How to Frame a Puzzle

I love framing puzzles as art in my home – it’s such a fun and unique way to add some personality to your walls. Here’s a rundown of how to frame a jigsaw puzzle so you can try it yourself!

One of my favorite unique ways to add art to my home is by framing puzzles. I love doing puzzles in my free time, so it’s a fun way to display my hobby in a really beautiful way. A few years back, I got really into framing jigsaw puzzles and I’ve since gotten to where I almost always have a framed puzzle in my living room that I change out seasonally!

This is such a simple DIY project that anyone. can do, and it’s a really great way to add some personal art to your home. So, let’s get into the details!

Video Tutorial

First up, I love a quick video tutorial! If you are a visual learner, you can watch the entire process from start to finish below.

How to Frame a Jigsaw Puzzle

Materials Needed

• Puzzle (see some of my favorites for framing at the end of this post!)
• Puzzle frame
• Mod Podge Puzzle Saver

Step One: Complete Your Puzzle and Prep It

Your first step is (obviously) to do the puzzle!

Once it’s complete, make sure the surface of the puzzle is clean from any debris or dust. Then, use a rolling pin to gently flatten the surface of the puzzle out. You don’t want any puzzle pieces sticking up or not fully in place.

Step Two: Add Puzzle Glue

Now, you’re ready for the glue! There area a variety of puzzle glue options out there, but I have used this Mod Podge Puzzle Glue a bunch of times and have really great success with it.

It’s really easy to apply – just pour the puzzle glue on the front of the completed puzzle, then use a putty knife or a flat piece of cardboard to spread it around. Anything with a firm, straight edge, like a credit card, will work. Don’t use a paintbrush, as it can leave brush strokes. Foam brushes are fine, though!

Make sure the glue gets into all of the cracks between the puzzle pieces. Be careful not to add too much glue – if you overdo it, the paper on the puzzle can peel up. Use a paper towel to wipe off excess glue on the surface of the puzzle. The puzzle glue should take about 20 minutes to dry, and it will dry clear! So, don’t stress about any white spots.

Step Four: Mount the Puzzle (Optional)

After the front of your puzzle dries, you have a few options for adding some extra durability.

• Add a foam backing
• Add a paper backing
• Glue the back of the puzzle

None of this is completely necessary – the puzzle will likely hold up just fine with just glue on the front. But, if you know you’ll be moving it a lot or if it’s in an area where it could get bumped, it’s not a bad idea!

I generally glue the backs of my puzzle with the Mod Podge puzzle glue, because I change mine out seasonally. If you plan to just frame it and leave it alone, you can definitely skip this part.

As for more formal methods, your typical options for mounting the puzzle are wax paper, parchment paper, or foam board. Wax and parchment paper can sometimes have some non-stick elements to them that will affect adhesion, so if you struggle you can try using an acid-free paper. Foam board will give the most durability, but adds thickness, which could affect framing.

Simply cut your mounting material to the same size as your puzzle, add glue to the back of the puzzle, and then press it on top. You can use books or something else as a weight to help hold it in place while it dries.

Step Five: Frame the Puzzle

Once everything has dried, you’re ready to frame the puzzle. I typically use this puzzle frame. I’ve purchased it multiple times over the years for different puzzles and I’ve always had really good luck with it! Just make sure to check ahead of time that the size of your puzzle frame works for the puzzle you’re framing. It should list the range of dimensions that will fit in the frame so it’s easy to pick the correct size.

Remember that a puzzle (especially with a backing) is going to be thicker than a normal photo. A regular frame won’t work as well as one specifically made for puzzles!

An Alternate to Puzzle Glue: Puzzle Saver!

If you don’t like the idea of gluing there’s another really simple option for a dry mount! This puzzle saver product is basically a big sticky sheet that you apply to the back of the puzzle to hold it all together. I’ve used it a few times and it’s super simple. The only thing to note is that it’s definitely more expensive if you plan to frame more than one, so if you have multiple puzzles to frame you’ll be better off with the Mod Podge!

Great Puzzles For Framing:

If you’re looking for some good options for puzzles to frame, my very favorite are the The New Yorker branded ones from New York Puzzle Company – I think the are is so pretty and it feels really special.

I also wrote a whole blog post with a roundup of the best puzzles for framing, so check that out if you need inspiration!

And finally, you can also see some of my favorites right here on this Amazon storefront page.

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