How to Frame and Display Completed Jigsaw Puzzles
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Completing a jigsaw puzzle is satisfying, but what do you do with it afterward? Many beautiful puzzles — especially White Mountain Americana scenes and regional maps — are worth displaying. In this article, we cover how to preserve, frame, and display your completed puzzles.
To Glue or Not to Glue
The first decision is whether to glue your puzzle permanently or keep it reusable. If you love the image and want it as wall art, gluing is the way to go. If you want to enjoy the puzzle again, skip the glue and store it back in the box.
Some puzzlers use puzzle frames that hold the pieces in place through pressure alone, without glue. This lets you display a puzzle and later disassemble it. These frames work best with tightly fitting puzzles — Ravensburger pieces hold together well, while looser-fitting brands may not stay in place.
Choosing Puzzle Glue
Puzzle glue is a liquid adhesive brushed or spread across the front of the completed puzzle. It dries clear and holds the pieces together. Dedicated puzzle glue is available from most craft stores and online retailers.
Mod Podge, a common craft decoupage medium, also works well. Apply it with a brush in an even layer, working it into the seams between pieces. Let it dry completely — usually 24 hours — before handling the puzzle.
The Gluing Process
Before gluing, slide a sheet of wax paper or plastic wrap under the puzzle to protect your work surface. Apply the glue evenly across the front of the puzzle, making sure it gets into the seams between pieces. Use enough glue to bond the pieces but not so much that it pools.
Some puzzlers also glue the back of the puzzle for extra strength. If you do this, flip the puzzle carefully using a large piece of cardboard as support. Let the front dry completely before flipping.
Framing Your Puzzle
Once the glue is dry, the puzzle can be framed. Standard puzzle sizes — 24x30 inches for a 1000-piece puzzle — do not match standard frame sizes, so you may need a custom frame. Many craft stores and online retailers offer frames specifically sized for puzzles.
A simpler option is to use a poster frame, which comes in standard sizes. You may need to trim the puzzle slightly or use a mat to fill the gap. Poster frames are inexpensive and available at most craft and home goods stores.
Display Ideas
Framed puzzles make unique wall art. A White Mountain vintage collage puzzle in a kitchen or dining room adds nostalgic charm. A regional map puzzle displayed in a study or office is both decorative and conversational. Holiday-themed puzzles can be displayed seasonally.
Consider rotating your displayed puzzles. You can store framed puzzles and swap them out seasonally, giving each puzzle its moment on the wall. This keeps your decor fresh without requiring constant new purchases.
Alternative Display Methods
If framing is too expensive, puzzle preserver sheets are an option. These are adhesive sheets applied to the back of the puzzle to hold it together. The puzzle can then be displayed on a shelf or easel without a frame.
Some puzzlers photograph their completed puzzles and print the photos as wall art. This lets you display the image without permanently gluing the puzzle.
Conclusion
Framing and displaying completed puzzles is a rewarding way to extend the enjoyment of your puzzle hobby. White Mountain puzzles, with their distinctive Americana imagery, make particularly attractive wall art. With puzzle glue, a frame, and a little patience, your completed puzzle becomes a unique piece of decor.
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