Full drill or partial drill? This guide is for anyone choosing a first kit or a next one who wants to know how the two styles differ in look, time, difficulty and care. You will see a side-by-side comparison, learn how square and round drills fit into the choice, and find out which style our kits use, so you can pick a design with confidence.
Our regular kits are full drill, with a soft velvet canvas and AB drills. Free worldwide shipping with tracking.
Shop full drill kitsWhat a drill is
A drill is one of the tiny resin gems you place on the canvas. Each color has its own bag, and each color matches a printed symbol. Drills come in two main shapes.
- Square drills sit edge to edge, which gives a crisp mosaic look and sharp detail. They need a steady hand, because a crooked drill shows.
- Round drills are quicker to place and add extra sparkle, with a slight gap between each gem that creates a cross-stitch feel.
Most of our designs come in both shapes, so you can choose the finish you like. Drills measure about 2.5 mm, and there are 16 drills in every square centimeter of canvas, which is a handy way to estimate how long a design will take. Multiply the canvas area by 16 and you have your drill count.
Full drill
In a full drill painting, every part of the canvas is covered with drills. No background shows through, so the finished piece is dense, glittering and rich in detail. Our regular kits are full drill. They use 5D drills on a soft velvet canvas with poured glue under a clear film and printed symbols, and every kit includes at least 2 colors of AB drills for extra shimmer.
Because every cell has a drill, a full drill kit takes longer. A 30 x 40 cm design holds about 19,200 drills and takes roughly 10 to 15 hours. That is a relaxing project for many weeks of evenings.
Partial drill
A partial drill painting covers only part of the canvas. The background is printed, and you place drills only on the main subject, such as a single animal or a pattern. It is quicker to finish and gives the subject a spotlight.
Our special diamond painting kits are partial drill. They often use special shapes such as teardrops, leaves and beads, and they include popular designs such as mandalas and sea animals. Glow-in-the-dark kits use diamonds that light up after dark.
Who full drill suits
Full drill is a good fit if you like to settle into a long project and watch the picture build up. The reward is a dense, glossy surface that catches light from every angle. It also suits designs with fine detail, such as faces, fur and landscapes, where each row of drills adds to the realism. Plan on short daily sessions and a comfortable setup.
Who partial drill suits
Partial drill is ideal when you want a quicker win, a simpler project or a gift to finish in a weekend. Because the background is already printed, you place fewer drills and get to the bold subject sooner. Special shapes also add texture that full drill kits do not have, so the finished piece looks dimensional.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Full drill | Partial drill |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Entire canvas | Main subject only |
| Look | Dense, sparkly, detailed | Bold focal point with a printed background |
| Time | Longer | Shorter |
| Sealing | Seal the whole canvas | Seal the drilled area |
| Drills popping | Packed tightly, so lift more often | More room, so less likely |
| Roller | Recommended after finishing | Optional |
| Storage | Keep flat, do not roll tightly | Easier to roll |
A roller is helpful on either style, and especially on a full drill piece, where tightly packed drills can lift. Our 5D plastic roller presses everything flat in one pass.
Square, round and special drills
Shape is a separate choice from coverage. A full drill kit can be square or round. Partial kits often use round drills, along with special shapes for texture.
| Shape | Look | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Square | Smooth mosaic, sharp lines | Detailed images and a crisp finish |
| Round | Extra sparkle, faster to place | Beginners and a shimmery look |
| Special shapes | Textured, dimensional | Mandalas, florals and animals in partial kits |
If you plan to hang the piece, think about sealing too. Our guide on sealing and framing explains how to finish either style.
Which one should you choose
- Pick full drill if you love detail and sparkle and enjoy a long, relaxing project.
- Pick partial drill if you want a faster finish, a lighter commitment or a special texture.
- Pick round drills if you want speed and sparkle. Pick square if you want the sharpest mosaic.
- Not sure? Try a small full drill kit first. Smaller canvases finish faster and show you how much you enjoy the process.
Whichever you choose, a few tools make the work easier. Keep a tray of sorted drills, a reliable pen and a light to see the symbols clearly. Your kit already includes two trays, tweezers, two pens, a 3-piece multi-placer and two pots of wax. If something does go wrong along the way, our guide to common mistakes and how to fix them covers the usual snags, and you can always start again on a fresh section.
Buy 2 kits and save 10%, or buy 3 and save 15%, applied at checkout. Try one full drill and one special kit side by side.
Shop special kitsFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between full drill and partial drill?
A full drill painting covers the entire canvas with drills. A partial drill painting covers only the main subject and leaves a printed background.
Which is better for beginners?
Partial drill is quicker and lighter, while a small full drill kit is a great way to learn the basics. Pick the one that fits the time you have.
Are your kits full drill?
Our regular kits are full drill with square or round options on most designs. Special diamond painting kits are partial drill.
Do I need to seal a full drill painting?
Sealing is a good idea for a full drill piece you will hang without glass. It helps keep every drill in place.
Which shape is faster, round or square?
Round drills are usually quicker to place, and they sparkle more. Square drills give the sharpest detail.
Both styles make beautiful wall art. The right choice is the one that fits your time, your eyes and your taste.
Choose your next design and enjoy free worldwide shipping with tracking.
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