Hi, Kris,
I know my reply is a bit late but, I have made a few of these puzzles for newlyweds just as a
little token gift (like a stocking stuffer) and I made it easy on myself.
I did NOT put any coating on the photo. I just glued the photo to the wood and cut it out.
The photo is already on a glossy photo paper and supposed to be water resistant, etc.
It should last for years! Good luck and God Bless! Spirithorse