Building your own jersey display case is easier than you'd think with these five key steps. Start by gathering materials like a shadowbox frame, stainless steel pins, and acid-free backing board. Next, measure and cut your frame pieces, adding 4 inches of spacing on each side for a professional look. Install LED lighting along the top inner frame to make your jersey pop. Add a protective glass panel with rubber cushioning strips for safety and preservation. Finally, mount your jersey using pins or clips and attach proper hanging hardware. Follow these steps, and you'll discover all the insider tricks to create a museum-worthy display.
Key Points
- Select a shadowbox frame 2-3 inches deep and gather essential materials like stainless steel pins and acid-free backing.
- Measure your jersey and add 4 inches of spacing on each side when cutting frame pieces and backing board.
- Install LED lighting strips along the frame's inner edges, concealing wires behind the frame for professional illumination.
- Clean and mount protective glass with rubber cushioning strips to prevent direct contact with the jersey.
- Secure jersey with pins and attach proper mounting hardware to frame back for stable wall display.
Gather Your Materials

Before starting your jersey display case project, you'll need a shadowbox frame, mounting hardware, jersey pins or clips, a measuring tape, and acid-free backing board. You'll also want to grab a level, pencil, and clean microfiber cloth to keep everything spotless.
Here's what to look for in your materials:
- Choose a shadowbox that's at least 2-3 inches deep
- Select stainless steel pins or clear plastic clips
- Get acid-free materials to protect your jersey
- Find mounting hardware rated for the frame's weight
Don't forget some optional items that'll make your job easier:
- Cotton gloves to handle the jersey
- A soft brush for dusting
- Double-sided tape
- A ruler for precise measurements
Measure and Cut Display Frame

Precise measurements guarantee your jersey display case will showcase your memorabilia perfectly. You'll need to measure your jersey first, then add 4 inches on each side for proper spacing. Grab your tape measure and mark these key dimensions on your frame materials.
Time to cut your frame pieces with these specific measurements:
- Two horizontal pieces that are width plus 8 inches
- Two vertical pieces that are height plus 8 inches
- Four corner pieces at 45-degree angles
- One backing board cut to exact inner dimensions
Don't rush this step – it's better to measure twice and cut once! If you're using a power saw, remember to wear safety glasses and keep your fingers well away from the blade. You'll thank yourself later for taking extra care with these measurements.
Install LED Lighting

Adding LED lighting inside your display case will create a professional, museum-quality appearance that makes your jersey truly stand out. You'll need a battery-powered LED strip with adhesive backing and a simple on/off switch – nothing fancy required!
Start by planning your light placement:
- Run strips along the top inner frame
- Add strips to vertical sides if desired
- Keep wiring hidden behind the frame edges
Attach the LED strips carefully, making sure they're straight and secure. Don't worry – if you mess up, you can always peel them off and try again. Connect your strips to the battery pack, which you'll want to hide behind the frame's bottom edge. Check that everything's working before you mount your jersey – there's nothing worse than having to take it all apart later!
Add Protective Glass Panel

To protect your cherished jersey from dust and damage, a high-quality glass panel serves as the final essential component of your display case. You'll find that tempered glass works best since it's more durable than standard glass and won't shatter into dangerous shards if broken.
Before installing the glass, you'll need to:
- Clean both sides thoroughly with glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth
- Apply rubber cushioning strips to the frame where the glass will sit
- Check for any sharp edges that might need smoothing
- Measure twice to guarantee your cuts are precise
Position the glass carefully into the frame's front channels. You'll want a helper for this step – these panels can be pretty hefty! Once it's in place, secure the glass using clear silicone adhesive at the corners for added stability.
Mount Jersey and Hardware

The final steps involve mounting your jersey and installing the necessary display hardware. Start by securing your jersey to the display board using stainless steel pins or clear plastic attachments. You'll want to position it carefully so it hangs naturally without any awkward bunching.
Next, attach your mounting brackets to the back of the frame. You'll need at least two sturdy D-rings or sawtooth hangers – don't skimp on these! Place them about a quarter of the way down from the top edge.
Here's what you'll need for mounting:
- 4-6 stainless steel pins or clear attachments
- 2 D-rings or sawtooth hangers
- Level
- Pencil for marking
- Screwdriver
Once everything's secure, do a final check to verify your jersey's perfectly centered. Give the frame a gentle shake to guarantee it's all stable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Prevent My Jersey From Fading in Direct Sunlight?
To protect your jersey from sun damage, you'll want to keep it away from direct sunlight. If you're displaying it, use UV-protective glass or acrylic in your display case. You can also add UV-filtering film to existing windows or cases. For stored jerseys, keep them in a dark closet or drawer. If you must hang your jersey in a sunny room, consider using curtains or blinds during peak sunlight hours.
Can I Use Uv-Resistant Acrylic Instead of Glass for the Display Case?
Yes, you can definitely use UV-resistant acrylic instead of glass! It's actually a smart choice since acrylic is lighter, more impact-resistant, and about half the cost of glass. You'll still get great protection from harmful UV rays that can fade your jersey. Plus, acrylic is less likely to shatter if accidentally bumped, which is a huge plus when you're displaying your prized jersey. Just make sure to get high-quality, UV-rated acrylic sheeting.
What's the Ideal Room Temperature and Humidity for Preserving Jerseys?
You'll want to keep your jerseys in a Goldilocks zone – not too hot, not too cold! Aim for a room temperature between 65-72°F (18-22°C), and maintain humidity levels between 45-55%. If you're getting too scientific about it, just remember this: your jerseys should feel as comfortable as you do. Avoid basements (too damp) and attics (too hot), and keep them away from direct sunlight and heating vents.
Should I Professionally Clean the Jersey Before Displaying It?
Yes, you'll definitely want to clean your jersey before displaying it! Even if it looks clean, hidden dirt and oils can damage the fabric over time. You can either have it professionally dry cleaned (recommended for autographed or vintage jerseys) or hand wash it yourself using cold water and mild detergent. Just make sure it's completely dry before displaying – any trapped moisture could lead to mold or mildew. A fresh, clean jersey will look better and last longer!
How Often Should I Dust or Clean the Inside of the Case?
You'll want to dust the inside of your display case every 2-3 months to keep your jersey looking its best. If your case has a good seal, you might get away with cleaning it just twice a year. When you do clean, use a microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the case's surface. Don't forget those pesky corners where dust loves to hide! If you've got a lot of natural sunlight hitting the case, you might need to clean more frequently.