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After years of crafting (my blog turned 13 last month!), I have quite the spray paint collection. Instead of keeping the cans in a box in storage, it was time to add a bit of color to my office and put them on display!
I love pegboards for organization, but they can be a bit limiting if you can’t hang your item by a hook (i.e spray paint cans). I searched and searched for pre-made shelves that I could buy and somehow no results. So naturally, I decided to make my own. Here’s how to make DIY Pegboard Shelves:
Materials
- Montana GOLD spray paint
- Pegboard
- Painter’s tape
- Tarp
- 220 grit sandpaper
- Square bend hooks
- Pliers
- Wood (I picked up an 8′ board that was 4″ deep and 1″ thick)
- Drill
- Miter saw
- Clamp
- Pegboard mounting kit
- Tape measurer
Material Notes
My shelves were ~15.25″ long when cut and I used 3 square bend hooks per shelf (I used 18 total).
Have cardboard to cover up the areas on the pegboard you aren’t painting.
It helps to take all your wood measurements BEFORE you paint your pegboard, that way you don’t scuff your paint. Plus you can work on your shelves while waiting for paint to dry.
How to Paint a Pegboard
1. Start by taping off your design with painter’s tape. Make sure to smooth over it so you get crisp lines. I divided the board evenly into thirds and then in half to get the look pictured.
2. Cover up the areas you aren’t painting by placing cardboard on top.
3. Working outside, apply a thin coat of Montana Gold Spray Paint in the color of your choice. Let dry to the touch then go in with a second coat for full coverage.
4. Remove the cardboard and move to the next area to paint. You’ll want to give each painted section hours to dry before covering with cardboard. If you’re in a hurry, but have an extra person to help, they can always hold the cardboard up. The main point is to prevent overspray and contain the color to it’s designated area.
5. Let dry completely overnight then remove any tape.
DIY Pegboard Shelves
Don’t let the idea of making your own shelves overwhelm you! I was able to do this project during my daughter’s nap time. It’s a few simple cuts with drilled holes and sanding– you can totally do it!
How To Measure Your Boards
I measured after taping off my design and before painting, that way I knew exactly how much wood I would need. I suggest measuring every box just to be sure (the middle boxes were ever so slightly smaller for me just based on where I put the tape).
Cutting Your Wood
Take your measurement and make a level line down your board where you need to cut. Cut your wood to the measured length.
I used a miter saw, but any saw will do fine since you are just making straight cuts. Just be consistent with your cuts. For example, cut everything either on the line or to the left of it every single time, otherwise they will be slightly different.
Adding the Square Bend Hooks
Now for the tedious part of making your own shelves– where to place the hooks. This is another measurement to take in place on the pegboard since the placement determines where the shelf will rest.
Once your wood is cut to size, hold onto the front of the pegboard where you want it to hang. Then through the back mark where the hooks need to be placed.
Take that and drill in the center of the board. Pre drill your holes, but don’t add your hooks until after painting.
Finishing Your Pegboard Shelves
To finish your shelves, start by sanding the entire board to get it as smooth as possible for painting. You’ll also want to be sure to round the top back of your shelf. This will help you place the shelf into the pegboard (otherwise the hooks won’t be able to go into the holes).
Paint two coats of Montana GOLD in the same colors you used on the pegboard. Seal with Varnish when the paint dries.
When everything is completely dry, it’s time to add your hooks. You can start them off by hand, but to really anchor them into the board it helps to turn with a pair of pliers. You might have to make adjustments when hanging, but they should be in the board with around ~.25″ outside of the board.
How to Hang a Pegboard with Shelves
Now that that you’ve learned how to make pegboard shelves, it’s time to get everything on the wall. Here are the main tips to follow when hanging a pegboard:
- Use anchors to help support the weight. I used 6 total on my board: four corners and two in the center
- Make sure to use spacers to give your hooks space in the back of your pegboard
- Don’t forget to level! Before fully drilling in place, make sure your pegboard is level.
I found it easiest to start in the center top of the board and then mark locations from there.
So that’s how to make pegboard shelves! I love the idea of using the cans as decor in my craft room and having them on display. Not only does it add a pop of color, but also helps me keep track of what I have.
I think it will be fun to mix up the location of the shelves for a color blocked look as well. The possibilities for this are endless and I hope you give this DIY a try!
Check out the DIY archives for more spray paint ideas!