Make A Painted Offcut Artwork
We show you how to create a colourful wall feature using scraps of timber and left over paint samples.
The average DIYer has at least one box of timber offcuts from past jobs gathering dust in a corner of the workshop. This project uses untreated pieces of timber and leftover paint to create a striking art work for almost no cost.
Making the Artwork
Arrange the offcuts on a backing board like a jigsaw puzzle using timber pieces of different depths and making sure the edges are straight. When you’re happy with the design, number the pieces and cut them to size with square edges.
Apply the paint or finish, securing the offcuts to the backing board and each other using PVA adhesive. Drive screw hooks into the backing and attach picture wire to hang the art work on the wall using a picture hanger or wall anchor.
For the backing board use a piece of 1000 x 850 x 6mm MDF or any leftover sheet material like plywood or particleboard up to 16mm thick, as anything larger will make the art work too heavy to manage.
TIP – A 1200 x 900 x 6mm plywood HandiPanel, about $15 from hardware stores, can be used as the backing.
Mounting the Artwork
Stand on a scale with the artwork, subtracting your body weight to choose the right type of picture hanger. A picture that weighs over 10 kilos is best hung from two points on the wall.
Use a spirit level to mark up the wall and check the artwork for level once it is hung.
For masonry use a masonry bit to drill a hole then tap in a wall plug or a sleeve anchor like a Dynabolt hook.
For plasterboard use a stud finder to locate the studs and secure a hook directly into the timber or use a three or four pin picture hanging hook.