Congratulations, you completed a jigsaw puzzle! Now what? After all of that hard work, the last thing you want to do is take the puzzle apart and stick it in a junk closet.
You need to show off your accomplishment! Luckily, there are tons of ways to preserve your puzzle and even turn it into a lasting (and affordable!) piece of art. Keep reading for our favorite ways to preserve and display jigsaw puzzles.
Trust us, you don’t need major crafting skills to preserve a puzzle. It’s as easy as using a little bit of glue or stickers. Take your pick from the two methods below!
The most traditional way to preserve a puzzle is to glue it together with either puzzle glue or Mod Podge. This option is a classic for a reason–it works! It’s also simple, cost-effective, and doesn’t take a ton of time.
Follow these easy steps:
Bonus tip: you can find Mod Podge that creates a matte or glossy finish, depending on the look you want.
Don’t want to deal with glue? Check out this peel-and-stick method that uses adhesive sheets to hold puzzles together. This option is mess-free and even quicker than using Mod Podge.
All you have to do is apply the adhesive sheets to your puzzle to preserve it. However, these sheets are meant to go on the back of your jigsaw puzzle, so you’ll need to flip it over. We recommended using two pieces of foam board from the dollar store to easily flip your puzzle without creating a mess.
Once it’s flipped, apply the adhesive sheets to the back and you’re done! Another option is to use painter’s tape or masking tape on the back. It will take more time as you’ll need to apply a fair number of strips, but it’s budget-friendly and chances are you already have some.
Once you’ve got your puzzle in one piece (a little puzzle humor for you) using either glue or adhesive sheets, it’s time to put it on display! This is the fun part–showing off your hard work.
Looking for a frame-free approach? A super simple and quick way to display your puzzle is to attach Command Strips to the back of it. We recommend using strips on all four corners of your puzzle to guarantee a tight hold.
It doesn’t get easier than this, and the frame-free method offers a minimalist, clean look! Another perk is that you avoid causing any damage to your wall, making it extremely renter-friendly.
Framing your puzzle gives it a more polished look and protects your puzzle. You can simply slide your puzzle into the frame, secure the back, and call it a day, or you can use more glue to make it extra secure.
The most challenging part of framing your puzzle is finding the right frame size. Take note of your puzzle size before you start shopping for a frame to make sure you get the right fit. Most puzzles don’t fit in standard frame sizes, so you may want to explore bigger frame options that come with backing.
Here’s a tip: the brand Good Fortune Puzzle Co. specifically makes puzzles that fit into A2 frames. They’re a Canadian brand that creates sustainable puzzles that celebrate Asian culture by Asian artists. Every single one is pretty enough to frame!
Another indie brand we love is Puzzles of Color, a Black-owned puzzle company that sells its own frames designed to fit the puzzles. Plus, they sell frames that match the vibe of their puzzles for a chic and cohesive look!
Looking for a more DIY option to flex your crafting muscles? We love the look of puzzles mounted on a canvas. Even though there are a few more steps involved in mounting a puzzle, it still isn’t difficult or all that time-consuming.
If you want to go the DIY route, simply glue your puzzle together using one of the methods above and pick out a canvas. If you want to see the edges of the canvas to provide some “framing” for your puzzle, choose a canvas that’s larger than your puzzle. If you don’t want to see the canvas and make it look like your puzzle is floating, choose a canvas that’s the same size or slightly smaller than your puzzle.
There are a few ways to go about mounting your puzzle. You can attach it to the canvas with Command Strips, adhesive Velcro strips, or adhesive Velcro dots. You could also use more Mod Podge, puzzle glue, or adhesive stickers.
The most important thing is to make sure your puzzle is tightly secured to the canvas, so we recommend laying it flat and putting something heavy over the canvas for about an hour before you hang it.
Don’t want to do it yourself? Preserve My Puzzle is an awesome company that can get the job done for you. They send you a secure shipping box, you send them your puzzle, and they get to work.
They offer tons of framing and mounting choices, so you’re guaranteed to find a look you love. This option is hassle-free and ensures that your puzzle looks great and lasts for years.
If you’re ready to take your puzzle game up a notch, we’ve got just the thing for you. Completing the Puzzle is a one-of-a-kind puzzle rental service.
It’s simple: you select your favorite jigsaw puzzles from our huge catalog, we ship them to you one at a time, you complete them and send them back to us, and we ship out your next puzzle. No more cramming old puzzles into junk closets!
And by the way, if you really love a puzzle you received from us and can't bear to part with it, we might be able to sell it to you at a big discount! Then you can preserve and display it using these tips. Just email Support and let us know!
Whether you’re a puzzle newbie or a pro, we have a membership option for you. Join Completing the Puzzle today!
Photos contributed by Instagram puzzlers @pieces_of_the_ picture, @meganrened, @crabbs27_ toffpuz, @puzzleck1, @thepiecefulpuzzler, @adhd_ puzzler and @gottajustpuzzle.