3 Easy Ways to Frame a Puzzle

As much as I enjoy the feeling of doing jigsaw puzzles, I am the kind of person to do a puzzle once and never again. Instead, I save all of them and add them to my collection when complete.

There are a couple of ways to save a puzzle: with stickers, glue, and professionally. Before we dive into the three ways, there are two important details to remember.

1. Roll out your puzzle to make sure your puzzle is FLAT and even! Do NOT skip this step. It is really hard to fix this after using an adhesive.

2. Always use acid free materials to protect the quality of your puzzle long term.

Method 1: Framing a Puzzle with Stickers - No Mess!

Equipment:
Puzzle Saver Adhesive - Puzzle Presto!
Two cardboard or poster boards
Rolling pin

Steps:

1. Sandwich your puzzle between two boards, and flip your puzzle over so that the back is facing you.

2. Use the rolling pin and ensure the puzzle is flat and even.

3. Plan out where you want to place the stickers - make sure that each piece overlaps at least half an inch. I find that this makes it more secure.

4. Remove the adhesive coverings and stick it on the puzzle!

This is literally the easiest and fastest method with almost no clean up time. Despite all these benefits, I personally do not like this method because I feel like it is not 100% secured. When lifting the puzzle, it is pretty flexible and pieces can pop out if you are not careful. Definitely consider getting a puzzle frame to support it!

Method 2: Glue a Puzzle

Equipment:
Puzzle Glue - Mod Podge Matte Finish (Gloss)
Wax Paper
Masking Tape
Squeegee/credit card - Magic Squeegee
Rolling Pin

Steps:

1. Put wax paper on your table and place your puzzle on top - you can use cardboard to slide your puzzle on top of the wax paper or carefully slide the wax paper under the puzzle.

2. Tape the wax paper down so that it does not move.

3. Use the rolling pin and ensure the puzzle is flat and even.

4. Pour the glue on to the puzzle and use the squeegee to distribute evenly. Make sure you get all of the edges and work relatively fast. Try your best not to get any glue on the wax paper and do not put too much glue (you can always pour more).

5. Make sure the glue covers the whole puzzle and there is no excess puddles.

6. Let it dry for a an hour. Do not be alarmed that the glue is white - it dries clear.

7. Optional: Once it is dried, you can give it a second coat of glue for extra security and repeat steps 4-6.

This method is definitely a little bit more work and clean up but it is my favorite method! It offers the best security and gives it a nice matte finish. Mod Podge also offers a glossy finish if you prefer that instead.

While your puzzle is stuck together with this method, it is important to mount it onto a board for long term protection and support when hung on a wall. Keeping reading for how to mount a puzzle!

Method 3: Professionally Frame a Puzzle

Equipment: Everything you needed to glue as well as some $$

You can take your glued puzzle to a local craft store or framing store and they will frame it for you - ask them to do a "dry mounting." This could range from $15-$30.

To Frame or Not to Frame?

In order to frame a puzzle, you have to find a frame that is thick enough to accommodate the puzzle's depth. Most paper puzzles range from 1.2mm to 2mm. It is important to take the measurements of the completed puzzle yourself instead of relying on the box's listed measurements.

Personally, I do not like to use puzzle picture frames as it is an extra expense. Instead, I like to mount it on a backer board and use that as my "frame." Whether or not you want the frame to show is personal preference!

How to Mount a Puzzle

Equipment:
Dried Glued Puzzle
Spray Adhesive - 3M 45 Spray Adhesive
Heavy Flat Objects (ie. textbooks)
Foam board - 20x30in for an 1,000 piece puzzle
Box Cutter and Pen/pencil (optional)
Hanging Strip - Command 3M

Steps:

1. Plan out how you want to use your board. Do you want an inch to show on each side to frame the art or do you want it to be hidden behind the puzzle to make it pop on your wall?

2. Optional step - Hopefully, your board fits your puzzle perfectly. If not, you can trim your board to your liking using the box cutter. Be very careful - if you are not comfortable doing this, please do not do it!

3. In a well ventilated area, spray your adhesive onto the foam board and work QUICKLY. Follow the directions of your spray for best results.

4. Align your puzzle and carefully place it on top of the board and press down.

5. Place your heavy objects on top of the puzzle and leave it for a day to dry.

6. When it is ready, use the Command Strips to hang it on the wall!

Check out this video tutorial for more visuals on gluing and mounting a puzzle.

Let us know if you give any of these methods a try and show us your beautiful decorations! If you have any questions, don't be afraid to reach out.

Links in this blog post contain affiliate links.

Puzzle Sensei