July 12, 2022

How to Frame a Jigsaw Puzzle: Steps, Tips and Tricks

How do you store a jigsaw puzzle once it's finished? Ah, the big question after spending hours solving this giant puzzle... Put it back in its box? What an injustice! No, it's unthinkable! Why should I deprive myself of contemplating my precious creation, again and again? Alas, unless you live in a castle (and if you do, invite us and we'll bring the puzzles 😉), there comes a time when you have to free up a little space.

But what should you do with a finished puzzle, and how can you keep admiring it every day? Simple: frame your jigsaw puzzle! And to make sure your superb work doesn't tumble off the wall piece by piece, follow our steps carefully. From glue and backing boards to frames, we tell you everything you need to know to make your puzzle the star of your home!

@ginacie

1- Choosing the Right Backing Board

Let's get started! The first step is to find the perfect backing material based on the durability you're looking for. From simple cardboard to wooden boards or even canvas, the key is to find something that provides a solid base for gluing. So say goodbye to cardstock—we don't want your pieces coming loose!

Also, make sure the backing board is flat, clean, and large enough. And don’t forget to take good care of your jigsaw puzzle once you’ve finished putting it together. Clean it with care, because every little piece counts when it comes to keeping the whole thing in good condition. You wouldn’t want to see little bits of cardboard in the middle of that gorgeous illustration once your puzzle is hanging on the wall, would you?

Yes, it may be tedious, but after all, why settle for anything less than perfection? Especially if you're going to frame the biggest puzzle you've ever made... You deserve the best, and so does your work!

👉 Related Reading: Tips and Tricks for Doing a Jigsaw Puzzle

2- To Glue or Not to Glue?

To glue or not to glue? That is the question! Bear in mind that any gluing is irreversible... so if you're tempted to redo your puzzle, don't worry! There's a clever solution: you can frame it without gluing it. Some frames feature strips to hold the pieces in place.

And if you're on a tight budget (or environmentally conscious…), Laetitia, founder of Jour Férié, shares her secret tip with us:

" I prefer to frame my jigsaw puzzles without having to glue them, in case I get the urge to do them again. I start assembling directly on the bottom of the frame, and once I've finished, I just press it firmly between the glass and the back of the frame. If there's not enough pressure, it could slide and no longer be properly centered! When you buy one, whether at a flea market or in a store, be sure to check the fastenings on the back. "

However, if you're a dissectologist or the kind of person who wants to preserve your hard work, you might as well glue your puzzle before putting it in a frame. Then the rest of this guide is for you!

👉 Related Reading: How to Fix a Puzzle Without Puzzle Glue?

3- Flipping a Jigsaw Puzzle… or Not

So, should you apply the glue to the front or the back of the jigsaw puzzle? It depends on whether you’re reluctant to turn it over. But be careful—if the pieces are starting to come loose, all those hours of work could go down the drain! In that case, opt for a special glue that’s applied directly to the front. Some are solvent-free and help preserve the colors of the image.

However, if you prefer adrenaline, go for it... With care, of course! Liquid glue or spray glue, the choice is yours! The important thing is not to use too much of it, to avoid over-wetting the pieces. Too much moisture could cause them to warp and drown your creation...

And what about sticky sheets? Obviously, we don't recommend them, because at Jour Férié, we are committed to fighting pollution with our 0% plastic jigsaw puzzles . But it's up to you! We'll let you in on a little secret: adhesive plastic film is a great way to protect books. Shhh, just between us...🤫

4- Framing a Jigsaw Puzzle to Preserve It

Why frame a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle or larger? Glass frames don't just look beautiful—they also keep those pesky dust particles at bay. Handy, isn’t it? For the absolute best, go for a frame with anti-glare glass. Especially if you have one of our magnificent illustrations, like Morning’s Edge, for example!

@oursweethomebb

How do you choose the right frame size for your jigsaw puzzle? Put on your reading glasses and take a look at the side of the box. No instructions? Oh, it’s not an original Jour Férié puzzle! Too bad—you’ll just have to grab your tape measure. For our products, we recommend a minimum size of 50 x 70 cm for 1,000-piece puzzles and 35 x 50 cm for 500-piece puzzles.

And if you have a penchant for oversize, choose a larger frame and add a mat board. What's that? Well, it's a cardboard frame placed around your puzzle, which will literally enhance it... Might as well go big, right? Especially if your average puzzle-making time is measured in years... 😉

5- Hanging Your Jigsaw Puzzle on the Wall

Hanging your jigsaw puzzle on the wall — finally, the moment you've been waiting for! Now all you have to do is find the perfect place to display your masterpiece. Do you want your work to be admired by everyone, or just by you? This is your moment to shine, so take your time. Just one last word of advice: avoid areas directly exposed to the sun, as this could alter the colors over time.

Once you've found the perfect spot, get out your trusty hammer. Check that the puzzle is correctly positioned under the glass, then secure the frame to the wall with hooks. If you prefer to display it without a frame, simply nail the support in place. Now your wall is ready to steal the show!

Shall we start again?

👉 Related Reading: World Records in Jigsaw Puzzles

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Preserve a Puzzle Without Damaging It?

To preserve a jigsaw puzzle without damaging it, avoid exposing it to moisture, dust, and direct sunlight. To keep it in good condition for a long time, you can mount it on a backing and then frame it under glass. If you’d prefer to be able to put it back together someday, gently slide it between two rigid sheets or use a storage mat to protect your puzzle.

How to Flip a Jigsaw Puzzle Without Breaking It?

To flip a jigsaw puzzle over without breaking it, slide a sheet of stiff cardstock or a large piece of cardboard under the puzzle, then place a second sheet on top. Hold both pieces firmly in place before flipping the whole thing over in one smooth motion. Don’t have anything stiff to use? Try using placemats, for example.

Can You Take a Jigsaw Puzzle Apart After Gluing It?

No, once the jigsaw puzzle is glued together, it’s best not to take it apart to avoid damaging the pieces. If you want to be able to put it back together later, frame it without glue using a frame that holds the puzzle securely between the backing and the glass.