Wondering how to flip a puzzle over? Then you’re in the right place!
Life always seems to happen when we least expect it, so sometimes we have to take a step back and refocus our energies. I’m hoping to get back into blogging on a more regular schedule, but for now I’ll just play it by ear.
Additionally, I’ve been trying to focus my efforts on finishing up some old projects that have been sitting around collecting dust and I tend to start new projects with excitement and then lose interest in the project very quickly. If anybody has any tips or tricks on how they finish what they start, please let me know!
How to Flip a Puzzle Over
Before I undertook the project of mounting and gluing a 4,000-piece puzzle frame by myself, I wanted to test out my idea first. So, during Christmas break,I did just that – and it worked!
Things you need for your jigsaw puzzles project:
- Clear contact paper
- Mod Podge Puzzle Saver
- Foam board
- puzzle glue
- Posterboard
- Rolling pin (optional)
The concept is to flip all the puzzle pieces and glue the foam core backing onto the glued puzzle. So here is an example of a completed puzzle that was laid on a framed Puzzle Mat. I started by covering the puzzle with clear parchment paper, making sure to press down firmly so every piece would adhere to the contact paper on all the edges.
The puzzle can now be lifted right off the framed puzzle mat and the pieces stay together. To be honest, this made me a bit nervous so I put the puzzle back down onto the framed puzzle mat, picked up the tableau and leaned it against the back of my sofa.
If you don’t have a framed puzzle mat, you can slide the puzzle covered with contact paper onto a large piece of plywood or cardboard. Just make sure to hold the top of the puzzle as you stand it up. Or, if your Puzzle is small enough, you can just lift it off the surface and flip it over once the contact paper has been applied thoroughly to its surface.
Preparing Your Puzzle for Display
After completing your puzzle, carefully transfer it by pushing the puzzle and mat onto the floor. For additional stability, use reinforcements as discussed in previous guides, such as How to Use a Jigsaw Puzzle Mat. Next, cut foam core boards to size, ensuring they cover the entire back of the puzzle.
Applying Puzzle Saver and Glue
Before adhering the foam core boards, apply a layer of Mod Podge Puzzle Saver to the back of the puzzle. Be cautious not to over-saturate, as excess Mod Podge can seep through cracks. For more on preserving puzzles, see Can a Jigsaw Puzzle Be Laminated?. Cover the foam core boards with white glue, then attach them to the puzzle. You may need to place heavy books on top to secure them while the glue dries. Repeat this for all boards and use poster board strips to cover any joints between the foam core pieces.
Final Steps for Display
Once everything is glued in place, let it sit for about half an hour before removing the contact paper. For additional tips on puzzle display, check out The Best Lighting for Solving Jigsaw Puzzles. Finally, place weights on top of the puzzle and let it sit for a few days to ensure it dries properly and remains flat. Your puzzle is now ready to be framed or hung, with foam core boards providing a firm but lightweight backing.
Final Thoughts on How to Flip a Puzzle Over
This method is definitely not for the faint of heart. I was nervous about damaging my finished puzzle, but it worked out well in the end. And if worse comes to worst, you can always peel off the foam core and try solving your jigsaw puzzle again.