Homemade Movie Poster Light-box

     For my first ever Instructable, I am going to show you all how to make a light-box for movie posters, like at movie theaters!  Posters made for light-boxes are often referred to as double-sided, mirror sided or duratrans; their backs have a slightly faded mirror image of the front and they let light through.  You can get these off of websites like eBay, Amazon and collector sites.  You can also get the posters straight from the movie theaters themselves, all you gotta do is ask(mind you, many if not most theaters won't give them out to the general public).
  Commercially made light-boxes can cost over $400 new, sometimes $500!  This design will cost less than $100.
Knowledge in how to use power tools, electrical wiring and building is required for this Instructable.  Really you just have to know what you're doing.  If you don't know the basics, I can't help you.

Please ignore any inconsistencies with the pictures, I ended up having to redesign parts of it and some of the pictures may seem a little off.

Step 1: Tools and Supplies

Supplies/materials you will need:
-two(2) 8ft. 1x4" poplar planks
-two(2) cheap 27x40" poster frames
-one(1) 27x40" aluminum poster frame
-two(2) 3ft. 1-Lamp T12, strip lights
-two(2) 3ft. T12 florescent tube light-bulbs
-a light switch
-a electric cord with a ground
-at least 4ft. of 12-14 gauge electrical wire__ Not sure
-a set of 2 2" hinges
-a set of 2 latches/locks
-wire nuts
-bright white high gloss enamel paint
-black or whatever color you want enamel paint
-1-1/2" & 3/4" screws
-pop rivets
-paintable silicone caulk/glue/sealant
-picture hanging wire or stainless steel wire
-eye-hooks/D-hooks
-really thin nails or staples

Tools you will need:
-a power drill/screw gun with Phillips & flat head bits
-a drill bit set with bits size 1/16-3/8"
-a table saw OR a combination saw and a jigsaw
-an adjustable square
-a sanding/grinding bit
-a 1 1/4" paddle bit
-a Phillips screwdriver
-a caulk gun
-a wire stripper
-a pop rivet gun
-a metal tapper

Comments

[victorlani]

Thank you so much for this instructable video, I just built one, I skipped the backing part, I just built the box and mounted the light separate straight to the wall, IKEA sold cheap 27x40 black poster frame,I used piano hinge, I used T5 fluorescent lighting 36" from home depot, came out really nice with mad hatter double sided poster. I did use plexiglass 1/8" but could have used 3/16" regular glass from local dealer, only 18 bucks but next time that's what i will do. Again thank you.

[dsanson]

You could do this much thinner and closer to the wall using led strips!
It wouldnt be much more expensive, youve just gotta know where to shop :P
But fantastic instructable recently got a poster print of an art print and ive been looking for new ways to mount it, Thank you for the brilliant idea!

[MichelMoermans]

Nicely done!

I like this idea although I am of the opinion that it can be done alot cheaper by using a posterframe from ikea and then hanging two lamps in that.

I actually have cinemaposter size posterframe in my room with see through posters.

I always buy them in my local cinema. They are quite cheap 5 euro for one :)