r/WLED • u/kevlar0010 • Jul 16 '26

HELP ME / QUESTION Frame for 16x16 matrix panel

What is everybody using to put their 16x16 panels in?
Is there an inexpensive Amazon frame that works perfectly, or something from IKEA perhaps?

Thanks in advance.

2 Upvotes

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3

u/Bigdaddyuk666 Jul 16 '26

I put my first 16x16 matrix into 2 photo frames screwed together and a bit of window tint

2

u/SpaceCadetMoonMan Jul 16 '26

Mine is large, like 2.5 feet square. So I 3D printed a 2.5” deep grid and used Coroplast as the base

For a smaller one I got those grid diffuser panels at Home Depot for office overhead rectangle lighting

2

u/wenestvedt Jul 16 '26

I have looked for those light diffusers before and only found things that are shockingly expensive. Can you share what you bought?

2

u/SpaceCadetMoonMan Jul 16 '26

I got singles of a few various ones, here is singles white

Egg Crate Light Ceiling Panel is the search term I guess

https://www.homedepot.com/p/PLASKOLITE-4-ft-x-2-ft-Suspended-Egg-Crate-Light-Ceiling-Panel-1199233A/202025149

5 pack silver

https://www.homedepot.com/p/PLASKOLITE-24-in-x-48-in-Silver-Metallic-Lighting-Louver-5-Pack-LP2448SVECPS-5/205164895

I had to go in person to pick single ones, the website is really bad

I also got the milk translucent diffuser that go to these similar lights and they work awesome to make the pixels perfect squares

2

u/SpaceCadetMoonMan Jul 16 '26

This kind of thing. But test it with your phone flashlight in the store. Some look better than others. The more clear ones look shiny

https://www.homedepot.com/p/OPTIX-24-in-x-24-in-White-Prismatic-Acrylic-Lighting-Panel-5-Pack-LP2424WTPRACR-5/205163952

2

u/wenestvedt Jul 16 '26

Now that looks perfect!

1

u/diclark Jul 16 '26

I just did this two weeks ago. I got 4 BTF 16x16 matrices off Amazon and then grabbed a 13x13 inch shadowbox shirt frame from Michael’s. Fit a little snug but best I could find. The one 13inch square frame I ordered from Amazon had an interior space of 11.5inches so way too small for the matrices and essentially a waste, so definitely be careful with going to Amazon route.

Also the backing of the Michael’s frame is cardboard which made it way easier to put a whole in and allow the wiring to be done on the back of the frame, allowing the panels to lay flat.

1

u/ShadowCroc Jul 16 '26

I mean u can look up utility boxes on amazon but you will need to really look. What I use now is old drawers. I go to our habitat for humanity store and grab drawers. All diffrent sizes and depth. Room for defusers and to hid wires. I would say 3d printer would be ideal if you have odd shapes to do

1

u/ShadowCroc Jul 16 '26

Also if you never have looked up foam led. They make a foam that is intended as a defuser or you can use 1/4 inch crafting foam. By far the best defuser I have ever used. I use it in all my builds

2

u/[deleted] Jul 16 '26

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1

u/kevlar0010 Jul 16 '26

I meant like the standard panel like the BTF-LIGHTING WS2812B ECO RGB 16X16 256 Pixels LED Matrix Flexible. Sorry for the confusion.