How To Glue a Jigsaw Puzzle

To glue or not to glue......One of the most common questions with jigsaw puzzles is, 'How to Glue A Jigsaw Puzzle?' Here's one method to glue a jigsaw puzzle but if you are interested in trying a 'no-glue' method CLICK HERE

How to glue a jigsaw puzzle. (suggested) SUPPLIES

  • Puzzle Glue (craft glue such as ModPodge)
  • Parchment or wax paper
  • Paint brush or foam brush (if not included with glue)
  • Rolling pin (optional)
  • Back mounting board (for framing)
  • Frame (ensure puzzle will fit inside and has room for thickness of puzzle)

Steps to glue a jigsaw puzzle.

  1. Layout the parchment/wax paper with extra room around the edges.
  2. Use the rolling pin on the front and back to flatten the pieces and be sure all the pieces are tight.
  3. Follow the instructions on the bottle of Glue either using a paintbrush or foam brush. Ideally you want a nice clean coating over the puzzle being mindful of the cracks in between. (The following video shows how to spread the glue in a sweeping motion over the entire puzzle.)
  4. Follow the 'drying' time instructed on the bottle of glue before moving the puzzle (usually about 2 hours). Glue one side first, wait until it is entirely dry before gluing other side.
  5. Cut the back mounting cardboard to fit the puzzle size (if you are framing) and proceed to glue the puzzle to it. If too much glue is used the puzzle may curl when dry - a frame would correct that situation.
  6. Wait at least 24 hours before installing the puzzle into your choice of frame.
  7. When choosing a frame be sure to allow about an inch larger than the boarder of your puzzle - often puzzles have a thickness so the extra space leaves some room for forgiveness when sealing it into the frame. 

Please take the time to watch the following video to get the idea of how to glue your jigsaw puzzle. But a word of caution, if not done correctly, it could be 'unpleasant' so do not try this on your World's Largest Jigsaw Puzzle without practising first. 

Personally, I do not glue my jigsaw puzzles however a majority of jigsaw puzzlers do. Since I am not your 'go-to-Gal' for gluing jigsaw puzzles I always refer this question to a Youtube video that I recommend because the feedback from those with a jigsaw puzzle hobby have informed me so ;) 

BUT .....I will share my method and an alternative IDEA that you may like to use. I get great feedback on my method because it is very low cost and preserves your puzzle for many many years......It's also quick, easy and FUN!.... read on - The No Glue Method

Click the following link to watch the Youtube Video

I hope this helps to see more great jigsaw puzzles on your walls.....I know I enjoy seeing mine and even rotate my seasonal one too.

More supply options...

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