How to glue puzzles for mounting and display

Want to keep your puzzle together as a keepsake or display? Why not follow our instructions below for gluing puzzles? It’s a fun and easy project and requires very little in the way of materials.

First, let’s cover what type of glue to use on puzzles. There are several adhesives that will do the job quite well. For a first-class job, use a specialty glue made for gluing puzzles. They combine adhesive and lacquer, providing an attractive, shiny finish.

Alternatively, most clear liquid adhesives will do the job. Wood glue or common household glue will hold the puzzle together. Make sure to test a small amount of the glue on another surface first to ensure it dries clear and not create a cloudy or yellow appearance.

Another easy-to-use option are spray-on adhesives. This type of application is quick and easy—ideal for larger puzzles. The adhesive won’t curl the edges of your puzzle pieces or yellow with age. Spray-on adhesive also dries very quickly—be sure to follow the directions on the can.

When you’ve chosen your adhesive and are ready to begin, first collect the necessary materials and supplies:

• the puzzle and your adhesive
• a natural bristle brush or foam rubber brush
• parchment paper or wax paper
• clean cloths

Here are the steps to glue jigsaw puzzles together:

1. Set up your work area. You will need a clean, flat surface big enough to lay out the puzzle. Put down a piece of wax paper or parchment paper.
2. Place the puzzle on the parchment/wax paper. Ensure all the pieces are present and pressed flat. Clean the puzzle and make sure it is free of dust or lint.
3. Apply adhesive. Brush adhesive onto the surface of the puzzle using the paintbrush or foam brush. For larger puzzles, you may want to pour some glue onto the centre of the puzzle and spread it outward. Work carefully to avoid damaging the puzzle or separating any pieces. Try to use the minimum amount of glue needed.
4. Remove any excess glue using your brush or a clean cloth. Ensure there are no puddles or bubbles in the glue.
5. Allow the glue to fully dry before going to the next step.
6. Carefully turn the puzzle over. (You may want to place a piece of cardboard on top of and underneath the puzzle. Then, turn it over and slide the cardboard away.)
7. Glue the back of the puzzle in the same way as you did on the front.
8. Allow the back of the puzzle to fully dry.
9. If the puzzle does not lay flat after the glue has dried, cover the puzzle with clean cloths and place heavy books or other weights on the puzzle overnight.

If you want to mount and frame your completed puzzle, add the following steps:

1. Choose a suitable frame. Remove the backing board from the frame. (If a backing board is not supplied, use a piece of cardboard or foam board and cut it to fit the frame.)
2. Mark where the puzzle will be positioned on the backer board using a pencil. Make sure the puzzle will be centred within the frame.
3. Glue the puzzle onto the backer board, taking note of the pencil marks. Apply glue to the board and carefully set the puzzle into place. 
4. Cover the puzzle with a clean cloth and weigh it down with books to ensure a strong bond.
5. Place the puzzle into the frame and bend the tabs on the back to hold it in place.

Need to reattach a loose puzzle piece? No problem! Now that you know how to glue a puzzle, make it a quick and easy fix using Loctite Super Glue Precision. When you just need a small amount of adhesive placed exactly where you want it, this is the glue for you. The long, narrow nozzle makes precise application a breeze. Loctite Super Glue is so powerful that only a drop or two is needed. It dries transparent for nearly invisible bonds.