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How do you hang a picture puzzle?

Published in Puzzle Hanging 4 mins read

To hang a picture puzzle, you have a few effective methods, notably using 3M picture hanging strips for a no-damage solution or crafting your own wire hanger for a more traditional approach.

Popular Methods for Hanging Your Puzzle

Successfully displaying a completed picture puzzle often involves first securing the puzzle itself and then choosing an appropriate hanging mechanism. Here are the primary methods for hanging your masterpiece.

1. Using 3M Picture Hanging Strips

3M picture hanging strips are an excellent choice for hanging without putting holes into the wall and are strong enough to hold the completed puzzle. These innovative strips offer a clean, damage-free way to mount your puzzle, whether it's simply glued or placed in a lightweight frame.

  • How They Work: 3M Command Strips utilize an interlocking fastener system (think Velcro, but stronger and with adhesive backing) that allows frames or mounted puzzles to be securely attached and easily removed without damaging walls.
  • Benefits:
    • No Wall Damage: They peel off cleanly, leaving no sticky residue or holes.
    • Strong Hold: As stated, they are "strong enough to hold the completed puzzle," providing reliable support.
    • Easy Application: Simply adhere one strip to the wall and its interlocking partner to the back of your puzzle (or its backing board/frame).
    • Flexibility: Allows for repositioning or removal if you want to change your decor.
  • Ideal For: Puzzles mounted on foam board, lightweight poster frames, or directly on their glued surface.

2. Creating Your Own Wire Hanger

Alternatively, you can create your own wire hanger to hang the puzzle, a method often associated with framed artwork. This typically involves attaching a wire to the back of a puzzle that has been mounted or framed.

  • How It Works:
    • Puzzle Preparation: The puzzle must first be glued and mounted onto a rigid backing board (like foam core or Masonite) or placed into a picture frame.
    • Attachment: Small D-rings or screw eyes are typically attached to the upper corners of the backing board or frame's stretcher bars. A strong picture-hanging wire is then threaded through these attachments, creating a loop from which the puzzle can be hung on a nail or picture hook.
  • Benefits:
    • Traditional Aesthetic: Offers a classic art display look, especially when combined with a frame.
    • Durability: Once properly installed, a wire hanger provides a very secure and long-lasting hold.
    • Customization: You control the type of wire, hardware, and frame to match your decor.
  • Ideal For: Puzzles that are permanently glued and mounted, or those intended for a traditional picture frame.

Preparing Your Puzzle for Hanging

Before you hang your puzzle, it's crucial to prepare it so it stays together and maintains its shape.

  • Gluing: Apply a puzzle-specific glue (available at craft stores) to the front surface of the completed puzzle. This permeates the cracks, bonding the pieces together. Allow it to dry completely.
  • Mounting: For added stability, consider mounting your glued puzzle onto a rigid backing board, such as foam core, poster board, or thin plywood. This provides a flat, stable surface for attaching hanging mechanisms and prevents sagging.

Choosing the Right Hanging Method

The best method depends on your specific needs, the puzzle's size, and your desired aesthetic. Here's a quick comparison:

Feature 3M Picture Hanging Strips Wire Hanger (with Backing/Frame)
Wall Damage None (removes cleanly) Requires a nail or hook, minimal hole for small nails
Effort Low – peel and stick Moderate – requires gluing, mounting/framing, and hardware attachment
Aesthetics Modern, minimalist (no visible hardware) Traditional, can be enhanced by a frame
Best For Lightweight puzzles, temporary displays, rented homes Permanent displays, heavier puzzles/frames, classic look
Key Benefit No holes into the wall Secure, time-tested method for framed art

By choosing the appropriate method, you can proudly display your completed picture puzzle as a piece of wall art.