Monday, May 13, 2013

Create a Mini Picture Gallery


How to Create a Mini Picture Gallery

Use picture frame molding to create a mini gallery for your pint-sized Picasso.


Photo 6 of 9
  • Finished Gallery
  • Step 1: Cut the Rails
  • Step 2: Assemble the Rails
  • Step 3: Give It Paint
  • Step 4: Mount to Wall
  • Finished Gallery
  • Close Up Finished Gallery
  • Personal Touches 1
  • Personal Touches 2
[+]
  • Finished Gallery
  • Step 1: Cut the Rails
  • Step 2: Assemble the Rails
  • Step 3: Give It Paint
  • Step 4: Mount to Wall
  • Finished Gallery
  • Close Up Finished Gallery
  • Personal Touches 1
  • Personal Touches 2

Step 1: Cut the Rails

Measure your available horizontal wall space, then double that measurement and add a couple of extra feet. Saw picture frame or panel molding to length using a hand or power miter saw. Miter the corners to create 45° cuts where the two picture rails meet in a corner of a room and 90° cuts where the ends butt into adjacent walls.
Step 1: Cut the RailsJahreszeiten Verlag/Picture Media[+]

Step 2: Assemble the Rails

Cut your backing board from MDF or plywood using a jigsaw or circular saw. Many home centers will cut backing strips for you for little or no charge. If your cuts aren't perfectly straight, don't worry; the lip on the molding will cover the edges. Apply wood glue to the edges of the backing material, then use small finish nails or clamps to secure the rails to the backing material.
Step 2: Assemble the RailsJahreszeiten Verlag/Picture Media[+]

Step 3: Give It Paint

Fill nail holes, dips and gouges with wood putty, then sand everything using 180-grit sandpaper. Apply one coat of primer and two coats of high-gloss enamel paint.
Step 3: Give It PaintJahreszeiten Verlag/Picture Media[+]

Step 4: Mount to Wall

Use a level to mark the top edges of the rails on the walls. For permanent installation, apply liquid nails to the backing material, then use sticks of wood and a few nails to hold the picture rails in place. For temporary installations, secure it to every other wall stud with 2-in. drywall screws.
Step 4: Mount to WallJahreszeiten Verlag/Picture Media[+]
Finished GalleryJahreszeiten Verlag/Picture Media[+]
Close Up Finished GalleryJahreszeiten Verlag/Picture Media[+]

TIP

Your picture rail will look best when mounted 32 to 42 inches off the floor, a convenient height for children. If you're using construction adhesive, bear in mind you'll remove drywall facing and paint when you remove the rail. By mounting it with screws, you'll only need to patch a few holes if you remove or relocate the rail.

Personal Touches

With a few extra add-ons, a picture rail can become an interactive play place. Try these special additions to make it yours.
Chalkboards: Cut pieces of 1/4-in. plywood to fit between the rails, paint them with three coats of chalkboard paint, then secure them to the picture rail with construction adhesive.
Magnetic boards: Use tin snips to cut strips of steel flashing to fit between the rails. Bend over or cover all edges to prevent cuts to fingers.
Cork and dry-erase boards: Cut segments of these materials to the appropriate width, then adhere using construction adhesive.
Reading light: Mount a gooseneck wall lamp to a section of 1/2-in. plywood, then securely mount the plywood to the picture rail. For safety, encase the cord in a rigid metal cord cover, and make sure the lamp stays cool to the touch when on.
Personal Touches 1Jahreszeiten Verlag/Picture Media[+]
Personal Touches 2Jahreszeiten Verlag/Picture Media[+]

TIP

To make a nontoxic, child-friendly finger paint, put 2 cups of cold water in a large bowl, then slowly add 2 cups of white flour. Ask your kids to help you! Divide the mixture into smaller bowls and add a couple of drops of different food colorings to each to create their favorite hues.
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