Handmade Magnetic Poster Rails

Time needed: 2 hours

This project is surprisingly quick and rewarding, taking approximately 2 hours to complete (excluding paint drying time). It’s a perfect weekend DIY that yields impressive results!

1. 1. Cut your lattice strips to length.

   Begin by cutting your lattice strips to the precise length required for your artwork. As mentioned, we needed 6-foot lengths for our calendar, so we trimmed down 8-foot strips. To ensure all pieces are uniform and to prevent movement during cutting, stack your lattice strips together and secure them tightly with painter’s tape before making your cut.

   * PRO TIP: No compound miter saw? No problem! A hand saw and miter box can achieve clean, straight cuts. Alternatively, many large hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s offer convenient cutting services for a small fee, which can save you time and effort.

   

2. 2. Plan your magnet spacing and placement.

   This step is crucial for the functionality and aesthetic of your magnetic poster hangers. First, determine the horizontal spacing of your magnets. For our large wall calendar, where each month was 16 inches wide, we strategically spaced our magnets so that each calendar section would securely connect with at least two magnets.

   Once you’ve settled on the ideal horizontal spacing, draw a continuous line down all your lattice strips. This ensures perfect alignment when drilling and guarantees your magnets will match up across all the pieces. Next, decide on the vertical placement. We opted to position our magnets within the lower one-third of the lattice strip, marking all pieces consistently. Precision is key here; magnets on opposing strips must align perfectly to attract, so take your time measuring and marking.

   

3. 3. Drill the holes for your magnets.

   With your magnet placement meticulously marked, it’s time to drill. Use a Forstner bit that is just slightly larger than your magnets. This type of bit creates clean, flat-bottomed holes that are ideal for seating magnets flush with the wood surface. The goal is to drill deep enough so the magnets are nearly flush or perfectly recessed, but critically, do not drill all the way through the wood! Many drills feature depth gauges or stops that you can set to prevent over-drilling. If your drill lacks this feature, practice on a scrap piece of wood or apply a piece of tape to your drill bit as a visual depth guide. Safety first: always wear eye protection when using power tools.

   

4. 4. Glue your magnets in place.

   Now for the essential step of securing your magnets. We used DAP Rapid Fuse All-Purpose Adhesive for its strong, quick-drying properties. This stage requires careful attention to detail: magnets have distinct north and south poles. Opposite poles attract, while like poles repel. Before gluing, lightly place two corresponding magnet pairs together (one in the front strip, one in the back strip) with a piece of paper or poster material in between to confirm they attract correctly. Once polarity is confirmed, apply a small amount of adhesive into each drilled hole, gently press the magnets into place, and allow them to cure fully according to the adhesive’s instructions. Incorrect polarity will prevent your hangers from functioning!
   

5. 5. Smooth out the rough texture of the lattice strips.

   Lattice strips are an incredibly cost-effective material, but they often come with a somewhat rough, unfinished surface. To achieve a high-end, smooth finish, apply DAP Plastic Wood-X with DryDex Dry Time Indicator wood filler to any rough spots, knots, or small imperfections. This specific filler is fantastic because it goes on pink and dries to a natural wood finish, clearly indicating when it’s ready for sanding.
   
   

   Once the wood filler is completely dry, use sandpaper (starting with a medium grit like 120 and finishing with a finer grit like 220) to sand all surfaces until they are perfectly smooth to the touch. This step is essential for a professional-looking final product, whether you plan to paint or stain.
   

6. 6. Paint or stain your hangers.

   Now it’s time to add the finishing touch! I chose to paint only the front faces of our rails with Pure White by Sherwin-Williams, the same color as my office walls, to create a seamless, built-in look. However, the beauty of DIY is customization! You can stain the wood to highlight its natural grain, paint it a bold color to make a statement, or choose a hue that perfectly complements your artwork and room decor. Consider applying a primer first if you’re painting, especially on raw wood, for better adhesion and a more durable finish. Remember to allow adequate drying time between coats and before proceeding to the next step.

7. 7. Hang your magnetic poster hangers.

   Once your hangers are dry and ready, it’s time to mount them on the wall. I opted for Command picture hanging strips for their damage-free removal, which is ideal for renters or those who like to frequently redecorate. For a more permanent solution, you can use small nails or screws. Regardless of your chosen method, using a laser level or a traditional bubble level is highly recommended to ensure your rails are perfectly straight and level on the wall. This attention to detail will significantly enhance the overall appearance of your displayed artwork.

8. 8. Add your posters or art and enjoy!

   Finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for – showcasing your chosen art! For long pieces like our six-foot calendar, holding the artwork perfectly straight while simultaneously attaching the top magnetic rail can be tricky with just two hands. A clever trick is to use a tiny amount of sticky putty in the top corners of your poster or calendar to temporarily secure it to the bottom rail. This allows you to position the artwork precisely before snapping the top magnetic rail into place. It works like a charm, making the process smooth and effortless. Step back and admire your beautifully displayed, easily changeable artwork!