The best magazine
How to Make Privacy Dividers to Separate a Room
- 1). Measure the size of space you want to cover with a divider. Divide the width of the space by four and use this as your width measurement. Measure and cut four pieces of plywood to this divided width by the height you want the divider to be, such as 5 to 6 feet tall.
- 2). Smooth the rough edges with sandpaper and rub the surface of the plywood pieces on both sides to remove splinters or jagged areas.
- 3). Apply a full coating of primer over the plywood pieces with a paintbrush or paint roller. Work with the plywood pieces upright to cover both sides at once or prime one side and dry for an hour before flipping and priming the other side. Let the primer dry for 1 to 2 hours.
- 4). Paint a background, base coat of acrylic gloss paint over the primed surfaces with a brush or roller on both sides of each plywood panel. Allow the paint to dry for 2 to 4 hours. Apply a second coat and allow to dry, if desired.
- 5). Paint on decorative details such as scrolls, vines, geometric designs or borders on the panels by hand or with stencils. Add rub-on or stick-on decals to the panels if you want more detailed elements to be added like flowers, animals or repeating patterns. Let any fresh paint dry.
- 6). Lay two of the panels side by side on a flat surface with the front facing downward. Align three evenly spaced hinges over the gap between the panels so they fold upward. Drill screws into place to attach the hinges to the panels. Repeat with the two remaining panels.
- 7). Flip the two sets of panels over and pair them side by side. Space the three remaining hinges over the gap between panel sets and secure as in Step 6. Stand the divider upright with the bottom resting on the ground. Fold the hinges accordion style so the divider resembles a wide "W" shape to make it stand on its own.
Source: ...