Sometimes the finished puzzles are too beautifully put together to take apart, and that's a shame after all the hard work that went into putting them together. Unless you buy a special puzzle frame, which is often more expensive than the puzzle, framing it will hold the pieces together permanently.
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Method 1 of 2: Framing the Puzzle with Glue
Step 1. Use this method to make permanent decorations for personal enjoyment
If you don't want to take the puzzle apart, you can use special glue to permanently hold the pieces together. This can make for a sturdier and more impressive piece of art, but it can reduce the value of your puzzle. Because of this, this method is not recommended for antique or valuable puzzles, and some puzzle enthusiasts don't use it at all.
Step 2. Find a frame that fits your puzzle
Since your assembled puzzle may have slightly different dimensions than those listed on the box, use a ruler or measuring tape to get an accurate measurement before selecting a frame.
Some craft shops sell cut frames, which you can reassemble into rectangular frames of any length/width on request
Step 3. Cut the retaining material to the size of the frame
Choose poster board, foam board, or sturdy cardboard that is about 6 mm thick, and cut a rectangle that can fit into the frame. This material will support your puzzle, keeping it flat within the frame. A cutting knife is recommended for making difficult cuts, as well as a T-square (drawing tool as a guide for drawing horizontal lines) or a protractor to ensure the sides are cut at 90º angles.
Do not use thin cardboard or other materials that bend easily, as these can cause the puzzle to warp over time
Step 4. Insert a layer of wax paper under the puzzle
Protect the surface under the puzzle by tucking something flat and disposable, such as wax paper, under the puzzle.
Step 5. Use a rolling pin to flatten the puzzle
Small bumps and loose cuts can be flattened out with a rolling pin before gluing. Press the rolling pin as you move it across the puzzle surface several times.
Step 6. Apply puzzle glue all over the puzzle surface
Purchase special glue for puzzles at a craft store or online. Use a brush to apply the glue all over the surface of the puzzle, covering the entire puzzle area with a thin layer of glue. Pay special attention to the gaps between the puzzle pieces.
If your puzzle glue is in powder form, read the instructions to learn how to prepare it before use
Step 7. Wait for the glue to dry
Your puzzle glue may have instructions on the bottle telling you how long you should wait for the glue to dry. If not, let the puzzle stick together for at least two hours. Check that the puzzle is ready for display by gently lifting one end of the puzzle. If the puzzle pieces are still loose or starting to come off, wait a little longer or apply more glue.
Step 8. Glue the puzzle to the base of the frame
Apply glue to the surface of the foam board or thick cardboard that you cut earlier. Carefully transfer the puzzle you have pasted onto the foam board, aligning the edges. Press the puzzle onto the foam board, then scrape off any excess glue between the two puzzle pieces.
If the glue doesn't hold up or looks uneven, you can pay someone at a craft store to professionally attach the puzzle to the base of the frame with the "dry mount" technique
Step 9. Let the puzzle dry for at least 24 hours, overlapping something heavy if necessary
Leave the puzzle for at least 24 hours so that the glue can stick firmly to the maximum. If the puzzle looks bent or uneven, overlap it with a ledger or other heavy object during this drying time. Look for ledgers and other heavy objects that are larger than the surface area of the puzzle.
Do not use heavy objects that are small or have an uneven surface, as this can make your puzzle uneven, or even damage it
Step 10. Frame your puzzle
Once the puzzle and baseboard have dried, place them into the frame. Fasten the puzzle by attaching the frame holders to the back, or as designed for the frame.
If desired, attach a glass or hard plastic cover to the puzzle frame to prevent scratching the puzzle. To keep the puzzle durable, use a glass cover that is resistant to ultraviolet rays
Method 2 of 2: Displaying the Puzzle without Glue
Step 1. Measure the length and width of your puzzle
Puzzle lovers who want to retain the usefulness and value of a puzzle, but still want to display it, will need a special frame. While these frames are often referred to as "500-piece puzzle frames" or "1,000-piece puzzle frames," purchasing them based on the actual length and width of the puzzle is highly recommended for accuracy. Since the frame will be the only thing holding your puzzle in place, it's important to find a frame that fits the size of your puzzle in order to hold it as securely as possible.
Step 2. Choose a puzzle frame that doesn't require glue
The so-called "puzzle frames" are just regular frames made to fit typical puzzle sizes, and won't hold your puzzle together without glue. Instead, you need a special frame, which usually costs more. While you may try to use any frame that has a solid base and front, it is recommended that you look for a frame that is specifically for puzzles, as puzzles are thicker and more fragile than posters and photographs.
- Try MyPhotoPuzzle frames (aluminum frames with glass on the front), Jigframes (wooden frames with acrylic on the front), or Versaframes (adjustable frames).
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Notes:
There are some cheaper options for displaying your puzzle, at the end of this article.
Step 3. Assemble the MyPhotoPuzzle brand puzzle frame
The design of the puzzle frame varies depending on the brand. For the frame from MyPhotoPuzzle, gently press the glass onto the puzzle surface, flip the glass and puzzle together so they face down, then place the baseboard on the back of the puzzle. Make sure the hanger is at the top of the puzzle, otherwise the frame will flip over. Attach the frame with the baseboard and glass, then attach each clip around the edge of the board to secure the frame.
Step 4. Assemble the Jigframe brand puzzle frame
The Jigframe brand frame consists of a sheet of acrylic plastic, which is protected with paper on both sides. Warm briefly in the sun or near a heater if needed to help remove the paper. Slide or stack the puzzle on top of something called "Jigsheets." Open the drawer in the frame by sliding it, place the Jigsheet with the puzzle facing up into the drawer, then cover the puzzle with the acrylic sheet. Slide the drawer back into the frame.
- Instead of sliding the puzzle, you can use one of the Jigsheets to place the puzzle and help keep the puzzle steady when you turn it over, then place the other Jigsheet behind the puzzle, and flip it over so that the puzzle faces up again.
- If the puzzle is much smaller than the frame, a small piece of cardboard is available to place on the Jigsheet, below the bottom edge of the puzzle, to the center of the puzzle.
Step 5. Follow the instructions on the other frame
Other companies may use a different system than the one described above. Adjustable frames are usually sold in two pieces, which slide according to the size of the puzzle and can be locked into the correct position.
Step 6. Alternatively, display the puzzle under a glass table
Some coffee tables have an additional glass surface that can be removed and reattached. Place the puzzle under this layer for display.
Step 7. You can also use a special clear envelope made of plastic
These envelopes are usually made of polypropylene, and are labeled "archival grade" (only for archives). This envelope will keep your puzzle safe from moisture and damage. However, these envelopes are usually used more for printing and photo paper, and it can be difficult to find the right size for a medium or large puzzle.
