Framed Puzzles

Here’s what you asked about framed puzzle 

  • How to frame a puzzle?
  • How to frame a puzzle without glue?
  • How to glue a puzzle to frame?
  • How do you hang a puzzle without a frame?
  • Where can I buy puzzle frames?
  • Can I use a custom picture frame for my puzzle?
  • Which puzzle glue should I use on a piece of cardboard?
  • Is a framed puzzle a more valuable work of art?
how-to-frame-puzzles

Well in this article we will try to answer some of those questions or at least to give you some ideas of where to start.  We want you to be proud of your finished product.

You can see in the images (at the bottom of this page) that some puzzlers use a wood frame for different puzzles. Some even go so far as to take their cherished puzzle image to a frame shop, especially for special shape puzzles, large frames or extra small frames. 

How to frame a puzzle?

Important factors to remember when buying the right frame, is to have correct overall dimensions. Keep in mind that the frame may cover the straight edge of the puzzle unless you specifically measure the frame so that it does not do that. IF you want to see the whole inner piece puzzle then measure for a frame larger than the puzzle size and place a thin ‘matting’ behind the puzzle.

 Matting comes in different sizes and different colors so you could find one that matches close to the main colours in your image. Or simply use your choice of coloured bristle board cut to fit behind your puzzle inside the frame.

We have a collection of frames on our page in our Amazon Store. CLICK HERE for a quick look to see what's available. 

How to frame a puzzle without glue?

The best way to easily hang your favorite puzzles is to use clear packing tape (some people use duct tape) on the entire back of the puzzle then tack it to the wall. That by far is the quickest and easiest way. To remove the tape from the back of the puzzle, use a hot hair blow dryer to warm up the glue as you carefully remove the pieces off the tape. Note that some of the paper will likely remain on the tape but IF you are careful enough there will be little damage. 

To see the more detailed version of our 'No Glue' Method CLICK HERE

How to glue a puzzle to frame? Here's some quick tips...

There are many adhesive sheets available on the market and is likely the best option for saving a lot of time because it quickly covers the entire puzzle and keeps the adjacent pieces intact for years.

We have a selection of glue on our Amazon Store page. CLICK HERE 

I have never tried a stick puzzle saver so I cannot comment on it other than the fact that I have not heard any negative comments about it over my years in the puzzle hobby media.

A great puzzle adhesive to use is mod podge glue and poster board that can be purchased at the michaels store or  Amazon.

The first step and best thing to use when gluing a puzzle is sheets of wax paper or parchment paper under the puzzle when gluing a puzzle for easy clean up.

An effective way to ensure all the puzzle pieces are lying flat on the foam board is to use a rolling pin over the top of the puzzle before gluing. 

When gluing a puzzle, a pro tip is to use a credit card to smooth the glue over the completed puzzle ensuring the entire thing does not have too much glue sitting in the cracks. 

Another good idea is to use a foam brush that spreads a single coat over the finished puzzle and does not leave excess glue on the edge of the puzzle. 

For a more detailed version of 'Gluing a Puzzle' CLICK HERE

How do you hang a puzzle without a frame?

This question falls under the no glue method above. Instead of using tacks though try using the damage free hanging strips. I have used them and they really do work. 

framed-puzzles

Where can I buy puzzle frames?

You can buy frames at most local stores and we have a collection of frames on our page in our Amazon Store. CLICK HERE (affiliate link) for a quick look to see what's available. But if you do not want to spend a big dollar on a puzzle frame, then we suggest you check out Thrift stores for previously used frames. We have bought used frames, sanded them down and repainted them to match the colour of our puzzle image. You can also look for frames at very low costs at garage sales and local fund-raising events. 

Can I use a custom picture frame for my puzzle?

You are expecting the answer to be yes you can but be mindful of the price you want to pay. IF your puzzle is special and/or it may be presented as a sentimental gift, then yes, a custom picture frame would be ideal.

Which puzzle glue should I use on a piece of cardboard?

This is where you want to check the label on the jigsaw puzzle glue product you are looking to purchase. We have a selection of glue on our Amazon Store page. CLICK HERE (affiliate link) Be sure to read the 'usage' but most will be usable on cardboard.

Is a framed puzzle a more valuable work of art?

The short answer is no. Very few jigsaw puzzles make it to a valuable 'work of art' so to speak. For a jigsaw puzzle to have any real value, it is likely to be quite rare and in excellent condition. Jigsaw puzzles do not generally hold a lot of value since there is almost always more than one copy. For a good read on the value of jigsaw puzzles  we suggest you check out our article by Anne D. Williams Jigsaw Puzzles, An Illustrated History and Price Guide CLICK HERE (affiliate link)



AMAZON-STORE-Banner

We have collected a massive list of jigsaw puzzles in numerous categories on our Amazon Store link. It's a quick way to browse most current puzzles and/or specific seasons, accessories and themes. Makes for a terrific one-stop jigsaw puzzle gift giving shopping centre. CLICK HERE



Take a browse through these displays of jigsaw puzzles that have been mounted into frames and are displayed on the wall of many puzzlers from around the world.

The jigsaw puzzlers are pleased to share their photos from the Jigsaw Puzzle Connection Facebook Groups as well as other groups.  

If you have a jigsaw puzzle that you have framed and would like to share it with us in the Framed Jigsaw Puzzle Gallery, there is a form at the end of this page where you can upload your images. We will review it and upload into our collection.

We hope this article and the following Gallery has inspired you to add a frame to your assemble puzzle. Just viewing the images below will show you how much a frame can really enhance your project.   


Framed Jigsaw Puzzle Gallery

how-to-frame-puzzlesGuadalupe Diaz
how-to-frame-puzzles
how-to-frame-puzzles

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