Have you ever ever spent hours placing collectively a puzzle, solely to be disillusioned when the time got here to border it? Framing a puzzle might be tough, nevertheless it does not need to be. With the precise supplies and a bit little bit of endurance, you possibly can simply body your puzzle and provides it a professional-looking end. On this article, we’ll stroll you thru the step-by-step technique of framing a puzzle, from choosing the proper body to mounting the puzzle and ending it off.
As soon as you have chosen the precise body, it is time to put together the puzzle for framing. First, you will want to attach the puzzle collectively. To do that, apply a skinny layer of puzzle glue to the again of the puzzle after which press the items collectively. As soon as the puzzle is dry, you possibly can trim any extra paper or cardboard from the sides. Subsequent, you will must mount the puzzle to a backing board. This may assist to maintain the puzzle in place and forestall it from warping. To mount the puzzle, apply a skinny layer of glue to the again of the puzzle after which press it onto the backing board. As soon as the glue is dry, you possibly can trim any extra backing board from the sides.
Decide Puzzle Dimension and Body
Measure the Puzzle
Earlier than you embark on the framing course of, it is essential to find out the exact dimensions of your puzzle. Begin by assembling the puzzle on a flat floor, measuring its width and peak from edge to edge, excluding the periphery items. Report these measurements precisely, as they may information your body choice.
Select an Acceptable Body
Choosing the precise body is paramount to showcasing your puzzle. Take into account its model and materials to enrich your decor. Picket frames provide a traditional and chic look, whereas steel frames present a contemporary and glossy aesthetic. Moreover, select a body that’s barely bigger than the puzzle to make sure there’s sufficient room to accommodate the puzzle’s thickness.
The next desk supplies pointers for selecting the suitable body dimension:
| Puzzle Dimension | Body Dimension |
|---|---|
| As much as 150 items | 16″ x 20″ |
| 150-500 items | 20″ x 24″ |
| 500-1000 items | 24″ x 36″ |
| Over 1000 items | Customized-sized body |
Take into account Body Materials and Type
The fabric and elegance of the body ought to harmonize with the puzzle’s theme and aesthetics. For instance, a country picket body enhances a countryside puzzle, whereas a glossy black body highlights a cityscape puzzle. Take into account the body’s width and profile to attain the specified visible affect. Wider frames create a bolder assertion, whereas thinner frames lend a extra delicate contact.
Apply Acid-Free Backing Board
An acid-free backing board is essential for preserving your puzzle long-term. It prevents acids from the wooden body or the puzzle itself from damaging the paintings. To use it:
- Measure and lower the board: Measure the puzzle’s dimensions and add 2-3 inches on either side to make sure a comfortable match. Use a pointy craft knife to chop the board to dimension.
- Place the puzzle: Place the puzzle face down on the work floor. Align the backing board with the sides of the puzzle and gently press it into place.
- Heart the puzzle: Use a ruler or measuring tape to make sure the puzzle is centered on the backing board. Modify as wanted.
- Safe the puzzle (Detailed Information):
- Trim the surplus: Use a craft knife to trim any extra backing board that extends past the sides of the puzzle.
| Technique | Supplies | Directions |
|---|---|---|
| Tape | Acid-free framing tape | Apply strips of tape alongside the sides of the backing board, securing the puzzle in place. |
| Glue | Acid-free archival glue | Rigorously apply a skinny layer of glue to the sides of the puzzle and press it onto the backing board. Use a fabric to wipe away extra glue. |
| Mounting Squares | Acid-free mounting squares | Place mounting squares on the corners and alongside the sides of the puzzle. Press the squares firmly onto the backing board and the puzzle. |
Heart and Safe Puzzle
After gluing the puzzle, let it dry. Place the centered puzzle face down on an empty body. Put a bit of froth core over the face of the puzzle, after which safe the puzzle in place with masking tape. Apply even strain across the edges of the puzzle.
Wrap Sides
Flip the puzzle over and apply a skinny layer of Mod Podge (or craft glue) alongside the sides of the body utilizing a paintbrush. Wrap the sides of the puzzle with cloth scraps, urgent them down firmly into the glue. Easy out any wrinkles or bubbles, and lower the surplus cloth near the sting of the body. Repeat this course of with the opposite sides of the body.
Seal Puzzle
Fold the corners of the material scraps at every nook of the body to create a neat end. Apply a skinny layer of Mod Podge over the material on all sides of the body, and let it dry fully. This may seal the material and shield the puzzle.
Non-obligatory: Paint Body
If desired, paint the body with acrylic paint. Use a small paintbrush to use paint to the sides and corners of the body, and permit it to dry fully. This step is non-compulsory, however it might probably assist to present the body a extra completed look.
Insert Glass
Lower a bit of glass to suit the body. Place the glass over the puzzle, and safe it in place with framing factors or glass clips. Alternatively, use clear acrylic as a substitute of glass for a lighter and safer possibility.
Lower Outsized Mat Board
To make sure a comfortable match in your outsized puzzle, you will want to chop a mat board that is barely bigger than the puzzle itself. Here is a step-by-step information that will help you obtain exact cuts:
Supplies:
- Mat board (thick, acid-free cardboard)
- Measuring tape or ruler
- T-ruler or carpenter’s sq.
- Sharp utility knife
- Reducing mat
Step 1: Measure and Mark
Measure the size and width of your puzzle. Add a minimum of 2 inches to every measurement to find out the general dimension of the mat board. Mark these measurements on the mat board with a pencil or erasable marker.
Step 2: Use T-Ruler or Sq.
Align the T-ruler or carpenter’s sq. together with your markings and prolong the strains to create a 90-degree angle on the corners. This may information your cuts.
Step 3: Lower the First Aspect
Maintain the utility knife perpendicular to the mat board and rating the primary facet alongside the marked line. Don’t press too exhausting, simply create a shallow groove.
Step 4: Repeat on Remaining Sides
Repeat steps 2 and three for the remaining three sides of the mat board. Make sure the angles are exact and the strains are steady.
Step 5: Take away the Interior Sq.
As soon as all 4 sides are scored, use the utility knife to chop out the interior sq. that may body the puzzle.
Step 6: Clear the Edges
Use a fine-grit sandpaper or emery board to easy any tough edges or burrs on the lower strains. This may guarantee a clear and professional-looking end to your mat board.
| Measurement | Tolerance |
|---|---|
| Size | +2 inches |
| Width | +2 inches |
Trim Extra Mat Board
As soon as your puzzle is secured to the froth core, it is time to trim the surplus mat board. This step will give your puzzle a clear, completed look.
Here is a step-by-step information to trimming extra mat board:
Supplies You may Want:
- Craft knife or utility knife
- Metallic ruler or straightedge
- Reducing mat
Step 1: Mark the Lower Line
Place your steel ruler or straightedge alongside the sting of the puzzle and draw a light-weight pencil line the place you wish to lower the mat board.
Step 2: Rating the Mat Board
Use your craft knife to attain the mat board alongside the lower line. Be sure you apply agency, even strain. Do not lower during the mat board at this level.
Step 3: Snap the Mat Board
As soon as you have scored the mat board, maintain it over a desk or chopping mat and snap it alongside the rating line. The mat board will break cleanly alongside the sting.
Step 4: Trim the Corners
Use your craft knife to trim the corners of the mat board at a 45-degree angle. This may create a clear, skilled end.
Step 5: Verify the Match
Place the trimmed mat board over the puzzle to ensure it matches snugly. If it is too free, it’s possible you’ll must trim extra materials. If it is too tight, you possibly can rigorously sand the sides of the mat board to create a greater match.
Assemble Body
1. Lay out the body items and establish the corners and sides.
2. Apply wooden glue to the mitered edges of the corners.
3. Align the corners and press them collectively firmly.
4. Safe the corners with clamps and permit the glue to dry for a number of hours.
5. Apply wooden glue to the mitered edges of the perimeters.
6. Align the perimeters with the corners and press them collectively firmly.
7. Safe the perimeters with clamps and permit the glue to dry for a number of hours.
8. Take away the clamps and sand any tough edges or extra glue.
9. Apply a end to the body, similar to paint, stain, or varnish.
Place Puzzle
1. Measure the inside dimensions of the body and lower a bit of froth core board to the identical dimension.
2. Place the froth core board contained in the body.
3. Apply double-sided tape to the again of the puzzle.
4. Rigorously place the puzzle onto the froth core board, aligning it with the sides of the body.
5. Press down on the puzzle to safe it to the froth core board.
6. Insert the body again into the puzzle and safe it with nails or screws.
Extra Ideas
– Use a high-quality body to guard your puzzle.
– Select a body that enhances the colours and elegance of the puzzle.
– Enable the glue to dry fully earlier than inserting the puzzle into the body.
– Watch out to not overtighten the nails or screws when securing the body.
– Show your framed puzzle in a location the place it won’t be uncovered to direct daylight or moisture.
Methods to Body a Puzzle
Creating a fantastic show in your accomplished puzzle is a good way to protect and exhibit your exhausting work. Framing your puzzle is a straightforward course of that may be completed at dwelling. With the precise supplies and a bit little bit of care, you possibly can create a framed puzzle that may look nice and final for years to come back.
Listed here are the steps on how you can body a puzzle:
1.
Collect your supplies. You’ll need the next:
- A puzzle
- A body
- Mounting board or foam core
- Puzzle glue
- A ruler or measuring tape
- A pencil or pen
- Scissors
- Non-obligatory: glass or acrylic for the entrance of the body
2.
Put together the puzzle. If the puzzle shouldn’t be already glued collectively, you’ll need to take action now. Apply a skinny layer of puzzle glue to the again of every piece and press them collectively firmly. Enable the glue to dry fully.
3.
Measure the puzzle. Use a ruler or measuring tape to measure the size and width of the puzzle. Add 2 inches to every measurement to permit for the mounting board and the body.
4.
Lower the mounting board or foam core. Lower a bit of mounting board or foam core to the dimensions you measured in step 3. Heart the puzzle on the mounting board and safe it with just a few items of tape.
5.
Connect the puzzle to the mounting board. Apply a skinny layer of puzzle glue to the again of the mounting board. Rigorously place the puzzle on the mounting board and press it down firmly. Enable the glue to dry fully.
6.
Insert the puzzle into the body. Place the mounting board with the puzzle connected into the body. Safe the body with the included {hardware}.
7.
Non-obligatory: Add glass or acrylic. If desired, you possibly can add glass or acrylic to the entrance of the body to guard the puzzle from mud and harm.
Folks Additionally Ask About Methods to Body a Puzzle
Can I body a puzzle with out glue?
Sure, you possibly can body a puzzle with out glue. Nonetheless, the puzzle won’t be as safe and should come aside if it isn’t dealt with rigorously. To border a puzzle with out glue, observe the steps above however skip step 5. As an alternative of gluing the puzzle to the mounting board, merely place it on the mounting board and safe it with just a few items of tape.
What’s one of the best ways to attach a puzzle?
The easiest way to attach a puzzle is to make use of a skinny layer of puzzle glue utilized to the again of every piece. Press the items collectively firmly and permit the glue to dry fully. It’s also possible to use a twig adhesive to attach the puzzle collectively. Nonetheless, you should definitely observe the producer’s directions rigorously.
How do I body a big puzzle?
To border a big puzzle, you’ll need to make use of a big body and a sturdy mounting board. Comply with the steps above, however you should definitely use a body that’s giant sufficient to accommodate the puzzle. You might also want to make use of extra items of mounting board to assist the puzzle.
Can I exploit a shadow field to border a puzzle?
Sure, you need to use a shadow field to border a puzzle. A shadow field is a sort of body that has a deep recess, which lets you show three-dimensional objects. To border a puzzle in a shadow field, observe the steps above, however use a shadow field as a substitute of an everyday body.
