Flipping a Puzzle

Flipping a completed jigsaw puzzle might seem daunting, but with a methodical approach, it's a manageable and essential part of the puzzle preservation process. This skill is essential for anyone looking to preserve their puzzle, whether for gluing, taping, or mounting. This guide will walk you through the steps to confidently flip your masterpiece.

Preparation for The Flip

Before you attempt the flip, ensure your workspace and materials are ready:

• • Workspace: Choose a large, flat surface with ample room around the puzzle for maneuvering. Make sure this surface is clean and free from any debris that could interfere with or snag pieces.

  • Transfer Boards: Have two large pieces of stiff cardboard (or similar rigid material) available. Both should be a little larger than your puzzle to provide a comfortable margin for gripping and support. These will act as your "puzzle sandwich" components.

  • Puzzle Assembly: Ensure your puzzle is fully assembled on your chosen work surface, or directly on one of your transfer boards if you opted for that method.

  • Check Integrity: Gently press down across the entire puzzle to confirm all pieces are securely interlocked and lying flat.

  • Pre-Gluing (Optional but Recommended for Glue Users): If you plan to glue the puzzle pieces together for mounting, it's highly recommended to apply the glue to the front (picture side) before flipping. Allow the glue to dry completely (typically about an hour). A glued puzzle is significantly sturdier and much easier to flip without mishap.

Getting the Puzzle onto a Transfer Board (If Not Assembled On One)

This is a critical step if your puzzle wasn't built directly on a transfer board. Choose the method that feels most comfortable for you:

• • Slide On: Hold a transfer board firmly beside the work surface, aligning one of its side edges just below a side edge of the puzzle. Slowly and steadily slide the entire puzzle off the work surface onto the transfer board. Take your time to avoid snagging.

  • Slide Under: This is often the most delicate method. Carefully slide a transfer board directly beneath the completed puzzle. Be careful to avoid damaging or bending any pieces, as the board can easily snag on their edges.

The Big Flip: Turning Your Puzzle Over

Once the puzzle is securely and centrally positioned on one transfer board, you're ready for the main event:

• • Create the "Puzzle Sandwich": Place the second transfer board squarely on top of the puzzle, aligning it with the bottom board. Your puzzle is now safely sandwiched between the two rigid surfaces.

  • Grip Firmly: Grip one hand firmly on each side of the boards, ensuring you have a secure hold on both the top and bottom layers of your puzzle sandwich. If the puzzle is large, you may need to use both hands to grip the sides of the sandwich.

  • The Flip: In one swift, controlled motion, flip the entire puzzle sandwich over. Precision is key here; prevent any sudden jerks or uneven movements that could cause pieces to shift or dislodge.

Transferring the Puzzle to Your Work Surface

Your puzzle is now upside down and ready for its next step:

• • Position: With the puzzle sandwich still upside down, gently place it onto your designated work surface (which could be a mat, a new piece of poster board, or your framing backing).

  • Remove Top Board: Carefully remove the upper transfer board that is now on top of the puzzle.

  • Slide Out Bottom Board: Gently and slowly slide the lower transfer board out from under the puzzle. The back of your puzzle should now be resting directly on your work surface.

  • Final Check: Quickly ensure all pieces are still interlocked and flat before proceeding with taping, gluing, or mounting.

Final Thoughts

Flipping a jigsaw puzzle is a skill that improves with practice. It requires patience, precision, and a methodical approach. By following these steps carefully, you can confidently flip your completed masterpiece over, preparing it perfectly for display. Don't be discouraged if it takes a couple of tries; each attempt will refine your technique!