How to create a gallery wall

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 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 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 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 remaining frames in batches of colours. Ensure you leave frames to dry for 24-hours after 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 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 your 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 spirit level to make sure each template is level.

Step 9 Attach self-adhesive picture-hanging strips to back of 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 picture each frame to keep them level.

Project courtesy of Dulux Australia