How to Frame a Jigsaw Puzzle
A finished puzzle you loved deserves better than going back in the box. Framing one is easier than it looks: hold the pieces together with glue or adhesive sheets, mount it on a stiff board and put it in a frame that fits. Here is how to do each step without cracking the picture halfway through.
What you need
- The finished puzzle, flat and complete, on a board you can slide it off
- Puzzle glue or adhesive puzzle sheets (see below for which)
- Two large pieces of card or thin board for flipping it
- Foam board or backing board cut to the puzzle's size
- A frame, a tape measure and a free afternoon for drying
Glue or adhesive sheets?
| Method | How it works | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Puzzle glue | Spread thin layers over the front with a card or sponge | Leaves a slight shine and fills the gaps. Needs a few hours to dry. |
| Adhesive sheets | Peel and press onto the back of the puzzle | Nothing touches the picture, so it keeps a matte look. Flipping takes care. |
Step by step
- Check it is complete. Press every piece flat and look for gaps. Raised pieces show through glue.
- Glue the front, or flip for sheets. For glue, work from the middle outward in thin coats and let each one dry. For sheets, slide a board on top, hold both boards together and turn the whole sandwich over before you stick.
- Let it dry fully. A glued puzzle that still bends is not ready. Leave it overnight if you can.
- Measure the puzzle, not the box. Sizes vary by brand, even at the same piece count, so measure the finished picture itself before buying a frame.
- Mount it. Fix the puzzle to foam board with spray adhesive or double-sided tape so it stays rigid in the frame.
- Frame and hang. Acrylic is lighter than glass for a large puzzle. Use two hooks for anything wide, and keep it out of direct sun so the colors do not fade.
Other things to do with a finished puzzle
Not every puzzle needs a wall. You can break it up and keep it in a bag inside the box for another go next year, swap it with a friend, or donate it. Libraries, schools, care homes and charity shops are often glad of complete puzzles. A note inside the lid saying all the pieces are there helps a lot.
And if you finished it on Jigsaway, there is nothing to glue. The finish is saved on your profile, and you can play the same picture again at a bigger size whenever you like. Looking for the next one? The famous painting puzzles are the kind people tend to want on a wall.