You can fix cracked light switches with simple solution – and it's not caulk
A man embarking on home improvements sought advice for the best method to repair a cracked light switch and was advised against an apparent quick fix.
Opting for caulk to fill the gaps might seem like a solution, but Reddit users have recommended he choose a different approach to address the imperfections in his home. Instead of reaching for the sealant, contributors on the r/DIY subreddit have offered alternative suggestions for more durable repairs.
He queried: "Stupid question, but what's the best thing to use to fix the gaps/cracks in the plaster around the light switch?". The online community has since chimed in with their recommendations, with a consensus forming that one should "never" resort to caulk for such a sensitive repair task.
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One member advised: "I'd never caulk round a light switch, it'd make a mess if you have to remove it. Take the face plate off and use pollyfilla, then sand down when dried. Replace the face plate." Another suggested: "Toupret is a better filler than polyfilla imo. If you have some bonding plaster and its a large hole you could use that and then finish."
This sentiment was echoed by others who concurred: "Toupret is far superior than anything else." Several users took the opportunity to elaborate on why caulk isn't the optimal solution for this particular light switch issue, pointing out that there are better and tidier methods available.
They penned: "People are suggesting caulk which would work to fill in the gap but it will be stuck to the switch on one side. I prefer to leave sockets and switches easily unscrewable - for example when painting I'll unscrew the socket slightly and paint just behind where it will be when screwed back up."
"That way it's not getting a paint seal around the edge. Similarly here I think I would prefer to get the switch out of the way and build up that gap using a solid filler."