Home Improvement

There are so many coats of paint on them that I can't even get a screwdriver into the slots in the screws affixing them to the wall, let alone, pry the cover off...Help!

I just moved into a new remodeled apartment, and the outlets are extremely difficult to get a plug into. Especially the ones in the kitchen. I took off the switch plate, and the offending plastic obstructions are actually inside the outlet. There are a couple that if a jiggle the plug violently enough, I can get it to go in, but most are unusable. The landlord says they're childproof, but there's no way something this dumb made it onto the market. Either that, or there's a trick to getting the plug in that I'm just not aware of.

1) Do the pannels come with a 'curved lip' at the top so they can 'hook' over the existing tile, or are they flat?
2) Where the panels meet the tub, is plain caulk okay to seal this edge, or is there a better method?
3) The existing shower wall has an old brass plated, recessed soap dish that will have to come out. Once I yank it out, do I need to plug the hole or just cover it over with the surround?
4) Once installed, what is the best cleaner to keep the surround clean? I know Comet would scratch it.

This job is to cover some really ugly, but VERY study existing tile from like the 60's. There are no leaks in the tile, nor cracks. I just want to cover that hideous color. The tub is in excellent shape.

Any other tips, thoughts or trick you may have would be appriciated. We're selling the house in a year and I want to do the job right the first time.