Are you looking for a way to add some character and charm to your walls? Picture frame wainscoting might just be the answer!
This DIY project is not only affordable, but it can also be completed in just a weekend. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of creating your own picture frame wainscoting, from selecting the right materials to installing and painting the finished product.
Whether you’re looking to elevate your living room, dining room, or bedroom, picture frame wainscoting is a great way to add some style and sophistication to any space. So let’s get started!
How To Make Picture Frame Wainscoting
Step 1: Plan and Measure
Before you start, it’s important to plan out your picture frame wainscoting. Determine the size of your wall and decide on the spacing and placement of your frames. You can use a wainscoting layout calculator to help with this process.
Once you have your plan in place, measure and mark the placements on the wall. This will help you determine the size of your frames.
Step 2: Select Your Materials
For this project, you’ll need trim or moulding, liquid nails, caulking, a nail gun and nails (we recommend 15 gauge), paint, and sandpaper.
Select the trim or moulding that best fits your desired look. You can purchase pre-made frames from your local hardware store or make your own frames using scrap wood. Just be sure to select a consistent spacing for your frames.
Step 3: Cut and Install Your Frames
Cut your frames to the appropriate size and angle using a saw. Apply liquid nails to the back of each frame and secure it to the wall using headless finishing nails tapped into underlying studs.
Follow the pattern you marked on each wall, attaching the picture frames in the order of the pattern, working from one corner of the wall to the other.
Step 4: Caulk and Sand
Once all of the frames are up, it’s time to caulk. Fill in any gaps or nail holes with caulking to make it seamless when done. Be sure to use sandpaper to sand down any excess caulking over the nail holes.
Step 5: Paint
Finally, paint your completed walls with your desired color. You can choose to match the color of your walls or go for a contrasting color for added visual interest.
Materials Needed For Picture Frame Wainscoting
To make picture frame wainscoting, you will need the following materials:
– Trim or moulding: Choose the type of trim or moulding that best fits your desired look. You can purchase pre-made frames from your local hardware store or make your own frames using scrap wood. Just be sure to select a consistent spacing for your frames.
– Liquid nails: This adhesive will help secure the frames to the wall.
– Caulking: Fill in any gaps or nail holes with caulking to make it seamless when done.
– Nail gun and nails: A 15-gauge nail gun and headless finishing nails will work best for securing the frames to the wall.
– Paint: Choose your desired color for painting the completed walls.
– Sandpaper: Use sandpaper to sand down any excess caulking over the nail holes.
Measuring And Planning Your Wainscoting Design
When measuring and planning your wainscoting design, it’s important to take accurate measurements of your walls. Take measurements of each wall below the chair rail and draw a detailed diagram with all of the measurements. This will help you keep on track and speed up the process.
Next, determine how much picture frame moulding you will need. Select the appropriate trim or moulding that will best fit your desired look. For this project, you can purchase pre-made frames from your local hardware store or make your own frames using scrap wood. Just be sure to select a consistent spacing for your frames.
Mark the placements on the wall to help determine the size of your frames. Using a scrap piece of wood, trace out the spacings and placement for the frames. While the height of each frame will be the same for each wall, the width will differ depending on the length of the wall and the number of picture frames you intend on using.
To determine the width of each frame, take the distance between two outer spacings and subtract the spacing (width) between each frame. Then divide this number by the total number of frames you wish to have. This will give you the width of each frame.
Once you have your plan in place, cut your frames to the appropriate size and angle using a saw. Apply liquid nails to the back of each frame and secure it to the wall using headless finishing nails tapped into underlying studs.
Follow the pattern you marked on each wall, attaching the picture frames in the order of the pattern, working from one corner of the wall to the other.
Finally, caulk any gaps or nail holes and sand down any excess caulking over nail holes. Paint your completed walls with your desired color, matching or contrasting with your walls for added visual interest.
Cutting And Prepping Your Wood
To create uniform frames, it’s important to cut your moulding into consistent pieces. One way to do this is to clamp a piece of scrap wood to the fence on your miter saw to act as a stop. This will allow you to make matching pieces without measuring every time. It also helps to have a list of all the cuts you’ll need ready ahead of time and to mark each piece’s length on the back after you cut it.
To start, place a piece of moulding right side up on the saw deck, fat edge against the fence. Set the blade to the right at 45 degrees and cut the left end of the moulding at this angle. Measure out the desired length on the moulding along the longer back edge and mark it. Swing the blade to the left and set it to 45 degrees. Slide the moulding over to line up the blade with the mark, and cut the right side of the moulding. Leaving the blade down, clamp the stop into place against the left end of the moulding.
Continue cutting all of the moulding for this length with the stop in place. Adjust the stop for each of the different lengths on your cut list, and cut until you have all of the pieces you need to build all of your frames.
Using a chip brush, apply wood glue to the mitered ends of two adjoining pieces of moulding and position them around the jig. Line up the corner so that the edges are flush and square, tight to the jig. Clamp the moulding in place to the jig. Using a brad nailer and 2-inch nails, secure the mitered corner of the frame by shooting two nails into the fattest part of the moulding. Continue assembling each frame corner by corner until complete.
It’s important to note that because you’ll be using a lot of glue over time, pour it out in small batches onto a piece of scrap wood. This will prevent it from drying out before you can use it all.
Installing The Picture Frame Wainscoting
Once you have measured and cut your frames, it’s time to install them. Begin by dry fitting the frames to ensure a proper fit. Make any necessary adjustments before proceeding.
Start by installing the top, horizontal piece first. Use a spacer between the molding and chair rail and on the right and left side to ensure proper placement. Double check with a level and affix to the wall using a nail gun and finishing nails.
Continue around the box, installing each piece in the same manner. Since the third and fourth pieces complete the box, dry fit them before installing. Once all of the frames are up, it’s time to caulk any gaps or nail holes to make it seamless. Use sandpaper to sand down any excess caulking over the nail holes.
Finally, paint your completed walls with your desired color. You can choose to match the color of your walls or go for a contrasting color for added visual interest. With these steps, you can easily create a beautiful picture frame wainscoting that will elevate any room in your home.
Sanding And Painting Your Wainscoting
After you have installed your picture frame wainscoting and caulked any gaps or nail holes, it’s time to sand and paint your walls.
Step 1: Sanding
Before you begin painting, it’s important to sand your wainscoting to ensure a smooth surface. Use fine-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the entire surface of the frames and any other trim or moulding you have installed. This will help remove any rough spots or imperfections in the wood.
Step 2: Cleaning
After sanding, use a damp cloth or sponge to clean off any dust or debris from the surface of the frames. Allow the frames to dry completely before moving on to painting.
Step 3: Priming and Painting
Before painting, it’s important to prime your wainscoting. This will help the paint adhere better and provide a more even finish. Apply a coat of primer to the entire surface of the frames and allow it to dry completely.
Once the primer is dry, it’s time to paint. Use a high-quality paint and apply two coats for best results. Use a brush to paint the moulding and a roller for the flat areas in between. This will help prevent drips in the corners.
Step 4: Touch Up
After the paint has dried completely, inspect your wainscoting for any missed spots or imperfections. Use a small brush to touch up any areas that need it.
By following these steps, you can achieve a beautiful and professional-looking picture frame wainscoting that will add style and elegance to any room in your home.
Tips For Maintaining Your Picture Frame Wainscoting.
Congratulations on completing your picture frame wainscoting project! Now that it’s up, you’ll want to maintain it to keep it looking its best. Here are some tips for maintaining your picture frame wainscoting:
1. Keep it clean: Regularly dust your wainscoting with a soft cloth or duster. For tougher dirt or stains, use a mild soap and water solution to gently clean the surface. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could damage the finish.
2. Touch up paint: Over time, your wainscoting may get scuffed or scratched. To keep it looking fresh, touch up any areas with matching paint. Be sure to let it dry completely before touching or cleaning the area.
3. Check for loose frames: Occasionally check your frames to ensure they are still securely attached to the wall. If you notice any loose frames, reapply liquid nails and secure with finishing nails.
4. Keep an eye on humidity: Changes in humidity can cause wood to expand and contract, which could lead to gaps or cracks in your wainscoting. Use a humidifier or dehumidifier to maintain a consistent level of humidity in your home.
By following these tips, you can keep your picture frame wainscoting looking beautiful for years to come.