This is a step-by-step guide for anyone who wants to turn a favorite photo into a diamond painting kit. You will learn which photos work best, how canvas size changes the level of detail, whether to choose square or round drills, and what happens between uploading your picture and opening the box. By the end you will know exactly what to order and what to expect.
Custom kits start from $20.95, include a free design preview, and ship free worldwide.
Create your custom kitWhich photos work best
A diamond painting is built from thousands of tiny dots, so the photo you start with matters. The better the photo, the better the painting. Use these simple checks before you upload.
- Sharp. The subject should be in focus. A blurry face stays blurry once it is turned into dots.
- Well lit. Even daylight beats a dark room. Avoid heavy shadows across faces and bright patches that wash out detail.
- One to three faces. Single portraits and small groups translate best. Big crowds shrink every face down to a handful of drills.
- No filters. Beauty filters, heavy color effects and stickers change skin tones and edges. Use the original shot.
- Clear subject. A simple background keeps attention on the person or pet. A busy background competes with the subject.
- Your own original file. Send the largest version you have, not a screenshot or a copy from a messaging app.
Pets, couples, children, wedding pictures and landscapes all work well when they meet these checks. If you are not sure about a photo, upload it anyway. The free preview shows you the result before anything is printed.
How size changes detail
Our kits use about 16 drills per square centimeter. That is roughly 4 drills across every centimeter. The more centimeters, the more drills you have to describe each part of the picture.
Think about an eye. On a small canvas it might be only a few drills wide. On a larger canvas the same eye can be many drills across, with room for the iris, the highlight and the shape of the lid. A face at 8 cm wide gets about 32 drills across. At 15 cm wide it gets about 60.
For that reason, we recommend 40 x 50 cm or larger for portraits with faces. Smaller sizes are great for pets, landscapes and simple scenes, but faces lose subtle detail when there are fewer drills to work with.
Larger canvases also take longer. A 30 x 40 cm kit is about 19,200 drills and roughly 10 to 15 hours of work. Sizes over 30 x 40 cm ship in a box, so they arrive protected.
Size, detail and time at a glance
| Canvas size | Approx. drills | Detail level | Rough hours | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 x 25 cm | 8,000 | Basic | 4 to 6 | Simple pet or object |
| 30 x 40 cm | 19,200 | Good | 10 to 15 | Pets, landscapes, one small face |
| 40 x 50 cm | 32,000 | Very good | 17 to 25 | Portraits and couples (recommended start for faces) |
| 50 x 70 cm | 56,000 | Fine | 29 to 44 | Family portraits of two or three people |
| 60 x 80 cm | 76,800 | Very fine | 40 to 60 | Statement piece with fine detail |
Hours are rough estimates scaled from the 30 x 40 cm figure. Your speed will vary depending on experience, drill shape and how often you paint.
Square or round drills
The custom kit comes with either square or round drills, and both work for photos.
| Square drills | Round drills | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Smooth mosaic, crisp edges | More sparkle, small gaps between drills |
| Detail | Sharper lines and fine detail | Slightly softer |
| Speed | A little slower to place | Quicker to place |
| Best photo type | Portraits and close-ups | Pets, landscapes, scenes |
For a portrait where faces matter, we suggest square drills. For a pet or a landscape where sparkle matters more than fine lines, round drills are a lovely choice. For the full comparison, see our guide on round versus square drills.
How to order, step by step
- Pick your photo. Choose a sharp, well lit shot with one to three faces and no filters.
- Open the custom kit page. Choose your canvas size. For faces, start at 40 x 50 cm.
- Choose your drill type. Square for sharper detail, round for faster work and more sparkle.
- Add your photo and check out, following the prompts on the product page. Free worldwide shipping with tracking is included.
- Approve the free preview. We show you the design before printing.
- Wait for production and delivery. Then open the box and start painting.
If you want more background on how custom kits work in general, read custom diamond painting explained.
Common photo mistakes to avoid
Most disappointments come from the same few things. Group shots with many small faces, photos taken in dim light, and pictures where the subject is far from the camera all lose detail. If your favorite photo has a lot going on, crop it to the part you care about before you order, or choose a larger canvas so there are more drills to work with.
Not ready for a custom project yet? Browse the full kit range to try a ready made design first.
The free design preview
Before printing, you get a free preview of the design. This is your chance to check that faces look right, that the crop is what you wanted and that the colors feel true to the photo. If something seems off, tell us at that stage.
If you are on the fence about a photo, the preview takes the risk out of trying.
How long it takes
Custom kits are processed in 3 to 5 business days, a little longer than standard kits because each one is made from your photo. After that, delivery times depend on where you live. Typical delivery is 12 to 20 days to the USA, 14 to 20 to Canada, 14 to 25 to the UK and 13 to 20 to Australia.
If the kit is a gift, order early so it arrives with time to spare. Shipping is free worldwide with tracking.
Each custom kit includes the same equipment as our regular kits: a soft velvet canvas with poured glue under a clear film, printed symbols, 5D full drill resin drills with spares, two trays, tweezers, two pens, a 3-piece multi-placer, two pots of wax and instructions. When you finish, protect the work with a frame.
Our guide on how to seal and frame your painting walks through the finishing steps. Buying more than one? Buy 2 kits and save 10%, or buy 3 and save 15%, applied automatically at checkout.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of photo works best for a custom diamond painting?
A sharp, well lit photo with one to three faces and no filters. A clear subject and a simple background help the design look its best.
What size should I choose for a portrait?
We recommend 40 x 50 cm or larger for faces. Larger canvases hold more drills, so eyes, smiles and fine details stay clearer.
Is there a preview before my kit is printed?
Yes. Every custom kit includes a free design preview, so you can check the design before printing.
How long does a custom kit take to arrive?
Custom kits are processed in 3 to 5 business days. Typical delivery is then 12 to 20 days to the USA, 14 to 20 to Canada, 14 to 25 to the UK and 13 to 20 to Australia.
Should I choose square or round drills for a photo?
Square drills give sharper detail, which suits portraits. Round drills are quicker and sparkle more, which suits pets and scenes.
How much does a custom diamond painting cost?
Custom kits start from $20.95, and the price depends on the size you choose. Shipping is free worldwide.
Ready to make yours
Pick your best photo, choose a size that gives it room, and review the preview. You will end up with a one of a kind picture that you paint yourself.
Free design preview, free worldwide shipping, and 917 reviews averaging 4.9.
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