Learn how to frame your jigsaw puzzle after completing it and you won’t have to stash your artwork away after finishing it. There are different options when it comes to safely storing and framing your puzzles and in this post, you will learn how to glue a puzzle together and how tape a puzzle together, as well as what to consider when it comes to framing your jigsaw puzzle.
So come along if you’re interested in learning how to display or keep your jigsaw puzzle stored away safely.
How To Glue A Jigsaw Puzzle
Learning how to glue a jigsaw puzzle together is the most common way to make sure that a puzzle stays intact, for storage or framing. Luckily it is way easier and less messy than it sounds.
What you need to glue your puzzle:
- Puzzle glue
- A brush (or use the applicator from the puzzle glue if there is one)
- Wax or parchment paper
Follow these 5 steps:
1. Protect The Surface
Once you have completed your puzzle, slide wax or parchment paper underneath the puzzle to avoid any staining of the surface underneath during the process.
2. Final Preparations
Make sure that the pieces of the puzzle are firmly pushed together and brush off any dust to ensure that it looks how you want it to look in its final form.
3. Glue Your Jigsaw Puzzle
Take your puzzle glue and spread it evenly over the puzzle using a brush - or the applicator that comes with the puzzle glue. Make sure that you cover each piece in glue and that you do this process in one go, to avoid different amounts of glue on the puzzle. Be careful to not make the layer of glue too thick, as this might saturate and soften the puzzle, changing the way it looks.
4. Time To Dry
Allow your puzzle to dry. This can take anywhere from an hour up to five hours, depending on the puzzle glue used, so read the instructions to know exactly how long you have to wait.
5. Store Your Glued Puzzle
Once the puzzle has fully dried, carefully remove the wax or parchment paper from underneath using your hands or a spatula. Your puzzle should now be solid in one piece and ready for safe storage or framing. If you want tips on what to consider when framing your puzzles, look below for my favourite things to keep in mind when framing a jigsaw puzzle.
If you want to see the glue process in video format, have a look here at our instagram reel explaining how to glue a jigsaw puzzle.
How Tape A Puzzle (Without Glue)
If you don’t want to use glue when framing your puzzles, you can easily seal your puzzle with packing tape in three easy steps.
What you need to tape your puzzle:
- Packing tape
- Scissors
- Maybe: Backing board (to flip puzzle, if necessary)
Follow these 3 steps:
1. Flip Your Puzzle Upside Down
Flip your puzzle upside down so that you have the back of the puzzle facing you. This step can be more difficult depending on the size of your puzzle, so to make it easier, first try and see if you can lift your puzzle. If you can lift it, you should be able to carefully flip it over too. However, if you’re finding it hard to lift your puzzle using your hands, slowly move the puzzle onto a backing board the size of your puzzle. Then cover it with another backing board and flip them over together.
2. Tape Your Jigsaw Puzzle
Once the puzzle is flipped over, cover the back of the puzzle with packing tape. A good tip is to start by covering the edges of the puzzle and then cover the middle. When you are taping the edges, be careful to not cover any parts from the front of the puzzle with the tape. When you are done, if you have any extra packing tape on the sides, cut it off for a clean look.
As this method holds less well on its own than the glue, you might consider adding something extra sturdy to the back such as a backing board. If you do add a backing board or similar, remember to consider the added thickness when choosing a frame.
3. Store Your Puzzle Safely
Your puzzle is now taped together and you can carefully flip it back around again and have it ready for framing or safe storage.
How To Frame A Puzzle
Once you have your puzzle glued together or sealed with packing tape, you can safely store them or if you want to display your puzzle - learn how frame your jigsaw puzzle. When it comes to framing puzzles, there are a few more things to consider than just the size of the puzzle and I have highlighted the two most important aspects here.
Measure the thickness of the puzzle
It is not only the size of the puzzle that matters when choosing a frame, but also the thickness of the puzzle. As puzzles will be thicker than your regular posters, make sure that the depth of the frame you choose is wide enough to fit the puzzle.
Keep your puzzle steady
Once you have your puzzle sealed and a frame that fits, keep your puzzle steady as you frame it. You can use a bubble level to make sure that your puzzle is well aligned and if you are struggling to keep it in place, you can use adhesive hanging strips to do so. This will ensure that your puzzle is displayed just as you want it, rather than a bit crooked.
Do you like to frame your puzzles or do you prefer putting them back in the box to have them ready for another go in the future?
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