How to Make Your Own Display Case

Display cases are both multifunctional and practical. You can put any item of choice behind a display case's protective glass and enjoy looking at your collectibles or prized antiques on a daily basis. Display cases also help to protect collectibles and antiques from too much dust. You can make a do-it-yourself display case using basic materials and inexpensive objects. Old wooden picture frames found in thrift stores or garage sales, with the addition of glass, make for convenient display-case fronts.

Step 1

Remove the backing from an old bookcase by removing the backing screws with an electric drill. If the backing is attached by nails, use a claw-tooth carpenter's hammer to remove them.

Step 2

Use a picture frame that is made from thick, strong wood. Measure the front of the bookcase, and use a picture frame the same size as the bookcase measurements. Large picture frames that measure over 16 by 30 inches are ideal. Turn it over, and using needle-nose pliers, remove the picture part and any staples or nails holding the picture. Do not tear the staples or the nails from around the edges of the frame, so that the structure of the wood frame remains intact.

Step 3

Remove the hardware from the frame. The hardware are the parts on the top center used for hanging a picture against a wall. Look for the metal parts on the picture with grooved teeth on the top. Remove the wire if there are no grooved teeth-type hardware.

Step 4

Clean the old paper off the frame by peeling it off. Measure the width and height of the picture frame on the back for hinges. Write down measurements. Attach hinges to frame using an electric screwdriver. Attach hinges to bookcase that correspond to the measurements of the frame.

Step 5

Sand the picture frame with sandpaper, and remove wood dust with a tack cloth. Apply a fresh coat of wood stain with a clean paintbrush to give the wood a refreshed look if keeping the wood in its natural state. Choose a stain that matches the color of the wooden bookshelf. Apply fast drying acrylic paint in the color of your choice with a clean paintbrush if you wish to paint the frame instead of staining.

Step 6

Attach pre-measured plexiglass or clear glass to the frame with a hot glue gun. Make sure to apply enough glue around the edges of the frame so the glass does not fall. Apply pressure. Use a clean rag to remove excess glue from around the edges. Let the glue dry overnight to ensure that it is secure. Attach the frame with the glass or plexiglass to the front of the bookcase when dry.

Tools Needed:
Electric drill
Claw-tooth carpenter's hammer
Wood picture frame
Needle-nose pliers
Tape measure
Hinges
Electric screwdriver
Sandpaper
Tack cloth
Stain
Paintbrushes
Acrylic paint
Plexiglass or clear glass
Glue gun
Clean rag

Reference
Metacafe; Diy Display Case; Meg Shea; August 2008 [http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1146347/diy_display_case/]

RefinishFurniture.com: Painting Unfinished Furniture [http://www.refinishfurniture.com/unfinishedfurniture.htm]