Puzzles are a great way to pass the time and showcase your skills. However, after completing a puzzle, you might be wondering how to preserve and display your masterpiece. One popular method is to glue the puzzle onto a plywood board, creating a beautiful piece of wall art. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of gluing puzzles onto plywood.
What You'll Need
- Puzzle
- Plywood board
- Puzzle glue
- Brush or roller
- Wax paper or plastic wrap
- Weighing materials (books or heavy objects)
Step 1: Prepare the Puzzle
Start by completing your puzzle on a puzzle board or any other surface. Make sure all the pieces are firmly connected, and there are no loose sections. Once finished, carefully slide a large piece of wax paper or plastic wrap underneath the completed puzzle. This will prevent the puzzle from sticking to the surface below.
Step 2: Apply Puzzle Glue
Using a brush or roller, apply puzzle glue onto the front of your puzzle. Start from the center and work your way outwards, ensuring even coverage. Be sure to reach all the edges and corners of the puzzle.
Step 3: Let the Glue Dry
After applying the puzzle glue, let it dry completely. This may take a few hours or overnight, depending on the glue's instructions. Avoid touching or moving the puzzle while it dries to ensure a smooth finish.
Step 4: Flip and Glue the Back
Once the front side is dry, carefully flip the puzzle over. Apply puzzle glue to the backside just as you did for the front. Ensure all edges and corners are adequately covered with glue.
Step 5: Allow the Back to Dry
Similar to the front, let the puzzle's backside dry completely. As before, avoid any movements or contact until the glue is fully dry.
Step 6: Prepare the Plywood
While waiting for the puzzle to dry, prepare the plywood board. Ensure the board is clean, smooth, and free from any dirt or debris. You can also sand the surface lightly to create a better adhesive bond with the puzzle.
Step 7: Glue the Puzzle to the Plywood
Once both sides of the puzzle are completely dry, carefully place the puzzle onto the prepared plywood board. Take your time to align the puzzle perfectly with the edges of the plywood. Once aligned, press the puzzle firmly onto the plywood to ensure a secure bond.
Step 8: Add Weight for Bonding
To aid in the bonding process, place several heavy books or objects on top of the puzzle. The added weight will help the puzzle adhere to the plywood evenly. Let the weight sit for a few hours or overnight to ensure a strong bond.
Step 9: Finish and Display
After you remove the weights, your glued puzzle will be ready to display. Trim any excess paper or cardboard that extends beyond the edges of the plywood board. You can now hang your masterpiece on a wall or use it as a decorative piece in your home.
By following these simple steps, you can glue your completed puzzles onto plywood boards, transforming them into stunning wall art. This enjoyable project allows you to showcase your puzzling skills and create a unique piece of decoration for your home. So go ahead, dig out that old puzzle and get started on your gluing adventure!