Framing a completed puzzle is a great way to preserve your hard work and display it as a piece of art. Whether you’ve spent hours working on a 500-piece jigsaw or a massive 1,000-piece puzzle, framing it can turn your accomplishment into a lasting memory. Framing puzzles is not difficult, but there are a few steps and techniques to ensure the puzzle stays secure and looks great on your wall. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how to frame a puzzle, from gluing the pieces together to choosing the perfect frame, ensuring your puzzle is preserved for years to come.
1. Why Frame a Puzzle?
Before diving into the process, it’s essential to understand why framing a puzzle is an excellent idea. Framing puzzles transforms them from simple pastimes into personal artwork. Some puzzles have stunning images, intricate designs, or even personal significance, making them worth showcasing. By framing a puzzle:
- You preserve the effort and time spent assembling it.
- You protect it from damage, dust, and wear over time.
- You create a decorative piece for your home, office, or workspace.
- You keep memories alive, especially if it’s a custom puzzle or one completed with family or friends.
The framing process also ensures that the puzzle maintains its shape and structure, preventing pieces from loosening or falling apart.
2. Tools and Materials You Will Need
To frame your puzzle properly, you’ll need a few tools and materials. Gathering everything beforehand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Here’s what you will need:
- Puzzle glue: This is a special type of glue designed to secure puzzle pieces together without damaging them. Puzzle glue dries clear and creates a strong bond.
- A straightedge or rolling pin: This tool will help flatten the puzzle before gluing.
- Foam board or backing board: This provides a sturdy backing for the puzzle, ensuring it stays flat inside the frame.
- A frame: Choose a frame that fits the dimensions of your puzzle. Consider both the size and the style that matches your décor.
- Wax paper: Used to protect surfaces when gluing the puzzle.
- Craft knife or scissors: If necessary, to trim the foam board to fit the puzzle.
- Mounting tape or adhesive strips: These will help secure the puzzle to the backing board, if needed.
Having all the necessary materials ensures that you don’t need to stop midway through the process, allowing for a smooth framing experience.
3. Flattening and Preparing the Puzzle
Before you begin the gluing process, it’s crucial to make sure the puzzle is perfectly flat. This prevents wrinkles or uneven surfaces once the puzzle is framed.
- Inspect the puzzle for any raised pieces: If you notice pieces that aren’t sitting flush with the others, gently press them down. You can use a straightedge, such as a ruler, or a rolling pin to smooth out the surface. Roll across the puzzle evenly, making sure all pieces are aligned correctly.
- Move the puzzle carefully: If the puzzle is located on a surface where you plan to glue it, you’re ready to move forward. If not, carefully slide the puzzle onto a piece of wax paper or cardboard to transport it to a suitable workspace.
Taking time to ensure the puzzle is flat and secure will lead to a better final result and a more professional-looking framed piece.
4. Applying Puzzle Glue
The next step is to glue the puzzle pieces together. Puzzle glue is essential because it holds the pieces in place and prevents them from shifting inside the frame. When applied properly, puzzle glue creates a smooth, clear finish that gives the puzzle a polished appearance.
Here’s how to apply the glue:
- Lay wax paper beneath the puzzle: Place a sheet of wax paper under the puzzle to protect your workspace from glue drips.
- Start applying the glue: Using a brush or the applicator that comes with the glue, begin spreading a thin layer of glue across the surface of the puzzle. Start at one corner and work your way to the opposite side. Be sure to cover all the edges and the spaces between each piece.
- Apply evenly: Make sure the glue is spread evenly across the puzzle. Avoid clumping glue in one area, as this can cause bumps or a messy finish.
- Let it dry: Once you’ve applied the glue, allow the puzzle to dry completely. Drying times vary depending on the glue, but it typically takes a few hours. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific drying times.
- Check for durability: After the glue has dried, gently lift one side of the puzzle to ensure the pieces are stuck together securely. If any pieces feel loose, you may need to apply another thin coat of glue.
Glue provides the puzzle with structure, and once it’s dried, you won’t have to worry about pieces shifting or falling apart inside the frame.
5. Mounting the Puzzle on a Backing Board
Once the puzzle is glued and dried, it’s time to mount it onto a backing board. The backing board gives the puzzle extra support and prevents it from bending or warping inside the frame. Foam board is the most popular option for this step due to its durability and lightweight nature.
To mount the puzzle:
- Measure and cut the foam board: Measure the dimensions of your puzzle and use a craft knife or scissors to cut the foam board to the same size. If the foam board is slightly larger than the puzzle, you can trim it down once the puzzle is attached.
- Attach the puzzle to the board: Place strips of mounting tape or adhesive strips on the back of the puzzle, particularly around the edges and corners. Carefully press the puzzle onto the foam board, ensuring that it lies flat and is centered.
- Trim any excess board: If necessary, trim any edges of the foam board that extend beyond the puzzle.
Mounting the puzzle on foam board ensures that it remains sturdy and won’t warp or bend over time.
6. Choosing the Right Frame
Choosing the perfect frame for your puzzle is a key part of the framing process. The frame should complement the puzzle’s image and the room where it will be displayed. When selecting a frame, consider the following:
- Size: Make sure the frame is the correct size for your puzzle. Measure the puzzle after it has been glued and mounted on the backing board to ensure an accurate fit.
- Style: Choose a frame style that complements the puzzle’s artwork and your home décor. For example, a sleek black frame works well for modern designs, while a wooden frame might enhance the look of a vintage puzzle image.
- Matting: Some frames come with mats, which add an elegant touch by providing a border around the puzzle. If you want a clean and simple look, you can skip the mat and opt for a frameless design or go for a frame that perfectly fits the puzzle’s dimensions.
The right frame not only protects your puzzle but also enhances its aesthetic appeal, turning it into a true piece of art.
7. Assembling the Puzzle in the Frame
With your puzzle mounted and the frame chosen, it’s time to assemble everything.
- Clean the frame glass: Before placing the puzzle inside the frame, clean the glass on both sides to remove any dust, fingerprints, or smudges.
- Insert the puzzle: Gently slide the mounted puzzle into the frame. If it feels too tight, check the foam board and trim it if necessary to ensure a snug fit.
- Secure the puzzle: Use the frame’s backing and clips to secure the puzzle in place. Make sure everything is tight and that the puzzle isn’t shifting around inside the frame.
- Hang the puzzle: Once the puzzle is secured in the frame, it’s ready to be hung on the wall. Use appropriate hanging hardware, such as picture hooks or wire, to ensure the frame stays securely mounted.
Your framed puzzle is now complete and ready to be proudly displayed.
8. Tips for Maintaining Your Framed Puzzle
To keep your framed puzzle looking great for years to come, it’s important to maintain it properly.
- Keep it out of direct sunlight: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the puzzle’s colors to fade over time. Hang your framed puzzle in an area that doesn’t receive direct sunlight.
- Clean the glass regularly: Dust can accumulate on the frame, so clean the glass regularly with a microfiber cloth to maintain its clarity.
- Check the frame’s backing: Periodically inspect the frame’s backing to ensure the puzzle remains secure and isn’t shifting inside the frame.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your framed puzzle for years, keeping it in pristine condition.
Conclusion
Framing a puzzle is an excellent way to celebrate the time and effort you put into completing it. By following these steps, you can securely mount and frame your puzzle, transforming it into a piece of art. Whether it’s a beautiful image, a challenging design, or a puzzle with sentimental value, framing it ensures that it will last for years as a cherished memory. With the right tools, glue, backing, and frame, you can create a professional-looking display that will enhance any room
