How to Frame a Space in Front of an Electrical Panel

Sand the panel door so that you can paint it with a primer. You want to paint the panel before hanging the frame so that any edge that shows through blends in with the wall color. By sanding the panel first, you ensure that the paint adheres to the panel.

Brush on a paint primer to ensure that the latex color you choose will adhere to the metal panel. Allow the first layer of primer to dry, then apply another layer and allow it to dry overnight. Brush or roll on the latex colored paint you used for the surrounding wall.

Measure the length and width of the electrical panel and locate a convex frame that will cover the panel. The convex frame has an outward design, often leaving more space at the back of the frame which will cover the panel's hinges and pull handle.

Place a mirror, photographs or other artwork in the frame that doesn't have a lot of frame backing. Thinner cardboard or mat board frame-backings give the rear of the frame more empty space to cover the panel shapes that stick out slightly from the wall.

Turn the frame over so that the rear is facing you and lay it on your work space. Mark the center of the frame length. Measure four inches below the top of the frame. Make a mark on each side of the frame at this four-inch point. Screw in a D-ring hanger on each side at the mark you made.

Measure the length from one D-ring to the next and cut a piece of hanging wire 1 inch longer than your measurement. Insert hanging wire through one of the D-rings and twist it tightly around the center wire. Do the same on the other side so that you have a hanging wire that is strung loosely from one side of the painting to the other. Make sure that the wire has some give and isn't strung too tightly against the frame or you won't be able to insert the wire over the hook on the wall.

Purchase a small plastic wall hooks that adhere to the wall. This type of hook doesn’t require nailing or screws. You don’t want to hammer a nail or drill a hole in an area near a circuit control panel as this can cause electrical shock.

Place the frame on the electrical panel to see where you need to place the hook. Use a grease pencil to mark the hook area. Remove the adhesive backing from the hook and press it firmly to the electrical panel. Allow the hook adhesive to sit overnight so that the adhesion is firm.

Hang the picture wire over the hook, allowing the frame to cover the electrical panel.