Many puzzles, once finished, are real works of art. After you finish one, you may want to keep it to show to friends or to appreciate the result you have achieved. You can preserve the puzzles by applying clear glue on the front to keep all the pieces together; moreover, you can stabilize it even better by repeating the operation on the rear side. Once glued, you can attach it to a sturdy surface so that all the pieces don't come apart.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Glue the Front of the Puzzle
Step 1. Get the materials
To make sure that the glue does not dull the surface of the puzzle, that it does not crumble into flakes or cause other damage, you need to purchase a specific product, which you can find in most craft and fine arts stores. Here's what you'll need in all:
- Puzzle glue;
- Brush or sponge;
- Parchment paper or waxed paper.
- You can use any clear glue for this project, like decoupage glue or lacquer; however, some adhesives may leave a dull sheen or may not properly secure all pieces.
Step 2. Spread the parchment paper on your work surface
You need a flat, uncluttered space to glue the puzzle together; sometimes, the adhesive seeps between the pieces making them adhere to the underlying surface. To avoid this, you should put a layer of parchment paper between the puzzle and the shelf you are working on.
- The sheet of parchment paper should be larger than the puzzle so that it protrudes several inches from all edges.
- If you don't have parchment paper handy, you can use waxed paper to prevent the pieces from sticking to the countertop.
Step 3. Place the puzzle on the parchment paper
If you can, slide it onto the workstation you have prepared; if this is not possible, you must insert a thin sheet of hard cardboard under the puzzle in order to be able to transfer it.
At this point, the puzzle should be on the parchment paper with the design side up, with the paper sticking out several inches from the edges
Step 4. Put the glue in the center of the puzzle
To make sure you spread an even layer of adhesive, you should start in the center and spread it towards the perimeter. Apply a small amount of glue to begin with, because you can always add more later if needed.
By working from the center to the edges you avoid using too much and spreading an uneven layer
Step 5. Apply the glue evenly
Pour in a little at a time and use the brush or sponge to spread it from the center to the outer corners. A thin layer is enough to hold the pieces in place.
- Applying too much, the edges of the puzzle sometimes curl up during the drying process.
- Some puzzle adhesive brands come with a small spatula that you can use to spread the product.
- If you find that the brush or sponge is not suitable for spreading glue or the one you bought does not have a palette, you can use a small spatula to work faster. However, once finished, it is not easy to remove the dried adhesive from the accessory.
Step 6. Remove any lumps of glue from the puzzle
In many cases, when you reach the edges you notice that there is extra glue. Remove it by pushing it over the edges and dropping it onto the parchment paper using the brush, sponge or plastic spatula.
If you're using a putty knife or dustpan, you can get rid of the extra glue by picking it up with the tool and wiping it off with a paper towel
Step 7. Wait for the glue to dry
It may take a few hours or even a whole night, depending on the adhesive brand. When evaluating glue drying times, it's always best to err on the side of things and be cautious. Moving the puzzle too early can cause the wet glue to warp the pieces.
You should check the instructions on the packaging to determine the required drying times
Part 2 of 3: Glue the Back for More Stability
Step 1. Turn the puzzle over
The bond created by the adhesive on the front should allow you to easily lift the puzzle with your hands and turn it so that the card side is facing up. Larger puzzles are typically more unstable; if so, you must use a piece of cardboard or other similar rigid material to provide extra strength.
- The glue often penetrates the spaces between the puzzle pieces; if this happens, try to gently remove the parchment paper from the back before turning the whole thing upside down.
- You may need to use a tool with a sturdy plastic edge, such as a spatula, to peel the puzzle off the parchment paper, especially if you used a high-strength glue. Remember to apply gentle pressure at this stage.
- After you turn the puzzle over, you should put the parchment paper back under it to prevent the pieces from sticking to the work surface.
Step 2. Glue the back of the puzzle from the center to the edges
Pour a moderate amount of glue in the center of the "picture" and sprinkle a thin layer around the perimeter using a sponge or brush. Just like you did for the front side, try to get a thin, even layer.
You should add a little glue at a time to avoid wasting it and be sure to apply only a thin, even coat on all pieces
Step 3. Push the excess adhesive over the edges
When you reach the perimeter of the puzzle, there is probably a little more glue left; to get rid of it, use the sponge or brush to drop it on the parchment paper beyond the edges of the puzzle.
Step 4. Let the adhesive dry completely
When the back layer is also dry, the pieces are well fixed together. In many cases, the puzzle is stable enough that you don't need to frame it or attach it to a structure if you have chosen to display it on a flat surface. However, framing it gives it even more sturdiness, in case you want to hang it like a painting.
Part 3 of 3: Framing the Puzzle
Step 1. Do not hang the puzzle without a frame
Over time the glue naturally deteriorates, causing pieces to come off and lose. To make sure this doesn't happen, you should place the puzzle in a frame before hanging it.
You should especially frame it if you plan to move it to several places. If the puzzle bends, the glue layer can crack or make the whole "picture" crumple; a rigid support surface prevents all this from happening
Step 2. Use a simple cardboard frame
Take a piece of cardboard that is larger than the puzzle to make an effective support structure. Apply a moderate amount of glue to the back of the puzzle and place the puzzle on the cardboard. Wait for the adhesive to dry and then:
Take a utility knife and cut out the excess cardboard along the edges. To do this, slide the blade around the perimeter of the puzzle
Step 3. Secure the puzzle to a foam base as you frame it
Often, a sturdy and relatively thin board of expanded foam is placed behind the puzzle before framing it. The reason for choosing this material lies in its flexibility, which facilitates the operations of insertion into the frame.
- There are many types of foam boards useful for this purpose, and you can find them at art or craft stores.
- If you're not sure if the foam you have chosen is strong or thin enough to frame a puzzle, the shop assistant is certainly able to give you some advice.
Step 4. Frame it
This way you give the finished, glued puzzle the look of a work of art. First, you need to measure its size and purchase the correct frame. Insert the puzzle inside and close the back support to protect and expose the "picture".
- Most frames come with hooks or clips to hold the puzzle in place or a piece of cardboard that adheres it to the glass.
- If you want to save money, you can find cheap and suitable frames in second-hand shops, which you can repurpose for the puzzle.
Advice
- Sometimes, the glue causes the edges of the puzzle to curl; spreading it both on the front and on the back can remedy this problem.
- Most puzzle glues leave a glossy finish; if you don't want to get this effect, you have to apply it only on the back. This method also works for metal and fluorescent puzzles.
