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Jigsaw puzzle glue

FastEddie | Posted in General Discussion on May 21, 2007 02:26am

Posted this at Knots and didn’t get a lot of answers … I need to glue a photo to a piece of ply so I can cut out a jigsaw puzzle.  Probably use 1/4″ baltic birch type ply, or maybe thinner “aircraft grade” ply from a hobby store. 

So what will work best for glue?  I tried 3m spray adhesive on a previous one and was not thrilled with the results.  The edges seemed to be prone to lift a little.  Thinking about formica contact adhesive.  Or maybe ol yaller glue and set it with a warm clothes iron. 

One response at Knots was that Joann Fabric and Michaels carry just what I need, but didn’t have a name brand.  I was surprised to read that the fabric store might have something suitable.

“Put your creed in your deed.”   Emerson

“When asked if you can do something, tell’em “Why certainly I can”, then get busy and find a way to do it.”  T. Roosevelt


Edited 5/21/2007 7:28 am ET by FastEddie

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  1. sharpblade | May 21, 2007 03:29pm | #1

    I was gonna reply 3m spray before I finished reading. Maybe the way you applied?  The ply is porous. I would have started with a "primer"coat on teh ply. Let it dry good, then a coat each on the photo and the ply, let set a bit then CONTACT. Press teh edges good.  I've had great results like this many times

    Not surprised that the crafts/fabric store carry glue for this. Many different glues would work for this application including the cheapest. Crafts glue (by elmer), weldbond...,  lay it on thin (with a roller best).  For these though you may need to press the pic down for a bit to get the best bond.

    Fomica contact glue would work well too.

    1. FastEddie | May 21, 2007 03:46pm | #2

      When I used the 3m spray, I first sprayed a decent coat of poly on the ply and lightly sanded when it was dry.  That took off all the fuzz and hopefully sealed the ply so it wouldn't suck the glue dry.  The picture did actually stick pretty well, but there were some instance of corner lifting."Put your creed in your deed."   Emerson

      "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

      1. sharpblade | May 21, 2007 03:54pm | #3

        OK, thanks for the additional detail. Since you say that in general it stuck pretty well, except the corners, may be they didn't get enough spray.  Of course wear and tear and teh chance to catch is greatest at the corners.

        Again, if it was me I'd stay with the spray, improve my technique. Once contact is made, I'd go around the edges and corners pressing it down for a tighter bond. Different grades of 3M, the higher numbers are wicked strong, but even the 77 is more than enough for this. My favorite technique because it is the easiest way to apply, you get a very even coat and coverage.

        Puzzle, hm? sounds like fun

        1. FastEddie | May 21, 2007 04:55pm | #4

          It's really not a whole lot of fun.  think about a 16x20 picture, then try to cut it into 1" or smaller pieces ... thats about 320 pieces ... try to get them all to interlock ... and don't scratch the picture while cutting.  Add to that using a very thin scroll saw blade that tends to break ... and even then the gap between the pieces is relatively wide.  I actually try to cut about 3/4" pieces, and try to keep them random and interesting.

          But it's fun to watch the recipient try to assemble a picture of themselves.  In this case a family gathering.  I try to make it a little harder by cutting fake tongues and sockets along the perimeter so there are no straight edges to start with.

          "Put your creed in your deed."   Emerson

          "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

          Edited 5/21/2007 9:56 am ET by FastEddie

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