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How to frame a jigsaw puzzle

You found the last piece. Now keep it. Six steps from table to wall, plus the glue, sheets and frames to do it with.

Illustration: a finished jigsaw puzzle in a coral frame hanging on a wall

Six steps from table to wall

  1. Step 1 drawing: a finished puzzle on parchment paper with a rolling pin pressing it flat
    1. Finish and flatten. Complete the puzzle on wax paper or parchment. Press down any raised pieces with a rolling pin or a flat book.
  2. Step 2 drawing: a magnifying glass over a gap where one piece is missing
    2. Check for gaps. Missing a piece? Try the brand's replacement policy before you glue.
  3. Step 3 drawing: three ways to hold it, glue brushed on the front, a saver sheet peeled onto the back, or loose pieces between two clear panels
    3. Pick your hold. Brush-on glue on the front, peel-and-stick saver sheets on the back, or a glue-free frame that holds the pieces between clear panels.
  4. Step 4 drawing: a brush spreading a thin coat of glue across the puzzle, with a clock for drying time
    4. Glue in thin coats. Spread a thin, even layer into the seams and wipe off extra. Let it dry as the label says before you move it.
  5. Step 5 drawing: rulers measuring the width and height of the finished puzzle, not the box
    5. Measure the finished puzzle. Measure it, not the box. Pick a frame that fits that size, or a bigger frame with a mat.
  6. Step 6 drawing: the framed puzzle hanging on a wall, with strong sun crossed out
    6. Back it and hang it. Mount on a backing board so it doesn't sag, then frame and hang. Keep it out of strong sun so it doesn't fade.

Glue or saver sheets

  • Brush-on glue goes on the front, fills the seams and seals it. It can add a little shine, so test a corner.
  • Peel-and-stick sheets go on the back. The front stays as printed, and there's nothing to dry.
  • Glue-free frames hold loose pieces between two clear panels, so you can take it apart later.

Picks from the makers' stores

Frames

  • Measure the puzzle, not the box. Box sizes are approximate.
  • Check what's included. Some frames leave out the clear cover or the backing.
  • Brand-only frames. Some only fit that brand's puzzles.

Picks from the makers' stores

Prices and stock as of Oct 22, 2026. Boards, mats and trays are in our puzzle accessories guide.

Questions

Do I have to glue a puzzle to frame it?

Usually. Most frames expect a glued or backed puzzle. Some, like Liberty Puzzles' frames, hold loose pieces between two clear panels instead.

Glue on the front or the back?

Brush-on puzzle glue goes on the front and seals the gaps. Peel-and-stick saver sheets go on the back. Many people use one or the other, not both.

What size frame does a 1000-piece puzzle need?

Measure your finished puzzle. Box sizes are approximate and brands cut differently. White Mountain's F-1000 frame, for example, is 30 x 24 in, sized for its own 1000-piece puzzles.

Can I use a regular poster frame?

Often, if the inside size fits your measured puzzle. Glue it or back it first so it stays flat, and use a backing board so it doesn't sag.

How long does puzzle glue take to dry?

Follow the glue's own label. Drying times differ between products and with humidity.

Missing a piece before you frame?

Check our missing-piece guide for your brand's replacement policy, or make a filler piece from the box picture.

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