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The Best Way to Put a Jigsaw Puzzle in a Frame Download Article Preserve and display your finished puzzles with this easy DIY project Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Slide the puzzle onto a piece of wax paper. 2 Flatten your puzzle with a rolling pin. 3 Wipe the puzzle with a slightly damp cloth. 4 Spread puzzle glue onto the surface and let it dry. 5 Glue the back of your puzzle and let it dry. 6 Mount the puzzle to foam board or wax paper. 7 Purchase a frame that fits your puzzle. 8 Secure your puzzle inside the frame. + Show 5 more... - Show less... Other Sections Questions & Answers VideoWATCH NOW Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles References Co-authored by Nicole Bolin and Hunter Rising
Last Updated: July 14, 2025 Fact Checked
Download Article ARTICLE VIDEO X
This article was co-authored by Nicole Bolin and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Nicole Bolin is a Crafting Specialist and the CEO of Stencil, a DIY Craft Studio in Phoenix, Arizona. Nicole specializes in interior design and various craft and DIY projects. Nicole holds a Certificate in Interior Design from the New York Institute of Art and Design. She opened Stencil in 2017 to teach others to create DIY projects that fit their home and lifestyle. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 731,851 times.
If you spent hours putting together a puzzle and want to admire all your hard work, framing it turns it into an eye-catching piece of art. Rather than putting all the pieces back into the box, hanging your puzzle in a frame is perfect for presenting the finished piece. Plus, before you transfer it into a frame, there are even a few tricks that will help keep your puzzle looking brand new while it's on display. Keep reading to learn how to keep the pieces together and frame them so you can show off your puzzle for years to come.
Things You Should Know
Transfer your puzzle onto a sheet of wax paper and flatten out the pieces with a rolling pin. Wipe dust off of your puzzle with a damp cloth.
Spread a thin layer of puzzle glue onto the front of the puzzle and let it dry for 4 hours. Then, flip the puzzle over and apply glue to the backside as well.
Attach foam board backing to your puzzle to make it sturdier. Place your puzzle inside of a jigsaw puzzle frame to display it.
Steps
1
Slide the puzzle onto a piece of wax paper.
Download Article
Wax paper prevents the glue from making a mess on your work surface. Tear off a piece of wax paper that’s bigger than your puzzle and lay it flat on your tabletop. Carefully lift the corners of your puzzle and slide the sheet of wax paper underneath it.[1]XResearch source
If your piece of wax paper isn’t wide enough to fit your puzzle, tape multiple pieces of the paper together.
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Flatten your puzzle with a rolling pin.
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Leveling all the pieces will make the glue adhere easier. If you notice small bumps or raised-up pieces on your puzzle, go over your entire puzzle with a rolling pin. Apply gentle pressure as you work your way across your puzzle so it’s completely evened out before you start gluing. If pieces still pop up or feel loose, keep rolling the spot until they level out.[2]XResearch source
3
Wipe the puzzle with a slightly damp cloth.
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Cleaning your puzzle gives it a dust-free appearance once it’s framed. Wet a clean cloth with water and wring it out completely. Gently wipe the top of your puzzle to pick up any loose dust or debris that’s left on the surface. Otherwise, it may get trapped and be visible after you frame your puzzle.[3]XResearch source
Make sure there's no water dripping from the cloth. If the pieces get wet, they could deform or curl up.
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Spread puzzle glue onto the surface and let it dry.
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Puzzle glue secures the pieces together so they don’t break apart. Scoop a spoonful of the puzzle glue into the center of the puzzle. Use a foam paintbrush or an old gift card to apply the glue evenly across the entire surface of the puzzle. If you run out of glue, add a small spoonful at a time so you don’t oversaturate the puzzle. Once you coat the entire surface, wipe up any excess with paper towels and let it dry for at least 4 hours. As the glue dries, it will turn clear.[4]XResearch source
Avoid using a brush with bristles to spread the glue because it could leave behind visible brushstrokes on the surface.
After you glue your puzzle, the pieces are permanently stuck together, so you won’t be able to take it apart or put it back together again.
Don’t have puzzle glue? White school glue works for puzzles in a pinch.
5
Glue the back of your puzzle and let it dry.
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Applying glue to the back prevents your puzzle from curling. After the glue dries on the front of your puzzle, carefully pick up the corners and slowly flip it over to the back. Spread another thin layer of puzzle glue onto the back surface with a foam brush or gift card, just like you did on the front. After you’re done applying it, leave the glue to dry for another 4 hours.[5]XResearch source
If you want to avoid using glue, laminate your puzzle with adhesive sheets on the back side only. Sandwich your puzzle between 2 pieces of poster board, and flip your puzzle over to the back. Press the adhesive sheets onto the back of the puzzle to hold the pieces together.[6]XResearch source
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Mount the puzzle to foam board or wax paper.
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Foam board or wax paper makes your puzzle even sturdier. Cut a piece of foam board or wax paper so it’s about 1 inch (2.5 cm) shorter than your puzzle on each side. With the back side of your puzzle face-up, apply a layer of craft glue onto the piece of backing material. Center the foam board or wax paper on the back of your puzzle and press it down firmly. Stack heavy books or items on top of the backing, and let the glue dry for 1 day.[7]XResearch source
Make sure the backing material doesn’t stick out from any of the edges of the puzzle, or else it will be visible in the frame.
7
Purchase a frame that fits your puzzle.
Download Article
Puzzle frames work best for displaying thicker puzzle pieces. Because your assembled jigsaw puzzle may have slightly different dimensions than what’s listed on the box, use a ruler or tape measure to find its length, width, and thickness. Choose a frame specifically made for puzzles that matches the dimensions you measured to ensure that your finished puzzle fits easily inside.
Standard picture frames may work if you’re framing a cardboard jigsaw puzzle, but they aren’t suitable for wooden puzzles.
If you can’t find one that matches the size of your puzzle, make a custom frame or visit an art framing store to have one made for you.
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Secure your puzzle inside the frame.
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The frame will keep your puzzle protected while it’s on display. Set your frame face down on a flat surface and lift the tabs to take off the back. Wipe the inside of the frame with glass cleaner to remove any residual dust or debris. Then, carefully set your puzzle inside of the frame so the front is against the glass. Then, set the frame’s back onto the puzzle and secure it in place. When you’re finished, just hang up your puzzle wherever you want to display it.[8]XResearch source
If you’d rather display your puzzle without a frame, pinch binder clips onto the top edge of the puzzle and nail them into your wall.
Community Q&A
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Question Can I glue a 3D puzzle? Community Answer Yes, just do one side at a time using puzzle glue or Modge Podge. Make sure each side dries thoroughly before gluing another side. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 12 Helpful 22
Question How can I flip the puzzle over? Community Answer You can use a puzzle mat (purchased from Amazon) that's designed to flip puzzles. You can also glue the front of the puzzle, let it dry, and then flip it over to the back. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 19 Helpful 28
Question Can I cover the face of a puzzle twice with the puzzle glue? Community Answer Yes. It is okay to give it several coats with puzzle glue or Mod Podge. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 10 Helpful 22
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Tips
If the puzzle pieces still feel loose, try applying a second coat of glue to each side. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
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Things You'll Need
Puzzle
Wax paper
Puzzle Glue
Puzzle frame
Foam board
Ruler
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Co-authored by: Nicole Bolin Crafts & DIY Specialist This article was co-authored by Nicole Bolin and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Nicole Bolin is a Crafting Specialist and the CEO of Stencil, a DIY Craft Studio in Phoenix, Arizona. Nicole specializes in interior design and various craft and DIY projects. Nicole holds a Certificate in Interior Design from the New York Institute of Art and Design. She opened Stencil in 2017 to teach others to create DIY projects that fit their home and lifestyle. This article has been viewed 731,851 times. 19 votes - 95% Co-authors: 22Updated: July 14, 2025 Views: 731,851 Categories: Featured Articles | Puzzles and Memory Games In other languages Spanish German Dutch Portuguese Russian French Chinese Italian Indonesian Arabic Turkish Hindi Korean Japanese
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Reader Success Stories
Mahboob Sheikh
Aug 20, 2016
"At age 86, I have never done a jigsaw puzzle. I have seen some being worked on. Today, I saw one being worked on by my granddaughters. I was fascinated. I sort of figured out the strategy myself (pretty close to your suggestions) but wanted to know more. I reached out and learned a lot from your article about displaying and preserving the puzzle for long term display/storage. Loved the article."..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.
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Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Nicole Bolin Crafts & DIY Specialist Co-authors: 22Updated: July 14, 2025 Views: 731,85195% of readers found this article helpful. 19 votes - 95% Click a star to add your vote
Mahboob Sheikh
Aug 20, 2016
"At age 86, I have never done a jigsaw puzzle. I have seen some being worked on. Today, I saw one being worked on by my granddaughters. I was fascinated. I sort of figured out the strategy myself (pretty close to your suggestions) but wanted to know more. I reached out and learned a lot from your article about displaying and preserving the puzzle for long term display/storage. Loved the article."..." more
Linda Amos
Jul 14, 2017
"I didn't know where to start when I thought of framing my puzzle. I thought of gluing it, but wasn't sure about materials I would need for longevity. I now know that cardboard won't last as well. The step-by-step pictures showing assembly info are so helpful, thanks!"..." more
Anonymous
May 29, 2017
"The entire article is very useful. I have just finished a beautiful puzzle and decided to frame it, but had no idea where to start. This information has given me the know-how to go on with my project. Thank you for your very understandable directions."..." more
Alice Mcclean
Dec 20, 2017
"The overall explanation was excellent. I understood each step clearly. Still doing the 1000 piece puzzle but wondered if I would have to dismantle it, then glue it piece by piece. I don't think at that rate, it would have ever happened!"..." more
David Greenspan
May 5, 2016
"Like the steps on the baking of mod podge on the art glass, along with other lessons. Thank you." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Download Article Preserve and display your finished puzzles with this easy DIY project Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Slide the puzzle onto a piece of wax paper. 2 Flatten your puzzle with a rolling pin. 3 Wipe the puzzle with a slightly damp cloth. 4 Spread puzzle glue onto the surface and let it dry. 5 Glue the back of your puzzle and let it dry. 6 Mount the puzzle to foam board or wax paper. 7 Purchase a frame that fits your puzzle. 8 Secure your puzzle inside the frame. + Show 5 more... - Show less... Other Sections Questions & Answers VideoWATCH NOW Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles References Co-authored by Nicole Bolin and Hunter Rising 
11 Creative & Organized Ways to Store Jigsaw Puzzles 
How to Make a Puzzle Piece to Replace a Missing One 
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Co-authored by: Nicole Bolin Crafts & DIY Specialist This article was co-authored by Nicole Bolin and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Nicole Bolin is a Crafting Specialist and the CEO of Stencil, a DIY Craft Studio in Phoenix, Arizona. Nicole specializes in interior design and various craft and DIY projects. Nicole holds a Certificate in Interior Design from the New York Institute of Art and Design. She opened Stencil in 2017 to teach others to create DIY projects that fit their home and lifestyle. This article has been viewed 731,851 times. 19 votes - 95% Co-authors: 22 Updated: July 14, 2025 Views: 731,851 Categories: Featured Articles | Puzzles and Memory Games In other languages Spanish German Dutch Portuguese Russian French Chinese Italian Indonesian Arabic Turkish Hindi Korean Japanese 
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Wax paper prevents the glue from making a mess on your work surface. Tear off a piece of wax paper that’s bigger than your puzzle and lay it flat on your tabletop. Carefully lift the corners of your puzzle and slide the sheet of wax paper underneath it.[1] 
Puzzle frames work best for displaying thicker puzzle pieces. Because your assembled jigsaw puzzle may have slightly different dimensions than what’s listed on the box, use a ruler or tape measure to find its length, width, and thickness. Choose a frame specifically made for puzzles that matches the dimensions you measured to ensure that your finished puzzle fits easily inside. 
Community Answer Yes, just do one side at a time using puzzle glue or Modge Podge. Make sure each side dries thoroughly before gluing another side. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 12 Helpful 22 
Community Answer You can use a puzzle mat (purchased from Amazon) that's designed to flip puzzles. You can also glue the front of the puzzle, let it dry, and then flip it over to the back. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 19 Helpful 28 
Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.