How to Repair or Replace Puzlet Gems
Limited edition Puzlet Gem replacements are only available for a very short time. We may or may not keep a small backup supply following sell-out of an edition. After a brief period any backup supply is destroyed or stamped “sample” in order to maintain edition limit integrity.
If you receive a Puzlet Gem that is damaged or defective, return it to us promptly with a note of explanation, along with your name and mailing address. ONLY WHEN we have received the damaged puzlet are we able to send a replacement.
If a discontinued puzlet, or a sold out limited edition puzlet is discovered damaged after the backup supply has been destroyed, the only option is to try and repair it. This is not easy, especially considering how small Puzlet Gem pieces are. With a little patience and a steady hand, you can do it!
For lumber breaks we recommend using Titebond wood glue (aliphatic yellow glue) only.
For re-securing lifted paper use non-yellowing paper glue (like Elmer’s) very sparingly, and try not to get the glue on the surface/face of the paper. Using a toothpick as an applicator is helpful. NOTE: GO SLOWLY, and be sure to (damp) wipe ANY glue off of your fingers as you go (sticky fingers lift off tiny paper knobs and corners very, very easily).
Tears and creases can be concealed using soft colored pencils, such as Berol Prismacolor pencils.
To fill hollows and voids in the plywood use Elmer’s Carpenter’s Wood Filler, which is very moist and comes in a tube (putty in a jar is too stiff to work with). For greater flow and application control, poke a pin or nail hole in the nozzle of the tube rather than cutting the tip off. Squeeze filler into the void, and use a toothpick or dental tool to pack, shape, and smooth the filler.
If sanding is required after filler is dry, go slowly and get creative! You can use rolled 150 (or higher/finer) grit sandpaper, fingernail files that have been cut narrow, or small needle files that can be purchased at any hardware store. Any of a number of ideas for abrasives can be used. We don’t, however, recommend the use of power tools when working with Puzlet Gems. The puzzle pieces are just too small to hold, and to delicate to subject to normal power tool torque.
For the reconstruction of lost puzzle pieces, we recommend contacting Micah Puzzles at: www.Micahpuzzles.2ya.com
