Many puzzles are works of art.After completing a puzzle, you may want to preserve it so that you can share it with your friends.If you want to join all the pieces together, you can spread a clear glue over the front of the puzzle, and then glue the back as well.The puzzle can be mounted to a firm surface once the glue is done.
Step 1: Purchase your materials.
To make sure the glue you use doesn't cause damage or cloud the surface of your puzzle, you should use a specially intended puzzle glue.It can be purchased at most craft and hobby stores.Puzzle glue Paintbrush (or sponge) Parchment paper or wax paper can be used to glue your puzzle together, though some glues might leave a cloudy finish or not glue.
Step 2: Place the paper over your work area.
While glueing your puzzle, you'll want to work on a level, clear space.Sometimes glue can get between puzzle pieces and cause them to stick to your work surface.If you want to prevent this, you should put a layer of paper between your puzzle and the surface on which you're working.The paper beneath the puzzle should extend several inches beyond the outer edges.You can use wax paper to prevent puzzle pieces from sticking to your work surface if you don't have parchment paper.
Step 3: Place the puzzle on the paper.
If you can, put your puzzle over the top of the paper.If this isn't possible, you'll need a thin, stiff piece of card stock to slide underneath the puzzle to transfer it to the paper.Your paper should extend a few inches beyond the outer edges of the puzzle at this point, as it should be facing picture side up.
Step 4: Glue is added to the puzzle's center.
To ensure an even layer of glue is spread over your puzzle, you should start at the center and work your way to its outer edges.Start with a small amount of glue.If necessary, you can add more later.Working from the center of the puzzle will help prevent you from using too much glue, which can cause unevenness in the glue.
Step 5: The glue should be spread evenly.
Use your paintbrush or sponge to spread your glue from the center to the outer corners of the puzzle.A thin layer of glue is all you need to hold the puzzle pieces together.When the glue is dried, it can cause the pieces to Curl.Some brands of puzzle glue come with a plastic glue spreader that you can use to distribute your glue over the surface of your puzzle.If your puzzle glue does not come with a spreader, you may be able to use a plastic spatula to distribute the glue more quickly.It is difficult to remove dried glue from a spatula.
Step 6: The glue should be removed from the puzzle.
When you reach the edges of your puzzle, you'll find that you have some glue.Push it off the edges of the paper with a paintbrush, sponge, or plastic spreader.If you scoop up extra glue and wipe it on a piece of paper towel, you can remove it from a plastic spreader/spatula.
Step 7: The glue should be allowed to dry.
It may take a few hours or an entire night to dry, depending on the brand of glue you buy.It's best to be cautious when waiting for your puzzle to dry.If you move your puzzle too soon, it can cause wet glue to form.The amount of time your glue needs to dry should be determined by the instructions on the label.
Step 8: Take the puzzle and flip it.
The glue on the front of the puzzle should allow you to pick it up by hand and turn it so the cardboard side is facing up.Larger puzzles can be riskier.You might want to use a piece of cardboard or stiff card stock under the puzzle to provide stability while flipping.The spaces between the puzzle pieces can be filled with glue.Remove the wax paper from the puzzle before flipping it.If you want to break the bond between the puzzle and the paper, you need to use a plastic edge.When doing this, use firm but gentle pressure.After you flip your puzzle, you should put the paper back under it to prevent glue from sticking to your work surface.
Step 9: Glue the puzzle to the center out.
Use a paint brush or sponge to spread a thin layer of glue over the center of the puzzle.If you want a thin, even coat of glue, you should aim for the front of the puzzle.To ensure a thin, even coating over the pieces, you should add glue to your puzzle a little bit at a time.
Step 10: There is excess glue on the puzzle.
Extra glue will be left over once you reach the outer edges of the puzzle.The glue should be pushed off the edges of the puzzle and onto the paper.
Step 11: Allow the glue to dry.
Your puzzle should be connected together once the glue on the back is dry.If you want to display your puzzle on a flat surface, this will be stable enough that you won't have to worry about mounting it.Even more stability to puzzles you plan to hang can be provided by framing or mounting.
Step 12: Hang a puzzle that isn't mounting.
The glue of your puzzle will degrade over time.This can cause pieces to fall off.If you want your puzzle to stay in one piece, you need to mount or frame it.
Step 13: Move your puzzle with care.
You can get a folder from two pieces of corrugated cardboard at any picture frame shop.To make a folder, tape the pieces together.The puzzle can be moved onto a piece of cardboard.There is a folder that can be used to safely move the puzzle.The glue can crack if the puzzle is bent.This won't happen if a rigid backing is used.
Step 14: If you don't want to put your puzzle in a frame, use a simple cardboard mount.
You can mount your puzzle with a piece of plain cardboard larger than it is.Simply apply a moderate amount of puzzle glue to the back of your puzzle.Put the puzzle on the cardboard.Allow the glue to dry.Cut the excess cardboard from your puzzle with a utility knife.You can cut around the border of the puzzle with your utility knife.
Step 15: If you plan to frame your puzzle, go with a more elaborate mount.
Before mounting, choose the frame.The back of puzzles often have a foam board attached to them.The foam board has more flexibility than other types of mounting material.This will make it easier to put your puzzle in a frame.You can use foam board to mount your puzzle.These can be found at hobby stores, craft stores and picture framing stores.The service representative of your local hobby/craft store or picture framing store should be able to give you advice if you are unsure if the foam board is thin enough.
Step 16: If it's necessary, adjust the puzzle size.
If you find a picture frame that is not the same size as your puzzle, you will need to cut it down with a knife.Start by scoring the top layer of the puzzle.You can cut through the puzzle by drawing the knife in the same line several times.You can center the puzzle on the backing board if it's too small for the frame.If you want the frame to fit exactly, you may need to build a frame or find a picture framing shop.
Step 17: You should frame your puzzle.
A frame can give the appearance of a work of art.Measure your puzzle dimensions and buy a frame that will fit it.The back of the frame should be sealed to protect and showcase your puzzle.The catches or tabs at the back of most frames can be used to hold the puzzle in place or to sandwich it between the glass of the frame and a piece of cardboard.If you want to save money, you may be able to find a cheap frame at a secondhand store and use it for your puzzle.After you have chosen the frame, you need to mount the puzzle to make the backing board fit.A picture framing store can cut a frame to the size you need.