Modular 20-Bottle FolkArt Paint Rack

I designed this rack to organize 20 FolkArt 2 oz acrylic paint bottles while keeping the design relatively simple to print, assemble, and disassemble.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ATJSDHE?th=1

The rack holds bottles vertically in a 5-wide × 4-deep arrangement. It uses two side panels, an upper locating shelf, a lower shelf, and a rear support brace.

All the main components are designed to print flat on the build plate without supports.

Features

• 20-bottle capacity: Designed around standard FolkArt 2 oz acrylic paint bottles.

• Flat-pack construction: Separate panels connect without glue or screws.

• Dovetail shelf connections: Shelves slide into captured slots in the side panels.

• Removable locking clips: Snap-in clips help prevent the shelves from lifting out of their connections.

• Integrated shelf supports: Each side panel has two ledges that support the shelves from below.

• Hook-style rear brace: Adds rigidity using simple rectangular slots and downward-facing hooks.

• Built-in carrying handles: Rounded finger openings in both side panels.

• Stable feet: Integrated into the side panels.

• Rounded edges: Exposed edges and corners have been softened for more comfortable handling.

• Two lower shelf options: Choose the version that best suits your paints.

Two Bottom Shelf Options

I've included two interchangeable bottom shelves.

1. Raised Retention Ring Version

This version has 20 circular raised rings that help keep the bottoms of the paint bottles positioned consistently.

2. Flat Shelf Version

This version has a smooth, solid surface without raised rings. It can be useful when you want more flexibility in the types of bottles or containers placed in the rack.

Both versions use the same dovetail connections and fit the same side panels.

Printing

The rack is divided into individual components to make printing easier.

Print the following:

• 1 left side panel

• 1 right side panel

• 1 upper shelf

• 1 lower shelf (choose either version)

• 1 rear support brace

• 8 locking clips

The left and right side panels are mirror images, so be sure to print one of each.

The main components are designed to print flat, without support material. The locking clips are separate small parts and can be printed together.

Suggested settings:

• Material: PLA for the main rack components

• Layer height: 0.20 mm

• Walls: 3–4 perimeters

• Infill: 15–20%

• Supports: Not intended to be required

PETG may be a better choice for the flexible locking clips, particularly if the rack will be assembled and disassembled frequently.

The connector clearances were developed for FDM printing, but small adjustments may be necessary depending on printer calibration and material.

Assembly

1. Position the upper and lower shelves between the side panels.

2. Align the shelf dovetails with the enlarged openings in the side panels.

3. Insert the dovetails and lower the shelves into their retaining slots.

4. Make sure the shelves are seated against the integrated support ledges.

5. Insert the rear brace hooks through their rectangular openings and lower the brace into position.

6. Push the locking clips into the openings above the shelf dovetails. The upper hooks are designed to snap behind the panels while the lower portions capture the exposed dovetail ends.

The locking clips are removable, allowing the rack to be disassembled for storage, transportation, or replacement of the shelf.

Dimensions

• Capacity: 20 bottles

• Arrangement: 5 columns × 4 rows

• Bottle spacing: 41 mm center-to-center

• Upper shelf openings: 35 mm diameter

• Main shelf area: 219 × 181 mm

• Shelf thickness: 4 mm

• Side-panel thickness: 5 mm

Design Notes

This project went through several iterations, particularly around the shelf connections, locking clips, side-panel feet, and edge finishing.

The goal was to produce a practical paint organizer that could be printed as separate, manageable pieces without requiring hardware.

The original dovetail connection was developed and adjusted using physical test prints. The complete rack and latest locking-clip configuration should be checked for fit and stability before carrying a fully loaded rack by its handles.

I hope this is useful for anyone looking to organize a collection of FolkArt acrylic paints!