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How to Frame Jigsaw Puzzles: Complete Guide

If you’re an avid jigsaw puzzle solver, you’re probably all too familiar with that empty feeling when you have to take apart a puzzle that took days, or even weeks, to solve. So why not frame it? While framing a puzzle might not be as easy as framing a picture, it’s no rocket science. To help you out, here’s our quick guide for framing jigsaw puzzles.

Framing a Jigsaw Puzzle: Materials Needed

Before you get down to work, make sure you get all the necessary materials:

- A piece of paper larger than the puzzle – you will use this piece of paper as a surface to work on, to prevent glue from spilling and making a mess on your table.

- Puzzle glue – The best way to glue your puzzle is using puzzle glue, as it comes with a special applicator that makes spreading the glue easier. However, you can also use regular glue, but the process will be a little more tedious.

- Backing – Aside from the backing that comes with the frame itself, you should have another backing layer, such as a piece of wax paper or foam board. Keep in mind that this piece should be the same dimensions or slightly smaller than the puzzle itself.

- Frame – Lastly, you will need a frame that fits the puzzle.


How to Frame a Jigsaw Puzzle With Glue: Step-by-Step Instructions


Step 1: Flatten the Puzzle

Lay your puzzle on a piece of wax paper, regular paper, or even a baking sheet. This piece should be larger than the puzzle itself, so as to prevent the glue from damaging the surface you’re working on (table, countertop, or even floor). Then, using a rolling pin or a similar object (or even just your hands), flatten the puzzle completely. Make sure there are no pieces sticking out, pushing each other out of place, and so on.

Step 2: Glue the Pieces Together
Now that the puzzle is completely flat, it’s time to make sure it stays in one piece. Using a tube of puzzle glue, apply a thin layer over the front of the puzzle. Make sure to cover every piece and crevice.

If you don’t have puzzle glue, don’t worry. You can also use regular glue and a piece of cardboard to spread it evenly.

There are two things to keep in mind in this step. First, refrain from using a brush to spread the glue, as that might leave behind stroke marks or even hairs. Second, although every piece should be glued, you should still use glue sparingly to prevent the puzzle from warping and curling.

Step 3: Let It Dry
Give the puzzle enough time to dry completely. You can follow the instructions on the glue itself to see just how long that is. Still, before moving on to the next step, make sure the pieces aren’t tacky anymore. If you’re not sure, it’s best to err on the side of caution and leave the puzzle to dry for longer.

Step 4: Put Glue on the Back of the Puzzle (Optional)
You should take this step only if your puzzle begins to warp and curl inwards as it dries. Usually, this happens if there is too much glue or if the glue is too strong. Simply flip the puzzle over and add a layer of glue on the back of the puzzle. This should offset the warping on the front, but it also means you have another round of waiting to do.

Step 4: Put Glue Onto the Backing
Ideally, the backing you use should be sturdy to ensure an extra level of protection, but this isn’t a must. You can also simply use a piece of wax paper. One thing to keep in mind is that the backing shouldn’t be larger than the puzzle itself or it will be visible once framed. 

Step 5: Mount the Jigsaw Puzzle
Carefully place the backing with the glue on the back of the jigsaw puzzle. If you’re using a piece of paper smaller than the puzzle, you don’t have to worry about aligning everything perfectly, as long as each piece is at least partially covered. However, if you decide to go with a foam board or a piece of paper that is exactly the same size as the puzzle, be careful to position the backing just right. Give it some time to dry.

Step 6: Frame It
Once the puzzle with the backing is dry, it’s time to frame it. Open the frame and position the front part face down. Then, place the puzzle on the frame glass, also face down. Try to position the puzzle as centrally as possible (the distance between the puzzle and lower and upper borders and the puzzle and left and right borders should be even, at least at first glance).

Step 7: Hang the Puzzle
Once your puzzle has been framed, it’s time to hang it. Framed puzzles make for excellent home decor and don’t have to be reserved for kids’ rooms, either. For instance, this Cabin Evening Sunset jigsaw puzzle would be an excellent way to add a pop of colour to a living room or a bedroom.

How to Frame a Jigsaw Puzzle Without Glue
If you’re not too happy about the idea of potentially ruining a puzzle with glue (or simply never having the option to take it apart and put it together again), don’t worry. There are ways to frame a jigsaw puzzle without using glue.

For instance, you can use packing tape on the back of the puzzle to keep the pieces together. Simply go row by row until the entire puzzle is covered. As a bonus, the tape will act as a backing layer, too. However, keep in mind that this technique won’t have your puzzle as securely in place as glue would.

Ready to Frame a Puzzle?
Now that you know how to frame a jigsaw puzzle, all you have to do is pick a puzzle to frame. If you’re having trouble deciding, check out Mary Maxim’s offer of 1000-piece puzzles that can double as gorgeous pictures. If you’re looking for something smaller, such as a puzzle for the kids’ room, you can also pick among 500-piece puzzles or even 300-piece puzzles. 
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