How to Frame Your Finished Magic Puzzle: A Step-by-Step Guide

You’ve just finished a Magic Puzzle Company puzzle — maybe the whimsical The Sunny City or the mysterious The Mystic Maze. The artwork is stunning, and you want to keep it on your wall. But framing a jigsaw puzzle isn’t quite like framing a poster. The pieces are thick, the surface is uneven, and you don’t want to ruin your hard work. This guide walks you through the best methods to frame your puzzle, preserve it, and display it proudly.

Whether you’re a first-time framer or you’ve framed puzzles before, the key is to use the right adhesive and mounting technique. Magic Puzzle puzzles have a unique finish and slightly irregular piece shapes, so a little care goes a long way. Let’s get started.

Choose Your Preservation Method: Glue or No Glue?

The first decision is whether to glue your puzzle or use a pressure‑mount frame. Gluing creates a solid, permanent panel that you can hang like a poster. Most puzzle enthusiasts use a clear, water‑based puzzle glue that dries flat and doesn’t yellow. Apply the glue evenly with a sponge or a dedicated puzzle glue applicator, making sure to cover the seams between pieces. Let it dry completely — usually 2–4 hours — before moving the puzzle.

If you prefer not to glue, you can use a frame with a tight back that presses the puzzle against the glass. This method works best if your puzzle is perfectly flat and you don’t plan to move it often. The trade‑off is that the puzzle can shift or sag over time, especially in humid rooms. For a permanent display, gluing is the more reliable choice.

• Use a puzzle glue that dries clear and matte to avoid glare.
• Test a small corner of the puzzle first to ensure the glue doesn’t warp the pieces.

Prepare the Puzzle for Framing

Once the glue is dry, flip the puzzle over carefully. Place a piece of wax paper or a clean sheet of cardboard on top, then flip the whole puzzle onto a flat surface. This lets you work on the back without damaging the front. Use a straightedge or a rolling pin to gently flatten any curled edges. If you didn’t glue, skip this step — you’ll mount the puzzle directly from the front.

Now you need to mount the puzzle to a backing board. A foam core board or a piece of acid‑free mat board works well. Apply a thin layer of puzzle glue or double‑sided adhesive sheets to the board, then press the puzzle onto it. Smooth out any air bubbles with a soft cloth. Let it set for another hour before trimming the excess board with a craft knife.

• Use a foam core board that’s at least 1/8 inch thick for stability.
• Trim the board about 1/4 inch smaller than the frame opening so it fits easily.

Select the Right Frame and Matting

A standard poster frame often works, but you may need a deeper frame to accommodate the puzzle’s thickness. Measure your puzzle’s dimensions — Magic Puzzle Company puzzles are typically 20 x 20 inches or 26.5 x 18.5 inches, depending on the series. Look for a frame with a rabbet depth of at least 1/2 inch to hold the puzzle and backing board without bowing the glass.

Matting adds a professional look and keeps the glass from touching the puzzle surface. A white or black mat complements most Magic Puzzle art, like the vibrant The Gnomes' Homes or the colorful The Peckish Pirates. If you skip the mat, use a frame with a spacer or a shadow box to create a small gap. This prevents the glass from pressing on the puzzle and causing moisture damage.

• Measure twice before ordering a custom frame — it’s cheaper than a mistake.
• UV‑protective glass or acrylic helps prevent fading from sunlight.

Assemble and Hang Your Puzzle Frame

Place the mounted puzzle into the frame, then add the backing and secure the frame tabs or clips. Check that the puzzle is centered and straight before tightening everything. Wipe the glass with a microfiber cloth to remove fingerprints. If you’re using a shadow box, make sure the puzzle is level and the glass is clean before closing the frame.

Hang your framed puzzle on a wall away from direct sunlight, humidity, and heat sources. A living room, hallway, or home office is ideal. Use a picture‑hanging kit with a level to ensure it’s straight. For larger puzzles, use two hooks or a French cleat system for extra support. Now you can enjoy your Magic Puzzle Company artwork every day.

• Use a level and a pencil to mark the hanging spot before hammering nails.
• For heavy puzzles, consider a wire hanging kit rated for the total weight.

Framing your finished Magic Puzzle is a rewarding way to preserve your work and turn it into wall art. Whether you choose glue or no glue, the right frame and mounting technique will keep your puzzle looking great for years. Pick your favorite puzzle — like The Sunny City or The Mystic Maze — and start framing today.