocky obstructions in your otherwise manicured patio space. Thankfully, there are DIY options to hide the eyesores of outdoor electrical boxes in your yard, including using them as canvases for beautiful murals.

Outdoor electrical boxes are often main junction points where wires meet and connect to other devices, so they're typically set in central, visible locations. The idea of placing murals on electrical boxes is likely one you've seen put into practice during your day-to-day commutes. Plenty of places around the country have painted boxes throughout their city centers through local art initiatives, disguising the necessities of modern life behind the cognitive benefits of viewing art everywhere. Whether you hire a local artist or paint a mural of your own choosing, this kind of project can enhance the aesthetic of your outdoor spaces rather than letting a blank space detract from it.

There are a few options you can try for painting an outdoor electrical box mural that can withstand the elements. If you want to take your time on the project and only place it outdoors when you're done, try cutting some waterproof parachute canvas to size and painting over that. The canvas can then be tied down with tools like cargo straps. If you want to paint directly on the electrical box, you can follow the same tips you would when painting your own wall mural. Namely, you're going to want to use an outdoor multi-surface primer that will help seal the paint job to prevent future water damage. Using drop cloths underneath outdoor painting projects is also important to prevent staining on the surrounding concrete or soil — though you should also aim for eco-friendly paints that use fewer volatile organic compounds, otherwise these might leech into the environment. The style of your new outdoor mural can go any which way your heart desires.

If your outdoor electrical box opens from the front, a directly painted mural is likely better than an attached canvas cover, given the need for easy access for maintenance and potential fire safety hazards. In fact, an outdoor electric box can be very dangerous if opened, tampered with, or otherwise broken due to the volatile, sparking materials within. Going out of your way to turn the electrical box into a nice piece of art that blends better with the environment should make further maintenance easier, ensuring the art stays as pristine as the container itself. Before you take on a new painting project, consider upgrading your electrical box to take advantage of safer, cheaper modern technology.