Gluing a Puzzle

Finishing a jigsaw puzzle is a rewarding feat, and often, you'll want to preserve your masterpiece for long-term display as wall art. Gluing and framing a puzzle is a straightforward DIY project that requires only a few simple supplies.. The following tells you how to Mod Podge™ (or glue) a jigsaw puzzle for display

Why Glue Your Puzzles?

Gluing a completed puzzle preserves your hard work, prevents pieces from coming apart, and allows for safe wall display. It transforms a temporary pastime into art you can enjoy for years.

Types of Puzzle Glue

• • Liquid Glue (e.g., Mod Podge™, dedicated puzzle glues)

    • • Pros: Easy to apply (with a brush), dries clear, provides a strong hold, often allows for some adjustment time before drying. Many are non-toxic.

      • Cons: Can be tricky to get even coverage, risk of warping if too much is applied or if not spread thinly. Can be messy.

      • Recommendation: Good for first-timers with regular rectangular puzzles.

  • Spray Adhesive (e.g., Mod Podge Spray Acrylic Sealer)

    • • Pros: Very quick and easy application, great for large puzzles or saving time, dries crystal clear.

      • Cons: Tends to be more expensive, may not be as strong as liquid glue (consider adding a backing layer), can be harsh and smelly (use a mask and ventilate well), potential for overspray.

      • Recommendation: Better for irregular-shaped or very large puzzles (2000+ pieces).

  • Conserver Sheets (Peel & Stick Puzzle Savers)

    • • Pros: No mess, no smell, very convenient.

      • Cons: Can be more expensive, may not be as secure as liquid glue, often not large enough for standard 1000-piece puzzles (requiring multiple sheets), can trap air bubbles.

      • Recommendation: Good for those who prioritize cleanliness over maximum security.

General Gluing Tips

• • Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific glue.

  • Spread glue evenly and thinly to avoid lumps and warping.

  • Be gentle when spreading to prevent pieces from shifting.

  • Be patient and allow ample drying time before handling.

  • Trim any excess glue or sheet from the edges with a sharp knife or scissors once dry.

What You'll Need For Gluing

• • Puzzle Glue or Mod Podge™: Specifically formulated puzzle glue, Mod Podge™ Puzzle Saver, or even clear-drying Elmer's school glue.

  • Foam board: Slightly larger than your puzzle, for mounting.

  • Foam Brush or Old Credit Card: For spreading glue evenly.

  • Rolling Pin (optional): For flattening the puzzle.

  • A Cardboard Sheet or Newspaper: To protect your workspace.

  • Frame: Sized to fit your puzzle.

  • Tape  Measure: For accurate sizing (especially for custom framing).

  • Wax Paper or Parchment Paper: To place under the puzzle during gluing.

  • Apron: To protect your clothing.

Guide to Gluing and Framing

Prepare Your Workspace

• • Choose a flat, clean surface with ample room.

  • Lay down cardboard or newspaper to protect your table from excess glue.

  • Place your finished puzzle face up on a piece of wax paper or parchment paper cut slightly larger than the puzzle.

  • Gently run a rolling pin over the puzzle to flatten the pieces and ensure a smooth, even surface.

Apply Glue to the Front of the Puzzle

• • Read the glue manufacturer's instructions and check the expiration date.

  • Using a foam brush or spreading tool (like an old credit card), apply a thin, even layer of puzzle glue or Mod Podge™ directly to the front of the puzzle. Ensure all pieces, including the edges, are covered.

  • Avoid over-gluing, which can cause warping or excessive moisture absorption.

  • Let the first layer dry for about 20 minutes, then apply a second coat for durability.

  • If puzzle edges begin to curl after drying, you can apply a thin layer of glue to the back once the front is completely dry.

Wait for Thorough Drying (CRUCIAL)

• After the front glue application(s), it's essential to wait for complete drying.

• Suggest at least 3 hours before attempting to flip the puzzle (if you plan to glue the back).

• For framing, wait a full 24 hours to ensure the glue is fully cured and stable before proceeding to the next steps.

Mount the Puzzle to Foam Board (for Stability)

• • Once the puzzle is fully dry, mount it onto a foam board for added support and to prevent warping.

  • Cut the foam board to the exact size of your frame (or slightly smaller if it needs to fit within a frame's existing backing).

  • Apply glue to the back of the puzzle or directly onto the foam board.

  • Carefully position the puzzle onto the foam board, gently press it down to adhere, and let it dry for several hours. This keeps your puzzle flat, especially in frames without solid backing.

Frame Your Puzzle

• • Select a frame that fits your puzzle's dimensions. Look for frames that accommodate the puzzle's thickness (a quarter to half-inch spare room is ideal).

  • Once your mounted puzzle is dry, place it inside the frame.

  • If necessary, use additional backing or tape to secure it within the frame.

  • Avoid using glass if your puzzle is thick, as it may press too tightly against the surface and potentially damage the puzzle or glass.

  • Use removable wall strips (like Command™ strips) on the back of your frame for damage-free hanging.

What About Wooden Puzzles?

Gluing wooden puzzles presents unique considerations due to their nature and cost:

• • Cost: Wooden puzzles are significantly more expensive than cardboard ones (often twice the price for a quarter of the pieces), making preservation a bigger "investment" risk.

  • Aesthetics: The cuts between wooden pieces are often very visible. Glue seeping through could be unsightly.

  • Warping Risk: Some sources warn that puzzle glue could cause wood to curl or warp, especially if contained in a tight frame like a shadow box.

  • Weight & Thickness: Wooden puzzles are heavier and often too thick for standard frames, potentially requiring specialized (and costly) shadow boxes. Adhesives for hanging might also be insufficient due to weight.

  • Replay Value: Many wooden puzzle owners view them as investments they want to redo again and again, making permanent gluing counterintuitive.

  • Scent: The unique "woodsy, smoky" scent is part of the experience that gluing might diminish.

Recommendation for Wooden Puzzles

While some mounting kits exist, many puzzlers would advise against gluing expensive wooden puzzles.

Best Options

• • Consider leaving them on a table for display, or better yet, disassembling them to enjoy the solving experience repeatedly.

  • If you must preserve one, take extreme caution with glue or follow specific mounting kit instructions precisely. A shadow box is a possibility, but be wary of potential warping. Adhering directly to a wall is another option.

  • Instead of using glue or adhesive, use painter's tape on the back to hold the pieces in place. The tape can be easily removed later without harming the wood.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, preserving a jigsaw puzzle by gluing and framing it is a personal choice, but with the right techniques and materials, it's a rewarding way to transform your hard work into lasting home decor.