I. Introduction
Whether you’re an avid puzzler or just enjoy completing puzzles occasionally, you know how satisfying it is to see the finished masterpiece taking form in front of you. But what happens once you’ve completed the puzzle? You can’t just leave it on the table, can you? No! Puzzles deserve to be displayed properly, and framed puzzles make great wall art. This is where puzzle framing comes in: the process of mounting and framing a completed puzzle into a beautiful display for you to enjoy and show off. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about framing your puzzle masterpiece, from creative framing ideas to step-by-step instructions and DIY tips, to expert advice on how to preserve and display your puzzles. Let’s dive in!
II. 7 Creative Ideas for Framing Your Puzzle Masterpiece
If you’re looking for creative framing ideas to showcase your puzzle masterpiece in a unique way, look no further! Here are seven ideas to get you started:
Floating Frame
A floating frame is a modern and elegant way to frame your puzzle. It’s made up of two pieces of clear glass held together by a minimalist metal frame, which creates the illusion that the puzzle is floating in mid-air. This type of frame is perfect for displaying puzzles with intricate designs or colors that you want to stand out.
L-shaped Frame
An L-shaped frame is a versatile way to frame your puzzle. It consists of two L-shaped pieces of metal or wood that hold the puzzle between them. You can choose to display the puzzle vertically or horizontally, depending on your preference and the puzzle’s size and shape.
Shadow Box Frame
A shadow box frame is a deep frame that allows you to display your puzzle along with other items, such as puzzle pieces, figurines, or photos. This type of frame works well for 3D puzzles or puzzles with a story or theme that you want to enhance with props.
Collage Frame
A collage frame is a great way to display several puzzles at once. This frame has multiple openings, each with its mat, allowing you to display two or more puzzles side by side. You can also mix and match puzzle sizes or colors to create a unique display.
Puzzle Mat
A puzzle mat is an alternative to a frame that allows you to display your puzzle without gluing it down. The mat is placed on top of the completed puzzle, and then the puzzle and mat are rolled up together with a tube. This option is great for people who want to change their puzzle display frequently or for those who don’t want to damage their puzzle.
Magnetic Frame
A magnetic frame is a modern and functional way to frame your puzzle. It consists of two pieces of metal held together by magnets, one piece for the back and another for the front. You can switch between front and back pieces of the frame to change the puzzle display. This type of puzzle frame works well for people who like to change their puzzles’ appearance often.
Puzzle Board
A puzzle board is a simple way to display your completed puzzle. A puzzle board is a piece of thick cardboard or foam board cut to match the size of the completed puzzle. The puzzle board is then glued to the back of the puzzle, creating a sturdy display that can be hung on the wall.
III. A Step-by-Step Guide to Framing Your Completed Puzzle
If you’re ready to frame your completed puzzle, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:
Choosing the Right Frame
The first step is to choose the right frame for your puzzle. You can choose from one of the creative framing ideas mentioned in the previous section, or you can choose a traditional frame that best fits your puzzle’s size and style. When selecting a frame, make sure it’s deep enough to hold the puzzle without squishing it, and the glass or plexiglass is large enough to cover the whole puzzle.
Preparing the Puzzle for Framing
Before mounting your puzzle, make sure it’s clean and free from debris. You can use a soft brush to remove any dusty or small particles. Next, you’ll need to mount your puzzle onto a backing surface. You can use foam board, cardboard or another backing material, depending on your preference. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s the same size as your puzzle to avoid any unlevel surfaces.
Mounting the Puzzle
Mount the puzzle onto the backing board. Applying puzzle glue to the center of the backing board and then laying the puzzle on top is one way to achieve this. Make sure there is no glue on the puzzle’s surface, and smooth the puzzle onto the backing board to ensure that it lies flat and evenly.
Sealing the Puzzle
After the puzzle has been mounted onto the backing board, it’s essential to seal it to protect it from dust and moisture that can affect the puzzle’s color or reduce longevity. You can purchase the puzzle glue specifically for this purpose, or you can use Mod Podge to create a glossy or matte finish and durability to your puzzle. Apply the glue or Mod Podge to the surface of the puzzle and smooth it out with a sponge brush. Make sure to use a test patch on the backside of the puzzle to determine if there is any unwanted bleed from the front. If there is any transfer, try spraying a sealant on the surface, allowing it to dry for an hour before applying the coating solution.
Hanging the Framed Puzzle
The final step is to hang the framed puzzle. Choose a secure spot on the wall where you want to display your framed puzzle. Measure and mark the spot and then install the hanging bracket to the back of the frame following the hanging kit. Hang your completed puzzle on the wall, step back, and admire your handy work.
IV. DIY Puzzle Framing: Tips and Tricks for a Beautiful Result
If you’re a DIYer at heart, you may prefer to create your puzzle frames instead of buying pre-made ones. In this section, we’ll cover some tips and tricks to help you create beautiful and professional-looking puzzle frames:
Material Options for Frames
The framing materials play a significant role in the overall appearance and durability of your puzzle frame. Wood, metal, and acrylic are all popular frame materials, and each has its characteristics. Wood frames tend to be more traditional, while acrylic and metal frames have a modern look. When choosing the frame’s material, always consider the style of your home and the look you want to achieve.
DIY Framing Tools Needed
Before you start framing your puzzle, make sure you have all the necessary DIY framing tools. You’ll need a mat cutter or a straight edge blade to cut your matt board foam board backing, and a saw to cut your frame material. Safety glasses are recommended. Others tools include a finish nailer or a staple gun to attach the backing board to the frame, and a tape measure to ensure everything lines up correctly.
Step-by-Step Instructions with Pictures
A step-by-step tutorial with pictures is incredibly helpful when it comes to DIY framing. There are countless tutorials available online that can help you with any type of frame you want to make. Reading the steps then seeing live demonstrations before starting the project may be helpful.
Tips for a Beautiful Result
When framing your puzzle, there are a few tips to consider to help you achieve a beautiful result:
- Use acid-free matting to protect the puzzle and prevent discoloration or fading.
- When cutting the mat, make sure the measurement is precise to avoid unlevel edges.
- Miter the corners of the frame to create a more professional and finished look.
- Allow the frame to dry completely before hanging it to prevent the glue from becoming dislodged.
V. Idea Gallery: Inspiring Ways to Display Your Favorite Puzzles
If you’re looking for inspiration on how to display your favorite puzzles in your home, this section is for you! Here are some creative ways to display puzzles in your home:
Beautiful Puzzle Displays
Hanging a large puzzle on a wall as an art installation. You can select a color frame that adds contrast to your puzzle. Create a unique composition of different size or-shaped frames hung in a group. Shadowboxes are great to display 3D puzzles complete with figurines.
Creative Ways to Display Puzzles
Using puzzle boards to construct unique designs that incorporate many puzzles into one wall grouping. Puzzle boards can be arranged to create designs such as artwork or sayings such as the family name. Display puzzle boards in a kids’ playroom, using inexpensive frames, allowing the kids to use them over and over again without worry about preserving the puzzle beyond the individual use time.
Tips to Incorporate Puzzle Displays in Home Décor
Puzzle displays can be incorporated into home decor by selecting themes such as nature or cityscape mini puzzles, then hanging them in groups along a hallway to create a unique panoramic walkway. Or feature special puzzle themes such as Disney characters, a popular search at garage sales, flea markets, and 2nd-Hand Stores, by pairing a simple template surface such as puzzle board, with a frame that has custom-molding and trim work to create a great addition to their room decor.
VI. Transform Your Puzzle into Art: Framing Techniques and Ideas
Puzzles are perfect for art enthusiasts and DIYers alike. Framing techniques allow the puzzle to be viewed as art and bring life to the puzzle’s colors, textures, and unique design. Here are some creative ways to reimagine your puzzle as art:
Creative Ways to Display Puzzles as Art
Display a puzzle’s distinctive design, texture, and shapes in a large floating frame. The floating frame lets the viewer appreciate the entire piece without breaking up the design by visible matting and framing. Or display small musical instrument puzzles in custom-made shadow boxes, adding prints or original art to create musical art compositions. Display a country map puzzle enlarged, with foam block backing and laminated, complete with decorative pushpins for an educational piece of art.
Tips on Creating Custom Puzzle Art Displays
Be creative when designing puzzle art displays in your home. With two or more puzzles, you can create the same style of design, crop, and mount the image onto canvas. Next, layer different puzzle images onto the canvas to add texture and shape to the design. When displaying puzzle art, it’s important to select frames that complement the style of your home and the art itself but also make sure to allow the art to be the focus of the design.
Framing Techniques that Emphasize the Artistry of the Puzzle
An eye-catching way to emphasize the artistry of the puzzle is to use an, “art box” frame with glass on the front and back. Place the puzzle between two pieces of glass, and then add depth to the frame by attaching balancing blocks to the frame’s sides. This framing technique allows the puzzle to stand in the frame without any board backing, showcasing the completed puzzle’s color and design.
VII. Frame it Right: Expert Advice for Preserving Your Puzzles
Puzzles require special care to preserve their longevity and beauty. This section provides valuable expert advice and tips for framing your puzzles and making them last for years to come:
Best Practices for Preserving Puzzle Pieces
To preserve your puzzles’ longevity, protect the puzzle pieces from UV light, moisture, and insects. Choose a suitable frame that has UV-resistant glass to protect your puzzle from ultraviolet damage. Using acid-free matting will preserve the puzzle’s color and prevent the puzzle’s harmful chemical reaction with non-acid-free materials.
Tips on Choosing the Right Type of Frame
When choosing the right frame, follow one rule, and choose the frame that complements your puzzle and protects it. A frame that is too narrow or flimsy will not support your puzzle, causing it to sag and drastically reduce the life of your puzzle. Avoid using frames with clips or backing that can damage the puzzle’s edges and look for frames specifically designed for mounting puzzles.
Advice on Using Acid-Free Backing and UV-Resistant Glass
UV-resistant glass and acid-free backing are essential to preserving the longevity of your puzzle. UV-resistant glass will protect the puzzle from being damaged by light, while acid-free backing will protect it from discoloration and deterioration due to acid exposure. The right materials will help to maintain your puzzle’s life and prevent unwanted environmental factors from damaging it.
VIII. Make Your Puzzle Last: How to Frame and Hang Your Creation
This section will provide the final thoughts and tips for framing your puzzle masterpiece for longevity and hanging it securely to your wall:
Best Practices on How to Frame for Longevity
Lengthen your puzzle’s life by taking good care when mounting and framing it. Choosing the right frame, backing board, and UV-resistant glass is a necessary starting point.
