How to Make a Frame Lightbox

Determine the size of your lightbox. Know the desired amount of area you̵7;ll want lit. This size should be about the size of a standard sheet of printer paper (8½ by 11 inches).

Calculate the measurements that you̵7;ll need for cutting your wood. These will be the active size of your lightbox plus the thickness of the wood. If your active length is 11 inches and your wood is ¼-inch thick, you will cut lengths of wood that are 11½ inches to accommodate the active size and width of your wood.

Cut the wood if it has not been cut already. Using a handsaw will be possible on thinner planks of wood, but your results may vary from one plank to the next. Consider having the wood cut professionally, or purchasing scrap wood that has already been cut to your specifications.

Screw the frame together using corner-mounting brackets at 90-degree angles. Using a woodworking square will ensure that your angles are correct and your lightbox frame will be a perfect rectangle.

Glue a sheet of Plexiglas to the back of your frame. Your Plexiglas sheet should be just larger than your frame. Lay the Plexiglas over the underside of your frame, and apply epoxy along the inner edge of your wooden frame. Let the piece set for at least seven minutes.

Place your fluorescent bulbs and fixtures on parallel sides of your light box frame, with the back of the frame still facing upwards. Adjust your bulbs so that they are pointing toward the center of the frame. Two should be enough to illuminate the light box. With epoxy, secure your fixtures into place. Allow at least ten minutes for the adhesive to cure. Plug your lights in, and your framed lightbox is ready to go!