After putting hours, days, weeks, or even months into piecing a puzzle together, the idea of breaking it all up and putting it back in the box can feel very disheartening! A jigsaw puzzle is a work of art in its own right and can take a lot of time, love, and care to complete, so rather than disassembling your latest masterpiece, why not frame it instead!
Preserving your creation in a special jigsaw puzzle frame is a wonderful way to showcase your hard work and transform it into a stunning display piece. It can also be a thoughtful way to mark a memorable puzzle-solving experience you enjoyed as a family or with friends or to honour a scene that holds special meaning.
Whether it’s a painted landscape or photo-realistic scene, all of our puzzles are designed by talented artists, so they’re perfect for framing and turning into one-of-a-kind wall art. Framing a jigsaw puzzle is also a heartfelt and unique gift for the keen puzzler in your life, and with Christmas just around the corner, there’s no time like the present to learn how to do it!
How To Frame A Jigsaw Puzzle: 5 Step Guide
Framing a puzzle might sound tricky, but it’s actually quite simple with a bit of preparation. By following our easy How To Frame A Puzzle guide, you'll learn how to preserve your completed puzzle and transform it into a framed masterpiece that’s ready to hang. Here’s how to get started with framing jigsaw puzzles:
Step 1: Gather materials
Framing puzzles requires a few key items and having these materials ready before you begin will make the process smoother and more enjoyable!
- Wax paper
- Liquid glue (ideally, puzzle glue works best)
- Foam board
- Rolling pin or flat object
- Frame (sized to match the puzzle dimensions and deep enough to accommodate the puzzle & board thickness)
- Craft knife or scissors
- Paintbrush or sponge
Step 2: Prepare your puzzle
Once you’ve completed the puzzle and have all the materials to hand, the puzzle frame prep begins. For this step, carefully slide a piece of wax paper underneath the puzzle to protect your work surface. This will also help to prevent the puzzle from sticking to your table when you apply the glue.
Step 3: Glue it together
Using a paintbrush or sponge, evenly spread a thin layer of puzzle glue across the entire surface of the puzzle. Make sure to cover all the edges and fill in the gaps between pieces! This will secure the puzzle pieces together and create a protective seal. Let it dry for at least 1-2 hours or as per the glue’s instructions.
Step 4: Mount on a foam board
Once the glue has dried, gently lift the puzzle from the wax paper and place it onto a foam board. Use a rolling pin to press the puzzle down and ensure it’s firmly stuck together. If needed, use a craft knife to trim any excess board so that it fits within your chosen frame.
Step 5: Assemble the frame
Carefully place the mounted puzzle into the frame. Double-check that the puzzle is lying flat and that there are no loose pieces or air bubbles, then secure the backing. Now it’s ready to hang or wrap up as a gift!
Dimensions For Framing A Jigsaw Puzzle
To help with your jigsaw puzzle photo frame selection, here are the dimensions you’ll need for your finished House of Puzzles jigsaw by piece count:
1000 piece puzzle frame
Completed 1000 piece puzzle dimensions: 48cm x 69cm (19in x 27in)
500 piece puzzle frame
Completed 500 piece puzzle dimensions: 34cm x 48cm (13in x 19in)
BIG 500 piece puzzle frame
Completed BIG 500 piece puzzle dimensions: 48cm x 69cm (19in x 27in)
BIG 250 piece puzzle frame
Completed BIG 250 piece puzzle dimensions: 34cm x 48cm (13in x 19in)
Share Your Jigsaw Puzzle Frames
We’d love to see your finished House of Puzzles artwork on your walls, so tag us on Instagram @thehouseofpuzzlesltd to share your snaps with us!