Repairing Puzzle Pieces

Even the most cherished cardboard jigsaw puzzles can show signs of wear and tear over time, from minor scuffs to broken pieces. While quality puzzles are designed for longevity, they aren't immune to damage from repeated use or improper handling. Fortunately, most common puzzle piece problems are easily repairable, allowing you to restore your beloved puzzles and ensure years of continued enjoyment.

Your Essential Puzzle Repair Tool Kit

Having a dedicated repair kit on hand makes the mending process quick and hassle-free.

Basic Tools

• White Elmer's School Glue: Ideal for most common repairs, such as peeling layers or minor breaks.

• Painter'sTape. This is the tape painters use to mask areas to prevent overpainting. It holds firmly but removes easily without damaging the surface.

• Paper towel: For wiping excess glue and keeping surfaces clean.

  • Clear tape: For small and clean breaks, clear tape can help hold the pieces together without causing significant distortion.

  • Wax paper or plastic wrap: To prevent the puzzle piece from sticking to other surfaces during the repair process.

  • Toothpick or small brush: Useful for applying a small amount of adhesive without making a mess.

  • Tweezers: For holding and positioning small puzzle pieces.

Tools For More Elaborate Repairs

• Cardboard: Useful for backing broken pieces or creating supports.

• Paint (Acrylic of various colors): For touching up scratched or faded images.

• Brushes: Small brushes for precise application of paint and glue.

• Scissors: For cutting small pieces of cardboard or paper for backing.

Keeping all these items in one readily accessible location will ensure your repair process goes smoothly and efficiently.

General Puzzle Repairs

First Steps

• • Assess the Damage: In a well-lit area, gather the items and the broken puzzle piece.  Examine the broken edges of the piece to determine the extent of the damage and how well the pieces fit together.  Line up the puzzle piece so that it will attach with the least damage showing, if any.    

  • Prepare the Area:  Place a piece of wax paper on the work area to contain any mess that might occur. 

  • Prepare the Piece: Gently clean the broken edges of the puzzle piece to remove any debris or puzzle dust.

General Care and Cleaning

Puzzle pieces accumulate dirt from fingerprints, dust, and even food or drink residue over time.

• • Light Cleaning: Gently wipe pieces with a soft, dry cloth.

  • Deeper Cleaning: For more stubborn grime, use a damp cloth with a small amount of mild soap. Crucially, dry the piece immediately to prevent it from getting soggy or curling. A convenient time to clean all pieces, including their backs, is just after completing an assembly.

Repairing Bent or Curled Pieces

A bent or curled piece can be frustratingly difficult to fit into the puzzle.

• • Weight Application: Place the affected piece under something heavy that has a flat, smooth bottom, such as a large book, and leave it for an extended period.

  • Heat Application: If the piece remains curled, gently warm it with a hairdryer on a low setting, then immediately place it back under the weight until it cools and flattens.

Repairing Peeling Layers

Over time, especially with lower-quality puzzles or frequent incorrect attempts to fit pieces, the cardboard layers can begin to separate, often starting with a tab.

• • Apply Glue: Squirt a small amount of white glue (such as Elmer's School Glue) or Mod Podge under the peeling part.

  • Check for More Loosening: Gently rub your finger across the edge of the piece to identify if other layers are also loosening, and apply glue between them as well.

  • Clean Nozzle: Use a paper towel to wipe any excess glue from the applicator nozzle.

  • Press and Hold: Press and hold the layers down firmly with a paper towel for a few seconds, then wipe away any excess glue that squeezes out.

  • Set Aside: Allow the piece to dry completely before using it.

Repairing Broken Pieces

Puzzle pieces can sometimes crack or completely break, most commonly at the base of a tab. You can use a strip of painter's tape to hold the broken sections together for repairs. 

• Partial Break/Crack: Put a small drop of glue directly into the break. Carefully align and press the broken edges together, wiping away any excess glue. Press the piece flat on a piece of paper (to prevent sticking to your work surface) while it dries.

• Complete Break: If the piece has broken completely in two, apply glue to both broken edges, carefully match them, and press the halves together. For added strength, glue a small piece of paper to the back of the puzzle piece, bridging the break. Allow it to dry completely flat.

Touching Up Scratched or Faded Images

If your puzzle's image is scratched or has faded areas, you can restore its vibrancy.

• • Choose Medium: Use acrylic paints or colored pencils for touch-ups.

  • Test Colors: Always test your chosen colors on a scrap piece of paper first to ensure a good match.

  • Gentle Application: Gently retouch the scratched or faded area, taking your time for precision. With patience, you can make the piece look almost new again.

Sealing and Protecting Repaired Pieces

After a repair, you can reinforce the piece and protect it from future damage.

• Apply Mod Podge: Brush a thin, even layer of Mod Podge over the repaired area. This provides a protective coating and adds strength to the mend.

Storage Tips to Prevent Future Damage

Proper storage is key to preventing future damage and preserving your puzzles for years to come.

• • Flat and Dry Storage: Store puzzle boxes flat in a cool, dry place. Avoid stacking heavy objects on top of them, as this can warp the boxes and potentially bend the pieces inside.

  • Moisture and Pest Protection: To safeguard pieces from dampness and critters, store them inside their boxes within ziplock bags.

Final Thoughts

Puzzles are wonderful treasures that offer countless hours of fun. With just a little care and effort, damaged pieces don't have to ruin the experience. By following these straightforward repair and storage tips, you can ensure your puzzles remain beautiful, complete, and ready for assembly for many years to come. So, the next time you encounter a damaged puzzle piece, don't despair – grab your repair kit and get back to puzzling!