What is Diamond Painting? Detailed How-to & Exclusive Tips

Diamond painting is a new craft that has impacted the art and craft world and made waves among DIY artists and crafters. It has become very popular in a very short time and cemented its reputation as one of the best crafts over a short time.

What is Diamond Painting?

Diamond Painting is the name of a mosaic art form in which the artist creates a painting by sticking small resins that sparkle like diamonds on a canvas that has corresponding numbers printed by all the colors of the diamonds.

All the painter has to do is take a diamond and stick it onto the canvas. All the diamonds together create a beautiful painting that sparkles like real diamonds.

Why Diamond Painting is So Unique?

Diamond painting is quite easy to get started with and it requires no prior experience on the painter’s part. You just need to follow the instructions to work on your diamond painting & arrange your painting supplies in a manner. These factors are very important for the popularity of diamond art and contribute a great deal to what makes diamond painting so unique as a craft form.

Unlike other creative endeavors, you do not have to spend a ton of time learning about diamond art and learning to do it right, but you will learn how to do it almost instantly after you try it for the first time. This makes diamond painting a special kind of art compared to all those hobbies which only make you scratch your head, or worse, make you want to rip your hair off, instead of making you enjoy your time and relax and take a break.

How to Start Diamond Painting?

Diamond painting sounds interesting enough to a lot of people but they easily get confused about what it actually is. The reason is the lack of knowledge about diamond painting available to them. As mentioned above, painting with diamonds is a craft hobby in which a ‘painting kit' is provided to you with all the materials and resources you need to create your complete painting. You have to stick colorful, shiny resins that are made to look like diamonds on a sticky canvas that has letters and symbols printed on it to guide you where to stick the diamonds on the canvas in order to complete the painting.

The process can sound intimidating and feel like a huge undertaking when you first think about it, but that is just part of the fun of painting with diamonds. We will discuss how you can tackle your first diamond painting without feeling overwhelmed and hopeless. The first thing to do in order to accomplish any task, no matter how small or large it is, is to understand what you are supposed to do, the mechanics of it all. You cannot go into building a bookshelf without knowing how many pieces there are in it. Likewise, you cannot successfully make a diamond art until you understand all the moving parts in it. Let’s discuss those.

diamond Painting

Diamond Paintings Kits (Ships From USA)

WHAT IS A DIAMOND PAINTING KIT?

A diamond painting kit usually has the same components across all brands, though the quality and quantity may differ across brands. We like to provide our customers with the best quality materials that will make their diamond painting experience fun and exciting and make them want to keep it up as a hobby instead of giving up due to sheer frustration.

Types of Diamond Painting Kits

Diamond painting kits come in various types, each offering a unique crafting experience. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced crafter, understanding the different types of kits available can help you choose the right one for your needs. Here’s a guide to the different types of diamond painting kits.

Full Drill vs. Partial Drill

  • Full Drill Kits
    • Description: The entire canvas is covered with diamonds.
    • Best for: Crafters looking for a detailed and comprehensive project.
    • Benefits: Offers a uniform and complete sparkling effect.
    • Considerations: Requires more time and effort but delivers a stunning, full-coverage piece.
  • Partial Drill Kits
    • Description: Only specific parts of the canvas are covered with diamonds.
    • Best for: Beginners or those looking for a quicker project.
    • Benefits: Easier and faster to complete, with a mix of diamond and printed areas.
    • Considerations: Less time-consuming but may not have the same level of sparkle as full drill kits.

Round vs. Square Diamonds

  • Round Diamond Kits
    • Description: Uses round-shaped diamonds to complete the canvas.
    • Best for: Beginners and casual crafters.
    • Benefits: Easier to pick up and place, forgiving with alignment.
    • Considerations: Leaves small gaps between diamonds, resulting in a slightly less detailed finish.
  • Square Diamond Kits
    • Description: Uses square-shaped diamonds that fit closely together.
    • Best for: Experienced crafters looking for detailed and polished results.
    • Benefits: No gaps between diamonds, resulting in a more complete and detailed image.
    • Considerations: Requires more precision and effort in placement.

    Custom vs. Pre-Designed Kits

    • Pre-Designed Kits
      • Description: Comes with pre-selected images and designs.
      • Best for: Crafters who prefer a ready-made project.
      • Benefits: Wide variety of themes and images to choose from, easy to follow.
      • Considerations: Limited to available designs, may not be unique to the crafter.
    • Custom Kits
      • Description: Allows you to create a diamond painting from your own photo or image.
      • Best for: Personalized projects and gifts.
      • Benefits: Unique and personal, can turn any photo into a diamond painting.
      • Considerations: Requires a high-quality image for best results, may take longer to prepare and ship.
    Specialty Kits
    • Multi-Panel Kits
      • Description: Consists of multiple canvases that create a larger, cohesive image when combined.
      • Best for: Advanced crafters looking for a statement piece.
      • Benefits: Impressive final product, adds dimension and depth.
      • Considerations: Requires more time and space to complete.
    • 3D Kits
      • Description: Creates a three-dimensional effect with layered diamonds.
      • Best for: Crafters looking for a unique and textured project.
      • Benefits: Adds depth and realism to the artwork.
      • Considerations: More complex and may require advanced skills.

    Choosing the right type of diamond painting kit can enhance your crafting experience and ensure you enjoy every moment. Whether you prefer the comprehensive coverage of full drill kits, the ease of round diamonds, or the personalization of custom kits, there’s a diamond painting kit perfect for you.

    On average, a diamond painting kit includes the following items:

    1. The canvas

    All painting with diamonds kits include a canvas, without which the process of painting with diamonds would be impossible. The canvas is printed with numbers and symbols that correspond with the colors of diamonds and some canvases have a printed guide also. The canvas is covered with a layer of glue that allows the diamond to stick on it with ease, and keeps the painting together.

    Diamond Painting Canvas
    1. The Diamonds

    All diamond paintings are incomplete without the diamonds themselves. All kits include various colors of diamonds required to complete the painting. Each color of diamond has a code which is printed on the canvas and also on the packaging on the diamond, and it is important to remember this code to make sure your painting does not get ruined. The more colors there are, the more detailed the painting will be.

    Colorful Diamonds
    1. The Tray

    All painting with diamonds kits come with a plastic tray that has thin indentations to help separate the diamonds and make it easy for you to pick them up. The trays also have a dipped corner to help transfer the diamonds back into their packaging.

    Tray for Diamond Painting
    1. Diamond Applicator Tool

    All diamond painting kits come with a diamond applicator. These tools are cylindrical, and resemble the shape of a pen, which is why they’re sometimes called diamond application pens also. These pens come with a hollow end where the nib should be, where the diamond can stick and be transferred to the canvas from the tray. Glue or wax is applied to the nib to help the diamonds stick to the pen.

    While kits usually only include a single-drill applicator, a lot of websites and craft stores, including ours, sell diamond applicators that can apply up to 10 drills at a time. This can be quite helpful if you are working on a large painting, or a large area of the painting which requires the same color.

    Diamond ApplicatorTool
    1. Wax or Glue

    Most kits come with a small tub of wax or glue for the diamond applicator tool, and are used to help the diamonds stick to the pens.

    Diamond Painting Wax

    These are the contents included in almost all diamond painting kits, no matter which brand you buy. But the quality of the materials of these contents differs greatly across companies. A lot of cheaper diamond painting kits have subpar quality of diamonds that don’t shine, or a canvas that just won’t lay straight, or is missing a layer of glue.

    BUYING A DIAMOND PAINTING KIT

    To avoid these problems, it is best to buy your painting with diamonds kits from authentic, trusted sellers who offer a guarantee on their products.

    The contents of the kits can sometimes also include extra materials such as extra diamonds, or a picture of how the painting is supposed to look once it’s complete, and zip lock bags to store your diamonds once you are done using them. Be sure to read the description of the painting kit you buy to find out more about its contents.

    The contents of the kits can help you understand which kit is better for your painting requirements. First time diamond painters may find it difficult to complete a larger painting, and should opt for a smaller diamond painting. Likewise, some people are more comfortable with larger paintings which pose a bigger challenge to them.

    It is important to know what you need in terms of your usage to help you make the right decision about buying a painting with diamonds kit. So, whenever you buy your next (or first) diamond paining kit, be sure to check everything.

    Things You Need to Know about Diamond Painting

    There are a lot of questions that almost every beginner has when they start painting with diamonds. Some of them have been answered below:

    1. What causes the diamonds to shine?

    The diamonds shine due to the facets cut into their sides. The material of the diamonds is resin.

    Shiny Diamonds
    1. What are the steps to making a diamond painting from start to finish?

    The diamond painting has been made easy with the diamond painting kits available in the market. The complete set of instructions for creating your very own diamond painting is discussed in the section How To Paint with Diamonds below.

    Diamond Painting Process
    1. What size canvas is best for painting with diamonds?

    Since diamond painting is a mosaic art, the larger the size of the painting, the more detailed it will look. For beginners, however, it is safer to stick to a smaller painting so they can finish it on their first try. As you get better, you can choose a larger size painting according to your skills.

    1. What is the difference between 3D and 5D diamonds?

    These numbers denote the numbers of the facets cut into the diamonds. The more facets there are in a diamond, the shinier it will be.

    3D vs 5d Diamonds
    1. What does a diamond painting kit include?

    Most diamond painting kits include similar contents, with small differences. They are mentioned as follows:

    • A printed canvas in your preferred size.
    • Resin diamonds in the required colors. We make sure to include extra diamonds in our kits so you never run out of your favorite color while painting.
    • A plastic tray to hold the diamonds.
    • A diamond painting pen tool to pick up diamonds.
    • Glue or wax to insert in the pen tool.
    1. What are square and round drills used for?

    Both types of diamonds have the same use, but perform differently. Round diamonds are easier to pick up and some beginners prefer these for this very reason, but they leave gaps in the canvas which can break the shiny effect of the painting. However, square diamonds give a more compact look to your diamond painting without leaving empty spaces in between.

    Round vs Square Diamonds
    1. What are AB Diamonds in Diamond Painting?

    AB diamonds, also known as Aurora Borealis diamonds, are a special type of diamond used in diamond painting that have an iridescent coating. The coating gives the diamonds a rainbow-like effect that makes them sparkle and shine in a way that regular diamonds don't.

    1. How to use the wax in the kit?

    Since some painting with diamonds kits do not come with clear instructions, it can confuse you about how to use the wax provided in the kit. But it is actually quite easy to use. All you have to do is peel off its covering and dip the pen tool in the wax until the nib of the pen is filled with the wax.

    Diamond Painting Wax
    1. How long does it take to complete a diamond painting?

    The amount of time it takes to complete a diamond painting will depend on the size and complexity of the design, as well as your skill level.

    1. I have finished my diamond painting. Now what?

    Completing a painting with diamonds is a feat in itself, but if you are an avid diamond painter, it can be a feat to store them all as well. The best way to not only store but also display your diamond artwork is by framing it and hanging it up.

    Framed Diamond Painting
    1. How do I clean my diamond painting canvas?

    You can clean your diamond painting canvas by gently wiping it with a damp cloth or using a soft brush to remove any dirt or debris.

    Hopefully these questions cleared the fog up a bit, and now you have a better understanding of how diamond painting works. Now let’s discuss the contents of a diamond painting kit in more detail.

    Diamond Painting Size Chart

    When it comes to diamond painting, choosing the right size can make a significant difference in your crafting experience and the final result. Here's a handy diamond painting size chart to help you make an informed decision.

    Why Size Matters

    The size of your diamond painting affects the level of detail and the amount of time it will take to complete. Larger canvases capture intricate details better, while smaller ones are quicker to finish but might lack finer detail.

    Common Sizes and Their Uses

    • 20x20 cm (8x8 inches)
      • Best for: Beginners, small projects
      • Detail level: Low
      • Completion time: Quick
    • 30x40 cm (12x16 inches)
      • Best for: Hobbyists, intermediate projects
      • Detail level: Moderate
      • Completion time: Moderate
    • 40x50 cm (16x20 inches)
      • Best for: Enthusiasts, detailed projects
      • Detail level: High
      • Completion time: Moderate to long
    • 50x70 cm (20x28 inches)
      • Best for: Advanced crafters, highly detailed art
      • Detail level: Very high
      • Completion time: Long
    • 60x80 cm (24x32 inches) and Larger
      • Best for: Expert crafters, professional displays
      • Detail level: Extremely high
      • Completion time: Very long

        Choosing the Right Size

        Consider your skill level, the amount of time you can dedicate, and the level of detail you want in your artwork. For beginners, starting with a smaller canvas can be less overwhelming. As you gain experience, you can move on to larger and more detailed projects.

        Tips for Selecting the Perfect Size

        1. Match Your Image: Ensure the canvas size matches the complexity of your chosen image. Detailed images look better on larger canvases.
        2. Space Consideration: Think about where you will display your finished piece. Make sure you have enough space for larger canvases.
        3. Time Commitment: Be realistic about how much time you can invest. Larger canvases require more patience and dedication.

        Selecting the right size for your diamond painting project is crucial for achieving the desired outcome. Use this size chart as a guide to find the perfect fit for your next masterpiece.

        All Diamond Paintings Kits

        HOW TO PAINT WITH DIAMONDS

        Once you have decided what kind of diamond painting you want to purchase, and your painting has arrived at your door, the next step is to learn how to actually make a painting with diamonds. A diamond painting requires a little effort and practice to become proficient in it. The steps are easy enough to follow and will help you learn in no time.

        Here we have a step-by-step way of painting with diamonds, from start to finish.

        Before Painting

        1. Preparing the Space

        Before you even start the painting, you will need to set up a work-space where you can be free of interruptions and distractions. Find a space that is high enough to be away from the reach of small children (if you have any) and find a space where everything is in your reach, to make sure you have a great time painting.

        Clean Space for Diamond Painting
        1. Arranging the Painting Kit

        Another important step of the process before you start your painting is to arrange your painting supplies in a manner that maximizes your ease. All painting with diamonds kits have similar contents, one of which is the diamonds. It is important to store and sort out your diamonds before you start your painting, so you do not face any stray diamonds getting lost. In some cases, painters tape the canvas to a board or a different flat surface, but this will not be ideal for larger paintings.

        Going through all these steps before you start painting is going to make for a better, smoother experience.

        Starting Diamond Painting
        1. Understanding the symbols

        The next step is to understand the symbols and study them as best as you can before you start painting. This will help you get an image in your head regarding what the painting will look like and allow you to avoid mixing up similar-looking symbols. A thorough examination of the symbols will help your painting be quicker and better.

        Color Code for Diamond Painting

        Starting the Painting

        1. Choosing your first diamonds

        This is where the actual painting starts. Once you have arranged your space and studied the symbols on the canvas, you can begin the painting by pouring out the diamonds of your choice by pouring them into the tray, and giving them a little shake to make them face right-side up.

        Diamonds for Painting
        1. Uncover the Canvas

        Once you have the diamonds laid out in the tray, peel back some of the protective sheet from the canvas to start your painting.

        Uncover Canvas for Diamond Painting
        1. Pick Up the Diamonds

        Peel back the covering of the wax and dip your pen into the tub of wax to fill the nib. Once you do this, you can press the pen on the heads of the diamonds to pick them up. The diamonds will easily stick onto the pen.

        Pick up Diamonds
        1. Stick the Diamonds onto the Canvas

        Start sticking the diamonds onto the canvas on their corresponding symbols, making sure not to apply too much pressure. This may cause the wax to stick onto the top of the diamond, dulling its shine.

        Apply Diamonds
        1. Repeat the Process

        Stick all the diamonds onto their corresponding area respectively, and keep repeating until the whole painting is completed. You can cover the corners of the canvas with tape or paper to give it a finished look if you want.

        Diamond Painting Steps

        Finishing The Painting

        1. Sealing the Painting

        Once you are done with your diamond painting then the next important step is to seal your diamond painting. Sealing a diamond painting involves applying a protective layer over the completed canvas to preserve the diamonds and prevent them from falling off or fading over time. This is typically done by applying a diamond painting sealant with a brush or roller, and left to dry for several hours or overnight. Once the sealant is dry, the diamond painting will have a glossy, protective layer that helps to keep the beads in place and prevent damage from moisture or dust.

        1. Framing the Painting

        Once the painting is completed & sealed, you can keep it forever by framing it up and hanging it in any of the places you frequent in your house or place of work.

        Framed Diamond Painting

        Diamond Paintings Accessories

        DIAMOND PAINTING OPTIONS ARE ENDLESS

        Diamond Painting is not confined to only canvas painting. There are many other things that can be made inspired by the diamond painting. The possibilities of what can be made with diamond painting are endless, limited only by your imagination and creativity.

        1. Diamond Painting Wall Art: Diamond painting wall art can be created by using the small, sparkling diamond-like beads to create a stunning and intricate mosaic-like image that can be framed and hung on the wall.

        2. Diamond Painting Home Decor: Diamond painting can be used to decorate various home decor items such as vases, lampshades, and even furniture, adding a unique touch to any room.

        3. Diamond Painting Greeting Cards: Diamond painting can be used to create beautiful and personalized greeting cards for special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, or holidays.

        4. Diamond Painting Jewelry: Diamond painting beads can be used to create stunning and intricate pieces of jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.

        5. Diamond Painting Accessories: Diamond painting can be used to decorate various accessories such as phone cases, purses, and even shoes, adding a personalized touch to your everyday items.

        6. Diamond Painting Clothing: Diamond painting can also be used to decorate clothing items such as t-shirts, hats, or even denim jackets, creating unique and eye-catching pieces.

        7. Diamond Painting Keychains: Small diamond painting designs can be turned into keychains or bag charms, creating a personalized and practical accessory.

        8. Diamond Painting Magnets: Diamond painting magnets can be created by adding a magnetic backing to small diamond painting designs, creating a practical and decorative item for your fridge or office.

        9. Diamond Painting Bookmarks: Diamond painting bookmarks can be created by adding a tassel or ribbon to a small diamond painting design, making a personalized and practical gift.

        10. Diamond Painting Coasters: Diamond painting can be used to create stunning and unique coasters for your home or as a gift.

        11. Diamond Painting Trinket Boxes: Small diamond painting designs can be added to trinket boxes, creating a unique and personalized storage solution for small items.

        12. Diamond Painting Ornaments: Diamond painting designs can be turned into beautiful and sparkling ornaments for your Christmas tree or as decorations throughout the year.

        13. Diamond Painting Phone Cases: Diamond painting can be used to decorate phone cases, adding a personalized and unique touch to your device.

        14. Diamond Painting Luggage Tags: Diamond painting can be used to create personalized and easy-to-spot luggage tags for your travels.

        15. Diamond Painting Stickers: Diamond painting stickers can be created by adding a sticky backing to small diamond painting designs, creating a unique and sparkly addition to your stationery or crafts.

        HEALTH BENEFITS OF PAINTING WITH DIAMONDS

        By now, it seems we have learned about everything there is to know about painting with diamonds. But what makes diamond painting even more special is the many benefits you can reap from the process. Every time you take some time out to paint with diamonds, you concentrate on the task at hand and create something beautiful with your own hands, and that is an amazing feeling.

        We imagine ourselves to be taking a break or relaxing our minds when we watch some TV or use social media, but that scientific research shows that these activities are linked with anxiety and stress issues.

        What you really need to relax yourselves is an activity that not only engages your mind, but also your body, and in a healthy way. Painting with diamonds is the perfect way to disconnect from all of the things that are making you stressed and just enjoy a few hours doing something you love, and creating something beautiful and artistic in the process.

        1. Painting with diamonds can increase concentration.

        Painting with diamonds allows you to engage in an activity where you perform repetitive actions, and the sole concentration of the painter on the painting helps increase the concentration of the painter. This is beneficial especially for children who have shorter attention spans and need interesting activities to keep them busy and away from their screens.

        Increased Concentration
        1. Painting with diamonds can reduce symptoms of anxiety.

        Painting with diamonds is an activity that requires a lot of time and attention. We have already mentioned above that too much screen time can cause increased symptoms of anxiety and stress, and painting with diamonds will give you an excuse to keep away from your phone. This may help build healthier habits and improve your mood too.

        Reduced Anxiety
        1. Diamond painting improves motor skills.

        We go through similar, yet repetitive motions when we are painting with diamonds. These actions can boost our muscle memory and help improve motor skills. Diamond painting can be a fun way to teach younger children some basic motor skills.

        Improved Motor Skills
        1. Painting with diamonds promotes learning.

        It is a widely held belief that we all learn better when we are experiencing things firsthand. When you paint with diamonds, you learn hands-on by practicing the movements and techniques again and again. It also helps with the development of better learning habits in general.

        Increased Learning
        1. Painting with diamonds increases discipline.

        Painting with diamonds is a very methodical as well as therapeutic exercise. Discipline can be strengthened by making strong habits that can be repeated in the same way. Diamond painting proves to be a very useful tool in helping improve discipline in a person by engaging them in a healthy habit.

        Increased Discipline

        Imagine all the fun you can have while reaping these benefits from painting with diamonds. Few hobbies and crafts are as beneficial for your mental exercise as painting with diamonds.

        We have already talked about what diamond painting is and what it entails, but there is an important part of painting with diamonds that we have yet to discuss.

        Diamond Painting Kit Organization Ideas

        If you have any previous experience painting with diamonds, you will know how hard it can be to work on your painting if your diamond painting supplies are not properly organized and your workspace is out of order. And if you are new, you need to understand the importance of a clean and tidy workspace to create your diamond painting in.

        Peace and relaxation are an important part of painting with diamonds, and you cannot have that if you are running around looking for your sneaky supplies. To save a lot of time and energy, it is better to organize your drills and other supplies before you start with the painting. For regular diamond painters, this can include organizing your leftover drills too.

        Here we have gathered a few ways to make your diamond organization easier for you. These are only suggestions, and you should try a method that works best for you.

        1. Use shaped labels for your drills.

        Labeling your drills is important in helping you identify different colored drills from each other, especially if they are in the same color family. But a great way to eliminate confusion between square and round drills is to use labels that are shaped in the way of the drills. If you have a lot of leftover diamonds from your older paintings, this can be a great way to sort those diamonds out.

        Shaped Labels
        1. Re-purpose old boxes to store your supplies.

        It is always satisfying to find use for acute, old shoebox or chocolate box that you had been hoarding for the longest time, hoping it would be of use one day. Repurpose these boxes or tins for drill storage to help counter some of your carbon footprint as well as have a cute, personalized storage system for your beads.

        Old Box for Diamonds Storage
        1. Make art with the beads that are left over.

        A lot of frequent diamond painters will agree with me that sometimes the amount of all those leftover beads can be overwhelming. While some people throw the beads out, good use can come out of it. You can create different types of mosaic arts with the beads, or decorate anything from phone covers to notebook covers.

        Used Left over Beads
        1. Store your diamond painting separately.

        Some diamond paintings take longer to be completed than others. It can be annoying for the painter to keep moving their supplies every time they continue with the painting, and cause loss of time too. Keep your diamond painting covered and on a separate surface where it will be ready to be picked up again in no time. Diamond painting stands can also be a great addition to your kit if you do not have an appropriate place to store your incomplete diamond paintings in.

        Diamond Painting Storage Table
        1. Buy a multi-purpose organizer to store your supplies.

        There are many types of multi-use organizers, some of which have adjustable slots, to help store your whole kit in one place. If you are not great with repurposing or going the extra mile to store your kit, or you do not have the time, buying such an organizer will make your painting with diamonds experience a lot more fun and convenient.

        Organizer for Diamond Painting Supplies

        Organizing your kit can give you the peace of mind required to create a good diamond painting and enjoy it to the fullest, but there are many other tips and tricks you can use to make you a better diamond painter. Just remember, art is subjective. You cannot want to be like someone else, for your painting skills are authentic to yourself.

        These tips will only help you as long as you keep practicing, and keep enjoying yourselves because that is what diamond painting is all about.

        Where to Display Your Diamond Painting

        Finding the perfect spot for your diamond painting is essential. Here are some ideas on where to display your masterpiece.

        • Living Room: Hang your painting above the sofa. It becomes a focal point of the room. Match the colors with your decor.
        • Bedroom: Place your artwork above the bed. It adds a personal touch. Choose calming images for a serene atmosphere.
        • Hallway: Decorate a hallway with a series of paintings. This creates a gallery-like feel. It’s an excellent use of narrow spaces.
        • Office: Brighten up your workspace with a diamond painting. Place it where you can see it often. This boosts inspiration and motivation.
        • Dining Room: Hang a painting above the dining table. It enhances the dining experience. Choose themes that match your dining room style.
        • Entryway: Welcome guests with a beautiful painting. Place it near the entrance. It sets a positive tone for your home.
        • Kitchen: Add a touch of art to your kitchen. Hang a small painting on an empty wall. It brings life to the cooking space.
        • Bathroom: Use waterproof sealant for bathroom displays. Hang a painting above the bathtub or sink. It creates a relaxing ambiance.

        Show off your diamond painting with pride. Use these creative methods and places to enhance your space. Your artwork deserves to shine.

        Useful Tips:

        These tips will only help you as long as you keep practicing, and keep enjoying yourselves, because that is what diamond painting is all about.

        TIP 1: Select a kit that is most appropriate for you.

        If you are buying a painting with diamonds kit for the first time, be sure to understand what kind of kit it is. Buy a kit that is not too large for you to handle, and take care to understand what the size of the actual painting will be on the canvas. Also make sure you don’t get a kit with too many similar colored diamonds that may become a pain later on. It is also important to choose the right shape of drills according to your skills.

        Appropriate Diamond Painting Kit

        TIP 2: Use a laptop stand to work on your canvas.

        If you don't want to invest in a table, you can make use of your laptop stand to keep your diamond painting canvas on it. It will help you tremendously if the laptop stand has adjustable tilt and height.

        TIP 3: Get the adhesive layer back on the canvas.

        It may happen sometimes that when you peel back the covering of the canvas, the adhesive layer that allows diamonds to stick on the canvas is missing. Don’t worry though, this has a simple solution and the only issue is that layer has stuck to the covering of the canvas instead of the canvas itself. Simply cover the canvas again and press down on it, then peel it off from a different corner. You will find that the adhesive layer is back. If not, this is a sign of a sub-par quality kit. This happens only with double sided tape diamond painting canvas. The latest diamond painting canvases are poured glue so there won't be any issue of peeling off the adhesive layer.

        Removing Protective Film

        TIP 4: Use brown parchment paper by taking off the clear plastic.

        The clear plastic that comes with the diamond painting is a nuisance sometimes as it can easily tear. You can use brown parchment paper, replacing the clear plastic. The best part is it won't leave residue and is tear-resistant. 

        TIP 5: Flatten your canvas.

        Too many diamond painters complain about the fact that their canvases won’t lie straight while painting unless they have been pressed or taped to something. A really clever hack for this is to simply peel back the covering of the canvas, straighten the canvas out, then put the covering back on when it’s flat. Do this on all sides of the canvas to get an instantly flattened canvas.

        Flatten the Canvas

        TIP 6: Start your painting from the top.

        A lot of people have their own styles of painting with diamonds, some start with the most sizable color of diamond, or some may start on the right or left of the canvas. But whatever you do, you want to make sure you are starting at the top of the canvas, so that as you continue, the canvas doesn’t slip down the surface you are working on.

        Start from Top

        TIP 7: Get rid of static with dryer sheets.

        Sometimes, when resins are stored close together, they start getting static which makes it hard for you to pick them up OR stick on the canvas. All you need to do is store them with a dryer sheet to remove the static.

        Use Dryer Sheet

        TIP 8: Eliminate air bubbles from the canvas.

        This is actually not a very common tip, but a very useful one so you might want to remember it the next time air bubbles in the canvas try to ruin your painting. Take a small blade, even a pin will work and make either a small cut, or just poke it to create a place for the air to escape without damaging the canvas.

        TIP 9: Get perfectly-lined drills.

        To make sure your diamonds are sticking right in the right place and not moving, place them in a zig-zag pattern on the canvas. This method will let the diamonds stick in straighter lines.

        Zigzag Pattern

        TIP 10: Use washi tape to section your diamond painting canvas.

        Washi tape or masking tape isn't just helpful in covering the sticky edges of the canvas to keep it free from dirt, but it also helps in sectioning the diamond painting canvas. Depending on the canvas size, make nine or more sections with washi tape. So, when you start working on a section, the tape will act as a guideline to cut the plastic from only that section without exposing the rest of the area.

        TIP 11: Keep your kit organized.

        We have discussed how important an organized painting with diamonds kit can be vs a kit you have not pre-organized. This tip will save you a lot of headache and time by making it easier for you to access and use your diamond painting supplies.

        Diamond Drills Organizer

        TIP 12: Don’t apply too much pressure on the diamonds.

        The tool with which you pick your diamonds up has wax in it. If you apply too much pressure on the diamonds while painting, the wax may get stuck on the diamonds and dull their shine.

        TIP 13: Warming diamond painting wax.

        The pink wax that we get in the kit often gets hard, depending on the weather or if you leave it in the open. It affects the stickiness of the wax, and you face difficulty picking the diamonds. A simple solution is to keep the pink wax in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it.

        Another method is rolling in your hands or fingers; the body heat will warm the pink wax to restore its adhesiveness. 

        TIP 14: Clean the drills that have lost their shine.

        If in any case your diamonds do get wax on them, there is no need to fret. All you have to do to get the shine back is to let the diamonds settle down and dry, then clean the surface of the diamonds with a damp microfiber cloth gently to get the wax off.

        TIP 15: Use square drills for a better-looking painting.

        Round drills are a better choice for newer diamond painters, but they will not provide as much shine or as clear a finish as square drills. Using square drills closes all gaps between the drills and allows for a high-shine painting that will catch everyone’s attention.

        Square Diamond Drill

        TIP 16: Use tac in your diamond painting pick-up tool.

        A great substitute for glue or wax in your diamond pick-up tool is tac.Tac is less sticky and more durable than the wax provided in some diamond painting kits, and is simple to be made at home too. To make DIY tac, just take out the glue from an old glue stick that slightly dried out and knead it until it has a soft, rubbery texture.

        Tip 17: Use tweezers to pick up misplaced diamonds.

        Making a mistake while working on your diamond painting is not a big deal. If you've mistakenly dropped off a stray diamond on your canvas or applied a wrong colored diamond then don't worry about that. You can simply use a pair of tweezers provided with the painting kit to pick up & place the diamond to the correct position on the canvas.

        Tip 18: Use a light pad or light box.

        Using a light pad will help you see the symbols clearly & working on your canvas easily. This will help you even work in a low light setting of your room. You can also use a magnifying glass to help see the tiny symbols on the canvas more clearly.

        Tip 19: Work on small sections at a time.

        The purpose of a diamond painting is to enjoy your free time & get relaxed. It's recommended that you work on small sections at a time & don't invest too much time in it compromising other daily activities. Also working in long sessions can give you back & neck pain. You must take breaks to avoid such pains.

        Tip 20: Use a support  for your wrists & arms.

        Use a piece of foam or a pillow to rest your wrists and arms while you work to avoid strain or discomfort. Diamond painting can be a relaxing and rewarding hobby, so don't rush through it.

        Tip 21: Start with the larger, more visible sections.

        If you start your diamond painting with the larger & more visible sections of the painting then it will give you a sense of accomplishment and motivation. This will help you to speed up.

        Tip 22: Use a rolling pin to press the diamonds. 

        Use a rolling pin or similar tool to press down on the canvas after each section is completed to ensure that the diamonds are secure. This will help to keep the diamonds on their place & prevent popping off diamonds.

        Tip 23: Keep the canvas covered with a protective sheet

        Keep the canvas covered with a protective sheet or cloth when not in use to prevent dust or other debris from settling on it. Use a small brush or lint roller to remove any dust or debris from the canvas.

        Tip 24: Take progress photos of your diamond painting.

        Taking the photos will help you to track your progress and share with others. Keep a notepad nearby to keep track of any missing or misplaced diamonds.

        TIP 25: Gift your completed diamond paintings to your loved ones.

        A gift can be a token of appreciation as well as love. To gift someone with something that you created with your own hands is a wonderful feeling. Gifting your completed paintings with diamonds to a loved one can show your gratitude and can be a great way for you to practice your painting with diamonds skills.

        Gift Diamond Painting

        So, here are the tips that we thought of sharing that will help you quickly sort out any diamond painting problem. 

        But do you know the reason why some diamond painting crafters struggle more than others?

        They have to deal with bubbles and rivers on the canvas, stickiness of the canvas's glue, pink wax issues, diamond drills not uniformly cut, bling of diamonds, etc.

        You can avoid all these issues if you buy a better-quality soft velvet canvas with poured glue on it rather than dual-sided tape.

        Fortunately, we have upgraded our kits to resolve all these issues. 

        So, now you can get premium upgraded kits at the same price as before. Check out our New Collections with upgraded kits to avoid facing little nuisances that take away the fun of diamond painting.

        This article was meant to educate all diamond painters and encourage new painters to keep going at their craft, until they get better and also learn new things themselves. We hope this article has helped you and you can now safely say that you know everything there is to know about diamond painting.

        Animals Diamond Painting Kits