Vinyl Record Now Playing Rack

Watch the video of me making this “Now Playing” rack for vinyl record album covers, then follow these instructions to make one for yourself!

I imported the logo from my favorite 1980’s record store that is now out of business. You can import a logo that means something to you, or make up a record store name. You could even use your last name…how about Carmichael Records & Tapes!

If you want to use a different font for the Now Playing piece, type your text in Easel using a thick font. Use ALL CAPS so there are no loose objects, like the dot on the letter i. Draw a rectangle across the bottom of the letters and combine it with the letters, so that it connects all of the letters together as a solid piece. Flip it upside down and add mating dowel holes in the piece and backboard for attaching.

This project took less than an hour to carve out of 1/2" Baltic Birch plywood, but 1/4" would work fine too. Don’t forget to do a reality check and adjust any cutting depths and tabs if necessary.

I sprayed the whole backboard with Deft Clear Wood Finish Spray Lacquer to seal the wood. I masked off the engraved letter pockets and spray painted them. I sanded off the overspray and applied more spray lacquer. I painted the Now Playing piece and then glued it on using the dowels making sure it was straight and square.

The design uses keyholes to hang it up. This makes it easy to hang and take it down if needed. I plan to make a couple more with different record store names and switch them out occasionally. Now put on a record and display the album cover in style while you listen to it!

Thanks for checking out my project. You can find more of my projects here on the Inventables project page.