How to frame a jigsaw puzzle and turn it into wall art - step by step guide from Puzzles Me AU, Queensland

How to Frame a Jigsaw Puzzle and Turn It Into Stunning Wall Art

Turn Your Finished Puzzle Into a Masterpiece

You've spent hours carefully placing every piece, and now your beautiful jigsaw puzzle is complete. So what happens next? Don't break it apart and put it back in the box, frame it and turn it into stunning wall art!

At Puzzles Me AU, we believe every finished puzzle deserves to be celebrated. Here's our complete step-by-step guide to gluing, preserving and framing your jigsaw puzzle so it can take pride of place on your wall for years to come.

What You'll Need to Frame a Jigsaw Puzzle

  • ✅ Your completed jigsaw puzzle
  • ✅ Puzzle glue or Mod Podge
  • ✅ A foam brush or flat paintbrush
  • ✅ A piece of cardboard or foam board slightly larger than your puzzle
  • ✅ A picture frame sized to your puzzle dimensions
  • ✅ Wax paper or baking paper
  • ✅ Heavy books or weights

If you're searching for a jigsaw puzzle frame or puzzle frame kit, measure the finished puzzle first rather than relying only on the piece count. Finished dimensions can vary between puzzle brands and formats.

Step 1: Don't Move Your Puzzle Yet!

Before you do anything, make sure your puzzle is fully assembled and flat on a hard surface. Slide a piece of wax paper underneath the puzzle to protect your table and make it easier to move later.

Pro tip: If your puzzle has shifted or isn't quite flat, gently press it down with your hands before gluing.

Step 2: Apply Puzzle Glue to the Front

Using your foam brush, apply a thin, even layer of puzzle glue across the entire front surface of your puzzle. Work quickly and in one direction to avoid streaking.

Allow the front to dry completely according to the glue manufacturer's instructions.

Applying puzzle glue before framing a completed jigsaw puzzle

Step 3: Flip and Glue the Back

Once the front is dry, carefully slide your puzzle onto a piece of cardboard or foam board. Flip it over gently - this is easiest with two people!

Apply another thin layer of suitable puzzle glue to the back if recommended for the product you're using. This can add rigidity before framing.

Keep the puzzle flat while it dries and follow the adhesive manufacturer's drying instructions.

Step 4: Choose the Right Jigsaw Puzzle Frame

Choosing the right jigsaw puzzle frame is key to making your finished puzzle look like a professional piece of wall art. A purpose-made puzzle frame isn't essential: a suitable picture frame can work well when its internal dimensions and depth match your finished puzzle.

  • 📐 Measure your puzzle carefully - puzzle dimensions don't always match standard frame sizes, so measure the finished width and height in centimetres before buying
  • 🖼️ Check the frame depth - puzzles are thicker than regular photos, so make sure the frame has enough room for the puzzle and any backing board
  • 🎨 Match your décor - black frames give a modern gallery look, while natural timber frames suit Australian and nature themes beautifully
  • ✨ Consider a mat board - a white or cream border can fill small gaps and give your framed puzzle a polished gallery look

Do You Need a Jigsaw Puzzle Frame Kit?

A jigsaw puzzle frame kit can be convenient if it includes the frame, backing and mounting materials in the size you need, but you don't need a dedicated kit to frame a puzzle successfully. The most important factors are the finished puzzle dimensions, sufficient frame depth and secure backing.

Choosing the right frame size and depth for a jigsaw puzzle

Step 5: Mount and Hang Your Puzzle

Once your puzzle is fully dry and rigid, carefully place it into your chosen frame. If it doesn't fit perfectly, a local framer can cut a custom mat board to fill any gaps.

Choose hanging hardware appropriate for the finished frame's weight and your wall type, and follow the hardware manufacturer's installation instructions.

Gallery Wall Inspiration

Why stop at one? A gallery wall of framed puzzles is a distinctive way to decorate your home. Mix different puzzle sizes, themes and frame styles for an eclectic look, or keep it cohesive with matching frames and a single theme like our Australian Puzzles collection, Floral & Botanical collection or Art & Abstract collection.

Gallery wall displaying framed jigsaw puzzles as wall art

Ready to Start Your Next Puzzle Masterpiece?

Now that you know how to frame a jigsaw puzzle and turn it into wall art, choose a design you'll enjoy displaying. Browse our full range of jigsaw puzzles, handmade to order in our Queensland home studio and shipped Australia-wide.

You can also create wall art from your own memories with a personalised jigsaw puzzle, or explore Australian puzzles, beautiful botanicals and fantasy designs.

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