Best Glue for Puzzles in 2023: Top 9 Picks Reviews

Solving a puzzle can give you the sweet dopamine rush of achievement, and some people like to preserve that sense of achievement. If you are one of those people, you will be thanking us for this article.

In order to preserve a solved puzzle such that it never falls apart, you need the best glue for puzzles. In this article, that is exactly what we are focusing on.

We have compiled a list of 9 top glues based on factors like material, duration of curing, and performance. By reading their reviews and the included buying guide, you will have a more solid idea of what to look for in a puzzle glue to get the most out of them.

What To Look Before Purchase Puzzle Glue

Glues come in different forms and products. And the right glue for puzzles can be challenging to find. Below we have compiled the surefire factors that will help you make the right pick. Remember that we present the following pointers so that you can have a flawless puzzle-solving experience!

Right Glue for the Right Material

Pay attention to the material of your puzzle. What are the individual pieces made out of? Is the material wooden or smooth and glassy? Finally, check whether your glue will work on the material that your puzzle is made out of. This compatibility will be essential for your project and help you find the best puzzle glue.

Every adhesive has its null points. Make sure that the glue you are getting sticks to the material of the puzzle. Using glue that doesn't act as a good adhesive to your puzzle pieces means that you are risking your entire outcome. So, if you want to take it easy on your puzzle, then get the right glue that supports the component.

Looks of the Glue

Is the glue opaque or transparent? Or is it colorful? Whatever the answer is, make sure it's either transparent or at least the same color as your puzzle pieces. Puzzles are intricate projects. You can't really tell from before whether any glue will ooze out of the puzzle joints or not.

This accident can totally ruin the looks of your puzzle. As a result, a failed glue can make you lose valuable time and effort. So, it's better to be safe than sorry.

The very first thing to do is to make sure that the glue is transparent. That way, you don't have to worry about the glue color standing out on the finished piece. If transparent glues are unavailable, then you can also go for a color that matches the puzzle. We do not recommend the latter option unless it's the last resort.

Duration of Curing

Different glues take a different amount of time to dry up. Some glues dry up right after application. These adhesives require constant attention and precise craftsmanship. Again, other gooey adhesives take about a minute to get ready, giving the user more flexibility.

In order to get the correct match, you must consider your preferences. Are you looking to play it fast? Or do you want to take your time to savor the building experience? All of these answers will come in handy when picking the perfect contender based on curing time.

Glue Toxicity

Keep glue toxicity in mind. Some glues are toxic to breathe in. Other stronger glues that manufacturers prepare using corrosive chemicals let out a strong vapor. These can irritate the skin, eye, ear, and nose (if it comes in direct contact).

You should pay extra attention to the glue safety seal if you have toddlers around you. Moreover, you should strictly avoid heat sealants and the fume that comes off it if you're pregnant or have a child.

Some retailers will claim that toxic glues are only made for commercial use, which is true to some extent. But why risk your own health deliberately, right?

Container Capacity

Glue capacity simply refers to how much glue can a single bottle for the product hold. Most manufacturers produce multiple sizes of the same glue to choose from a range of options. If your puzzle project is big or if you have many puzzles to go through, then the large value packs are right for you.

But if you only have a small puzzle at hand that doesn't need too much glue, then that's okay too. Most glue companies out there have a student package for sale. These are easily available in bookstores in the US.

Glue Rigidity

The rigidity of the glue is a vital factor in puzzle building and must be considered while finding the best glue for puzzles. What rigidity you should get depends on how long you intend to keep your puzzle intact. But here's the thing – the more rigid glue you get, the more expertise you'll need to handle it.

Again, the more rigid, the lesser chance of correcting an oopsie. This drastically reduces your room for error. So, if you're a beginner, try going for thicker and more opaque glues. Remember that opaque glues will sacrifice a tad bit of the looks of your polished puzzle.

Be Careful with Slower Adhesives

Do not go for thick and gooey adhesives if you don't have the time to wait. To cure your puzzles quickly, you must go with runny and transparent glues that cure faster. Even though slower adhesives provide more stability, they are only moderately popular.

Just in case you have decided to stick to slower adhesives, make sure that you give them enough time to stick. Rushing projects of such sort will only end up in failure. So it's best to keep these in mind when using slow curing adhesives.

Avoid Polyurethane Glues

Glues that are made out of urethane can be pretty toxic. Before picking up that one glue from the shelf of the supermarket, make sure it's not made out of this! Even if you want your finished puzzle to be durable and strongly built, it's better if you avoid this sort of glue.

Polyurethane glue is also highly flammable. So, using this on one of your projects instantly turns the entire piece into a fire hazard. Under such circumstances, you must remember to take your time to really understand the glue before buying it.

All-purpose Glues for the Safest Bet

If you want to play it safe, you may go with all-purpose glue. But make sure that the curing time and color requirements are met. Lastly, consider getting thinner glues for feeble puzzles.

Thinner glues dry faster and stick quite hard, this will make sure that you don't have to put in a lot of pressure to make them stick. Hence your pieces will remain intact.

Glue-Tip to Make the Glue Drip

Different glues have different application methods. You'll need to apply some glues to your puzzle directly from the bottle. Whereas for some glues, you'll need a stick or brush to reach the intricate edges of your pieces. Most often than not, the manufacturer will offer a bottle-tip with the hamper. Make sure to get that!

While it may seem like a very inexpensive upgrade, it's actually a massive change-maker. A well-built glue tip will ensure that you don't miss a spot on your puzzle piece when building.

Ease of Use

Is the glue of your choice easy to use? How hard is it to lather and maintain? All of these are important information for finding the appropriate glue. Since puzzle solving is an intricate task by itself, you don't want yet another crafting skill to become the barrier to your work.

So, it's always wise to pick the glue that's the easiest to use on your puzzle. This makes the entire problem-solving experience a whole lot enjoyable. Not only are you reducing stress, but you're keeping the dopamine release constant also!

Our Top 9 Best Glues for Puzzles in 2023

The following products are the absolute cream of the crop in the field of puzzle glues, and they have been narrowed down after extensive research.

1. Masterpieces Jigsaw Puzzle Glue Bottle

The general idea around glues is that they are messy and inconvenient. But this product from Masterpieces Accessories defies that idea. This product is made with your convenience as the top priority.

The first thing that greatly contributes to your convenience is the plastic spreader that comes with the glue. You can easily spread the glue all over the puzzle using this.

Furthermore, the texture of the glue is perfectly thick. Because of this, they are rarely messy, and because it's not too thick, you can also spread it over the puzzle piece with little to no difficulty.

As if they haven't driven their emphasis on your convenience home yet, they also give you an extremely detailed user manual. Mistakes are common while handling delicate substances like this. But you can avoid that if you follow the user manual properly.

The quantity of glue is just sufficient. It comes with two bottles containing 5 ounces of glue. This should last you for a very long time, and you should be able to use it on a huge number of puzzle sets.

In terms of drying time, it doesn't take an obscenely long time. It fully dries after about 8 hours. But with other glues drying up within 1 or 2 hours, this feature leaves much to be desired. 

Highlighted Features

• Texture of the glue is extremely thick and thus, it isn't messy
• Equipped with a plastic spreader for maximum convenience
• Package comes with 2 bottles of glues, 5 ounces each
• Takes about 8 hours to completely dry and get the puzzle set

2. PuzzleWorx 4.2 oz Non Toxic Clear Glue

If the last puzzle glue cared about your convenience, this one cares about your time. The drying speed is one of the highlights of this product, as the glue dries in only 1 or 2 hours. So, you can marvel at your finished puzzle piece in absolutely no time.

In the whole package, you will get two bottles of glue at 4.2 ounces each. While the amount definitely isn't bad, it is insufficient considering you can get a lot more at the price of this product. The package also includes a scrapper with which you can easily spread the glue around.

The glue makes the puzzle very sturdy, and you only need one layer of application to achieve that. So, despite being insufficient in the amount, it is certainly economical. The puzzles you apply this glue on also tend to last for a very long time because of said sturdiness.

Like the last glue, this one also has an extremely useful user guide with the whole package. This makes sure you are never lost in the process of using the product. The materials used in the making of the glue are also 100% safe. So, that is one thing that you do not have to worry about while using.

Highlighted Features

• Dries up in only 1 or 2 hours and gets the puzzle ready and sturdy
• Requires only one layer of application for the puzzle to be fixed properly
• Made with completely safe materials
• Provides you with a scrapper for ease of application
• Package consists of two bottles of glue with each bottle containing 4.2 ounces
• Comes with a very useful user manual

3. Mod Podge CS11302 Waterbase Glue

Economical and effective are the words that come first to mind when describing this product. Despite being one of the more affordable products on the list, you get 16 oz or 32 oz of glue, depending on your selected package. Even the 32 oz package is cheaper than both of the previous products.

Despite its low cost, you don't have to compromise on quality at all while using this. The glue dries extremely quickly. It only takes about 4 hours for the puzzle to settle properly. And after that, the puzzle stays intact for very long periods of time.

The formula used for the glue is geared towards maximum convenience. You don't have to take any unnecessary hassle while cleaning it. Ordinary soap and water work just fine. To add to that point of convenience, it also does not have any terrible smell that most glues have.

It also comes with a very detailed manual to bolster the ease of use. You should be fine as long as you adhere to it carefully. The glue is a noteworthy contender for being called the best because it combines cost, efficiency, and ease of use.

Highlighted Features

• Comes in different quantities with the maximum being 32 ounces
• Puzzle settles in only 4 hours after using the glue
• Requires only soap and water to clean properly
• Equipped with a detailed user guide for maximum ease of use
• Has an extremely sturdy texture that helps to preserve the puzzle piece longer

4. Puzzle Presto! Peel and Stick Puzzle Saver

While this product technically isn't glue, its purpose is the same as all the glues being reviewed in the article. And that is making a solved puzzle permanent. It may follow a different method, but the intention is the same.

Instead of glue, this product uses peelers. All you have to do is peel the peelers from the board and then stick it onto the puzzle you want to save for a while. After that, you can just take it off, and your puzzle will be permanent.

For anyone who doesn't like using puzzle glues, this is the perfect alternative. If you don't like the mess puzzle glues make, you will be glad to know that there is no mess involved with this one.

Furthermore, these come with adhesive hangers. You can use them to hang the finished puzzle on a wall and display it for everyone to see.

However, this does come with some limitations due to the nature of peelers. The maximum size of the puzzle you can use this on is 29 inches long and 21.5 inches wide. That is a problem you wouldn't see with conventional glue, but if you prefer these kinds of alternatives better, it is a shortcoming you will have to accept.

Highlighted Features

• Uses peelers that you can stick on the puzzle to make them permanent.
• Comes with adhesive hangers that you can use to hang the puzzle on the wall
• Able to cover a maximum area of 29 x 21.5 square inches
• Does not create the mess conventional glues make

5. Puzzle Conserver 200 ml

Since we have already moved away from the conventional glues, this one is also not like the glues we have seen so far. The biggest difference-maker for this product is the sponge applicator. Instead of pouring and spreading the glue, you can use the applicator for maximum precision and convenience.

Additionally, the glue also avoids mess because of the applicator that is included. The detailed and easy-to-understand user guide that accompanies the whole package just adds to the overall convenience. 

Like the last product, this one also comes with a lovely adhesive hanger. For the exhibitionists who love to display things, this is perfect as you can display your finished piece on the wall as well.

The bottle that it comes in fits about 200 ml of glue. You can use it on a minimum of 8 puzzles pretty comfortably. Lastly, the glue is very cost-efficient and affordable as well.

However, there are some complaints regarding the quality of the glue that is worrying. Firstly, the glue is a bit too thin, and the puzzles tend to fall apart after a while. Secondly, you need to apply the glue multiple times to get your desired result. 

Highlighted Features

• Comes in a 200 ml bottle and you can use it on at least 8 puzzles
• Features an adhesive hanger for displaying the puzzle on the wall
• Equipped with a sponge applicator allowing you to precisely glue each piece of the puzzle together
• Provides a detailed user guide to remove any confusion regarding the application process

6. LPF Jigsaw Puzzle Glue

This puzzle isn't known as the best jigsaw puzzle glue among some people for its name alone. The great features combined with its extremely low price make it a highly recommended product. One of the most attractive features that it offers is its sturdiness and durability.

Lots of customer reviews have heaped praise on this glue for its sturdiness. The puzzles you use the glue on will likely survive for very long periods.

And that is not the only thing that is durable. Despite being only 4.5 ounces, it lasts for a very long time. And you can thank the applicator that comes with it for that. The applicator ensures maximum efficiency and makes sure there is as little waste as possible. It also makes the application process extremely easy.

To make things easier, it also has a fantastic user guide. The company's care for its consumers is palpable in the user guide.

The only complaint seen in reviews is that it's a bit too thick and difficult to spread. While that is valid, it can also be argued that its thickness is what keeps the messiness to a minimum.

Highlighted Features

• Comes with an applicator that increases the precision and convenience
• Glue in the bottle lasts for a very long time thanks in part to the applicator
• Puzzles are unlikely to fall apart because of the sturdiness of the glue
• Features a detailed user guide to avoid any confusion regarding the application
• Texture of the glue is very thick and so it doesn't create much of a mess

7. Preserves 12 Sheets - No Stress, No Mess Puzzle Saver

This glue is one of the underrated glues in the market. Despite having a large user base, this particular glue isn't featured in a lot of advertisements or promotions. It's mostly popular among younger puzzle enthusiasts as it does not encompass the application of any sort.

All you have to do is take off the plastic wrap to expose the adhesive. Now, you can either place the adhesive layer on the arranged puzzles or simply the other way around. Since the glue offers so much flexibility to the user, it has a higher satisfaction rate in the community.

The easy-to-use approach to the entire product makes it a very helpful puzzle glue in terms of useability. You don't have to be an avid puzzle solver to be able to pull this glue off. However, remember that you might be risking the health of your puzzle pieces if you decide to take off the layer after a long time.

On another note, it isn't super expensive. Despite having one of the most unique and efficient concepts out there, the pricing is fairly reasonable. The feature of being able to portray your work has won the hearts of many users. You may go for this adhesive if you just want to pick and place puzzle pieces.

Highlighted Features

• Product is appropriate for all age ranges
• Comes with a hanger for those looking to exhibit their puzzles
• Concept of the product is easy to use and learn even if you're a beginner
• Application process is not that tough
• User manual is fairly easy to understand

8. PHILODOGS Water Soluble Glue

The water-soluble glue is one of the adhesives that are on the cheaper end of the list. But don't let the lower price point fool you into assuming this as weak. In fact, it's quite the opposite. This product is suitable for application on puzzles of 1000-3000 pieces.

Unlike many other competitors, this glue doesn't have a standalone color. So, there's no way to pinpoint the awkward colors after it has dried up. In other words, your puzzle is not left with unwanted colors oozing out of the gaps.

Another exciting feature about this glue is that you can use it both before and after setting up the puzzle. Doing both will result in a more solid fix. If you're a puzzle enthusiast who likes his/her puzzle made fixed on the wall, then framing them using this water-soluble option is the best thing to do.

Lastly, this glue is small and compact. It doesn't take up a lot of your storage space. It's very easy to use and harmless to the skin as well. All of these features, paired together, make it an appropriate choice for children as well.

Highlighted Features

• Dries faster than most other watery glues, you don't have to wait for too long
• Gives a clean look to the project and doesn't look messy at all
• Performs better than savers by making sure that the glue doesn't ruin the puzzle pieces
• Thinner consistency than most other glues to ensure proper spread
• Comes in a stick-bottle that's designed for direct application

9. MasterPieces 4 Ounces Glue for Puzzles

'MasterPieces' is renowned in the community for its products that cater to specific purposes. So the company knows how to hold onto its customer base by manufacturing the best glue for puzzles. When you use this glue, you will notice absolutely no curling on the glued bodies, which is always an upside!

However, the glue comes with a spreader that will come in handy for small and intricate areas. Remember that the spreader isn't too big. So, you won't get much out of it if you're working on larger bodies. The quick fix is to use an expired credit card or any material of the sort to do the work.

To top that off, the glue comes at a very reasonable price point. Since you need glue for your puzzles, you've probably already spent a bunch of money on the puzzles themselves. So, if your budget is limited and getting an efficient spreader isn't your top priority, you may pick this glue for your puzzle-solving night!

Highlighted Features

• Correct consistency that works fine for framing puzzle pieces
• Assembling the puzzle can be done both before and after glue application
• Balanced curing time so that you have some room for correcting errors
• Comes with a small spread brush within the cap to cover intricate areas
• No pungent uncomfortable smell or odor like some competitors

Jigsaw Puzzle Glue Comparison Chart

What Kind of Glue to Use for Puzzles?

If you've been through our in-depth buying guide then you've probably already noticed that we favor comfort over anything else. The same message remains here as well. The most efficient glue for your puzzles isn't the one that costs the most. Rather it's the one that you have the most comfort during use.

As a general rule of thumb, we recommend transparent, quickly-drying glues. But there are some thicker puzzle glues available in the market that serve the same purpose. So if you want a more purpose-specific alternative, then you explore in-general puzzle glues as well.

Finally, we strongly discourage using plastic and fabric glues for usage on your puzzle as it makes the end result a little unpredictable.. Why gamble the fate of you and your family's hard work on the puzzle just by choosing the wrong glue?

Common Questions and Answers:

1. Why do we use puzzle glue?

We use glue for our puzzles in order to preserve the puzzle permanently. Most people don't want the puzzle they spent so much time solving to fall apart so quickly. Puzzle glues exist to alleviate that problem.

2. How to use puzzle glues?

Firstly, you have to solve the puzzle and place it on a board. Secondly, you need to pour the glue in question over the puzzle and use a spreader to spread it around. Give it some time to dry, and it will be all set.

3. Can I use white glue in puzzles?

We would advise against using white glues. If you don't have puzzle glue at hand, mixing white glue with water in the right proportions can help.

4. Is a puzzle glue spray better than conventional puzzle glue?

A spray would be a lot easier to use compared to conventional glue. But you would lack quite a bit of precision. However, many people like to use spray glue on the back of the puzzle after using glue on the front side to increase the rigidity.

Final Words

As humans, it is in our nature to preserve what we create. And to satisfy that primal nature of ours, we want to preserve a puzzle that we spent hours solving. That is where puzzle glues come in.

By getting the best glue for puzzles, you can preserve your hard work for long periods. Our reviews and buying guide will give you the general idea you need to sort out the one that meets your requirements perfectly. We hope you are successful in your quest to fulfill that human need of preservation.

Related:

Best Glue for Miniatures: Top 8 Picks