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How to Preserve Jigsaw Puzzles: 

Top 3 Methods

If you’re working on a large or particularly difficult puzzle, it might have crossed your mind to preserve it when you’re done. After all, you don’t want all your hard work to go to waste if you simply put the puzzle back in its box. However, do you know how to preserve jigsaw puzzles properly? Here are our top three methods.

Method 1: Use Puzzle Glue

Step 1: Finish the Puzzle

This should go without saying – always finish the jigsaw puzzle before gluing anything. Sticking the pieces one by one as you go is probably not the best solution for a mess-free, mistake-free glued puzzle. 


Step 2: Choose a Suitable Surface

Find the right surface where you will glue the puzzle. Anything flat and large enough will do – a table, desk, or even floor. Make sure your surfaces are fully protected from any glue residue by placing a large sheet (larger than the finished puzzle) under the puzzle.


Step 3: Flatten Your Jigsaw Puzzle

Before you start gluing, make sure your jigsaw puzzle is completely flat. The easiest way to do this is by running a rolling pin over it. If you don’t have one at hand, use something flat, such as a book, to flatten your puzzle instead.


Step 4: Clean Your Puzzle

Ensure that the puzzle is clean – wipe it with a dry or slightly damp cloth and use a toothpick to clean between the pieces if necessary. Make sure there’s no dust, hairs, lint, or other residue on it. Once those things are glued to your puzzle, there’s no going back.


Step 5: Apply Puzzle Glue

Now that we’re done with the preparatory steps, it’s time to get down to gluing. Apply a generous amount of glue on the surface of the puzzle. If you’re using puzzle glue, it might have come with a built-in applicator. If not, a regular flat brush will do. 


Step 6: Spread the Glue

Once you’ve applied the glue, it’s time to spread it evenly on all pieces. For this step, it’s best to use a sturdier piece of cardboard, a plastic spatula, or something of a similar shape that will allow you to get rid of any ridges and other imperfections.


Step 7: Allow the Glue to Dry
When you’re satisfied that the glue is completely even, leave your puzzle to dry. It is crucial that the glue is completely dry, but the exact time necessary will depend on many factors. If you can afford the time, leave the puzzle to dry overnight.

Step 8: Trim Excess Glue
More often than not, when you apply glue to a puzzle, some of it will leak over. Once the glue is completely dry, simply trim off the excess that spilled over with a regular pair of scissors.

Step 9: Add a Backing
Glue a foam or cardboard backing to your puzzle to ensure it’s extra secure. Put some weight on it and leave it to dry. The backing should be the same size as the puzzle, so trim the edges if necessary. 

Step 10: Frame the Puzzle (Optional)
Now’s the time to showcase your puzzle-solving skills. Put your solved jigsaw puzzle in a frame and hang it on the wall or put it on the side table.

Method 2: Clear Adhesive Sheets
Step 1: Gather Materials
For this method, you will only need a couple of things: some adhesive sheets, also known as puzzle savers, scissors, a rolling pin, and some backing. 

Step 2: Finish the Puzzle
As with the glue method, your jigsaw puzzle needs to be complete before you start working on preserving it. Make sure all the pieces are in the right place, too.

Step 3: Flip the Puzzle
Since adhesive sheets are applied to the back of the puzzle, you’ll need to flip it over. Slide a piece of cardboard under the puzzle, cover it with another sheet, and carefully flip it over while holding the two sheets tightly together.

Step 4: Apply Adhesive Sheets
Peel the protective film off an adhesive sheet and gently place it on the puzzle. Make sure there are no ridges or wrinkles. If the sheet is smaller than the puzzle, apply another one so that the entire surface is covered. 

Step 5: Trim Excess
Trim off the excess material sticking out from behind the puzzle with a pair of scissors or a box cutter. It’s best to do this with the puzzle facing up.

Step 6: Backing (Optional)
If you’re not confident that the adhesive strips will be enough (or if you want the puzzle to be sturdier) you can add some foam or cardboard backing. 

Step 7: Display and Protect
Finally, decide how to display your puzzle. Would you rather frame it or put it under glass on a table? If you skipped the backing step, you can also laminate it and use it as a placemat (avoid placing hot things on it, though). 

Method 3: Mod Podge
Step 1: Finish the Puzzle
Finally, the last method is the one using Mod Podge – an all-in-one varnish, sealant, and glue. Start off by finishing your puzzle.

Step 2: Prepare the Surface
Prepare the puzzle surface by getting rid of any lint and wiping it with a clean cloth. Use a toothpick to pick any dirt from between the pieces if necessary.

Step 3: Apply Mod Podge
Mod Podge has a special formula for puzzles – the Mod Podge Puzzle Saver, which comes with a brush, making it easy to apply the glue to the puzzle.

Step 4: Let It Dry
As with any other glue, Mod Podge has to dry properly before continuing to work on your puzzle. If you’re not in a rush, allow around 24 hours to ensure it is completely dry.

Step 5: Apply Additional Layers (Optional) 
If you’re not satisfied with the result, you can apply an additional layer of Mod Podge once the first one is completely dry. Let this one dry, too, before proceeding. 

Step 6: Add Backing (Optional)
As with other methods, you can ensure that everything stays in place and that your puzzle is sturdy enough by adding a layer of backing on the back. This can be foam, cardboard, or, if you don’t care about the sturdiness, even wax paper. 

Step 7: Display and Protect 
Finally, display your finished puzzle in any way you want. We recommend placing it in the living room, as it can be a great conversation starter when you have guests.

How to Preserve Jigsaw Puzzles: Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use Modge Podge to preserve a puzzle?
Yes, you can use Mod Podge to preserve a puzzle. In fact, Mod Podge has a special line of glue called Puzzle Saver designed specifically for puzzles.

What can I use to preserve a puzzle?
You can preserve a puzzle using various methods, including glue, adhesive sheets, wax paper, sturdy backing, or even lamination. The right method depends on what you intend to do with the puzzle after.

What is the best glue for preserving puzzles? 
There are many different types of glues on the market, but when it comes to preserving puzzles, it’s best to choose a specialized puzzle glue, rather than regular craft or paper glue.

Is puzzle glue or Mod Podge better?
Although Mod Podge is lauded as one of the best, all-in-one adhesives on the market, when it comes to puzzles, any puzzle glue will do the job. Puzzles usually aren’t very adhesive-resistant. 
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