With stay-at-home orders in place and people stuck in quarantine because of the coronavirus, many people are trying anything to pass the time. Forgotten childhood puzzles are making a comeback as adults are turning to 1,000- or even 2,000-piece puzzles to fill their day.
There is no greater feeling than when you finally put that last puzzle piece in place and step back to admire your work. The problem is what to do next. You may delay it for a few days, but breaking the jigsaw puzzle down and returning it to its box can be depressing. Instead, framing a jigsaw puzzle and hanging it on your wall is a good way to continue to admire your hard work.
How to Frame A Jigsaw Puzzle from Start to Finish
Whether it is a 100-piece puzzle that you put together as a family or a 1,000-piece puzzle you did on your own, the completed puzzle is a work of art, and you want to show it off. As providers of picture framing in Boca Raton, we have a few tips on how to frame a puzzle so that it lasts.
1. Flatten the Puzzle
Using a rolling pin, you want to gently flatten the puzzle. This step ensures that every piece is in place, and your puzzle is smooth. Trying to glue a jigsaw puzzle with pieces popping up can be a nightmare as the glue may collect in a certain spot or pieces may get pushed out of place.
2. Glue the Jigsaw Puzzle Together
Glue your puzzle together to keep the pieces in place and be able to move the puzzle as a single unit. You can use puzzle glue which will sometimes come with its own spreader tool or clear glue and something with a straight edge like a piece of cardboard. Brushes may leave strokes behind, so they are not recommended. Make sure to spread the glue evenly and to not overdo it. Too much glue can cause the puzzle to curl or pieces to start peeling.
3. Let it Dry
It is important to give the puzzle plenty of time to dry before trying to move it. Touching it too soon could cause it to break apart or you may leave even fingerprints behind.
4. Fix the Curl
If the puzzle does start to curl, do not panic. Once the front is completely dry, carefully flip the puzzle over and apply glue to the back. Focus on getting the spots were the puzzle is starting to curl and it should start to flatten out. Wait until the back is completely dry as well before moving onto the next step.
5. Mount It
Once the glue is completely dry, you need to mount the puzzle onto something. You can use wax paper or foam. Measure your mounting so that it is slightly smaller than your puzzle. You don’t want it to show, but you do want every piece to be attached to it. To mount the puzzle, you will need to gently flip it on its back. From here, add glue to the back of the puzzle and carefully lay the mounting onto it so that it is centered on the back of the puzzle. You may want to weigh the puzzle and mounting down with some items while it dries as well.
6. Find A Frame
It isn’t just about putting a puzzle in a frame; it is also about finding the right frame. A frame from a big box store might be able to get the job done, but the selections are often limited, and the quality may be subpar. Keep in mind that a jigsaw puzzle with a foam backing is a lot thicker than a normal sheet of paper and a pre-made frame may not work. If you are going to go to the trouble of getting your puzzle framed, you might also want to ensure that it will last without moisture or sun damage. A frame with UV protective glass to keep moisture out and matting to keep the puzzle from sticking to the glass can protect your puzzle. A custom picture frame made from our wide selection of options can help elevate your puzzle to a piece of art.
7. Hang the Puzzle & Enjoy
Once you have the perfect frame, find a spot on the wall for it, and hang it up so that you can always admire it.
Now that you know how to frame a puzzle, it may be time to start that 800-piece puzzle you have been putting off. Once It’s complete, our expert art framers at Rosenbaum Framing can help you create the perfect frame to display it.
