DIY LED Panel

How much did it cost me to make this panel? £0.00!!

I had a few things lying around the house from previous projects so I put it together to make this. You might not have all of these things but it might inspire you to use some of your leftovers.

Step 1: Think About the Things You Can Use

I needed something to frame my panel so I found an old canvas I painted many... many years ago

I still had a box from some online shopping

A reel of LED strips

PVA glue

Wires

Power adapter

Soldering iron

Step 2: Prep the Canvas Frame

Remove the canvas material from the frame. I used a screw driver to take off all the staples around the edges of the board.

When I took off the material, the wood was a bit rough so I sanded it down before painting it white.

I pained it white to ensure maximum reflection of light off the panel

Step 3: Stick on LED Strips on the Inside of the Panel

Start by pulling away the sticky tape to reveal the adhesive of the LED strip and start sticking it on to the inside of the board.

Start with the corner so it's easy to insert the wires and it'll make it more tidy

Step 4: Glue the Wooden Frame to the Carboard

Lay the frame on top of the cardboard, draw around it and cut it out.

Now you have a piece that will glue onto the back of the frame. I used PVA glue. Smear the glue all the way around, except for the area where the LED strips end, because you will want to push the wires in that corner

Step 5: Solder on Wires

Next, cut two wires, around 15cm - 20cm long. I'm using two white wires but you can use two different coloured ones.

There are markings on the LED strip to tell you which is the positive contact and which is the negative. Make a note of which wire is soldered to which contact.

On the power adapter (female) you will see one contact is for positive and one for negative. Match the wires from the LED strip to the ones on the power adapter.

Step 6: Testing Time!

And it works!

This was the intended design, but as with any project, you will evaluate and find a way to make it better.

Since I had more LED strips, I decided to make an addition to the LED panel to make it brighter

Step 7: Add MORE Lights!

So I added some LED strips to the middle of the board.

I also tested with some translucent paper to give a diffused effect

This panel is VERY effective and I'm using it for my videos. Look how nice my slipper look!

There's always something to learn. I think next time, I will use a smaller board place the LED strips in spaced rows and use a yellower light instead.

Nevertheless, this LED panel is AWESOME and I would definately recommend it to anyone looking to make a cheap cheap light source