More likely than not, each piece of art and every framed photograph that you’ve collected over the years holds a special place in your heart and has its own special sentimentality. If this rings true for you, a personalised gallery wall is a perfect way for you to let each unique piece shine together.
WATCH: Tara’s top tips for creating a gallery wall
Gather your supplies
• Assorted picture frames with mount board (we used 7), see tip below
• Dulux Duramax Bright Finish in Chrome, Gold and Copper Rose (or any other colours and finishes that you love!)
You’ll also need:
Damp cloth; newspaper or drop sheet; assorted artworks, prints or photos; brown paper (or similar); pencil; scissors; small spirit level; Blu-Tack; self-adhesive picture-hanging strips
Tip: Pick up a bunch of inexpensive frames from discount stores. Alternatively, source a mix of frames from thrift shops and cut new mount board to suit each frame.
Here’s how
Revamping the frames
Step 1 Disassemble picture frames. Set aside the glass, mount board and backing board for each frame.
Step 2 Using a damp cloth, wipe over frames to remove dust and fingerprints.
Step 3 Spread out newspaper or drop sheet in a well-ventilated area.
Step 4 Carefully place the first batch of frames (to be painted the same colour) on top of newspaper or drop sheet. Spray front and sides of frames with 2 light coats of spray paint in your chosen colour. Let dry between coats, then leave to dry for 24-hours after final coat. Avoid touching the sprayed surface during this drying time.
Step 5 Repeat Steps 3–4 to paint the remaining frames in batches of colours. Ensure you leave frames to dry for 24-hours after the final coat.
Step 6 Place glass and mount board back in each frame. Add chosen artwork, prints or photos, then return the backing board to each frame.
Hanging the gallery wall
Step 7 To get a good idea of how your gallery wall will look, make a collection of paper templates. To do this, lay out brown paper, then use a pencil to trace around each frame. Cut out each template using scissors.
Step 8 Using Blu-Tack, position each template on your clean wall. Play around with the arrangement – taking a step back from time to time – until you are happy with the balance. You’ll find arranging the templates in a more compact layout works best, as does grouping an odd number of frames. Use a spirit level to make sure each template is level.
Step 9 Attach self-adhesive picture-hanging strips to the back of the frames. Working one at a time, position a frame on the wall in place of the corresponding paper template. Rest spirit level on top of each frame to keep them level.
Project courtesy of Dulux Australia
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