No Glue

It's incredibly satisfying to complete a jigsaw puzzle, and displaying your masterpiece is a great way to celebrate that accomplishment! If you prefer to avoid the mess and permanence of glue, you're in luck. Framing a puzzle without glue is entirely possible and offers the option to reassemble it later.

Framing Your Jigsaw Puzzle Without Glue

Avoiding glue keeps your options open, allowing you to preserve the puzzle for future enjoyment or reassembly, and it's also a more environmentally friendly approach.

Why Skip the Glue?

Traditional puzzle glue can be messy, difficult to apply evenly, and it makes your puzzle a permanent fixture. By skipping it, you:

• • Maintain the integrity of the puzzle pieces.

  • Allow for future reassembly or sharing with others.

  • Reduce the need for chemical adhesives, making it easier to recycle components.

How to Frame Your Puzzle Without Glue

Here's how to secure and display your puzzle without a drop of messy adhesive:

• • Plan to Flip: First, assemble your puzzle on a surface that's easy to move, or you can gently slide the puzzle on such a surface later. A piece of sturdy cardboard works perfectly as a surface. Make sure your chosen surface's size allows it to extend a few inches beyond the puzzle's edges to provide something to grip. You may want to have some help moving larger puzzles.

  • Prepare to Flip: Once your puzzle is complete and on a movable surface, you are ready for the flip. Carefully slide a second piece of sturdy cardboard or another cookie sheet directly on top of your completed puzzle.

  • Flip: With one person holding each side (or carefully balancing it if you're on your own), quickly but gently flip the entire assembly over. The picture side should now be facing down, and the back of the puzzle facing up.

  • Tape It Up: With the back of the puzzle exposed, it's time to secure it. While commercial puzzle tapes exist, common household tapes are effective and more cost-efficient.

    • • Choose Your Tape: Opt for a tape that's at least 2 inches wide. Painter's tape is excellent if you anticipate wanting to remove it later, as it's less likely to leave residue. Wide packing tape or duct tape also work well for a more permanent hold.

      • Apply the Tape: Carefully lay strips of tape across the entire back of the puzzle. Ensure each strip overlaps slightly to cover the entire surface, creating a strong, unified backing. Trim any excess tape around the edges for a neat finish.

  • Optional Poster Board Backing: For extra stability, especially if you plan to hang the puzzle without a frame, consider adding a poster board backing.

  • If Not Framing: Cut a piece of poster board to precisely match the size of your puzzle. Attach the taped puzzle to the poster board using double-sided tape. This provides robust support, making it easy to hang your puzzle as-is.

  • If Framing: If you intend to put the puzzle into a standard picture frame, you might want to skip the poster board. The added thickness could make it difficult for the puzzle to fit properly.

Rebox and Reassemble for Future Fun!

One of the biggest advantages of not gluing your puzzle is the ability to disassemble and rebox it. This means you can revisit the challenge whenever you like, keeping the fun alive. It's also a perfect way to share the puzzle with friends or family who might want to try their hand at your masterpiece.

Pro Tips for Displaying Your Puzzle

To ensure your framed puzzle stays vibrant and beautiful for years to come:

• • Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can fade the colors of your puzzle. Choose a display spot that doesn't receive direct sun.

  • Control Room Conditions: Moisture is the enemy! Avoid hanging your puzzle in high-humidity areas like bathrooms, kitchens, or near patios, as this can cause the puzzle to warp or degrade.

Final Thoughts

Framing your puzzle without glue is a smart and flexible way to preserve and display your hard work. It celebrates your accomplishment while maintaining the puzzle's reusability. Happy puzzling, and we'd love to see your completed projects!