Diamond Painting
Diamond painting combines the relaxation of paint-by-numbers with the sparkle of mosaic art. You place tiny faceted resin gems onto an adhesive canvas to create dazzling, light-catching artwork that looks far more impressive than the effort required to make it.
What You'll Do
What You Need
Required
- ●Diamond painting starter kit (small size, under 10x10 inches)($8-15)
- ●Flat, clean work surface($0)
- ●Good lighting (desk lamp or window light)($0)
Optional
- ○Small containers or resealable bags for drill storage($0-5)
- ○Light pad for better canvas visibility($15-25)
How To Do It
- 1
Unpack and organize your kit
Open your diamond painting kit and inventory the contents: adhesive canvas, bags of colored (resin diamonds), , , tray, and tweezers. Match each bag's color code to the on your canvas. Keep the protective plastic film on the canvas for now.
- 2
Set up your workspace
Lay your canvas flat on a clean surface with good lighting. Pour a small amount of one drill color into the grooved tray. Shake the tray gently side-to-side until the flip faceted-side up and align in the grooves.
- 3
Prepare your applicator
Remove the cap from your and press the tip into the . The wax creates a light adhesive that lets you pick up . You only need a thin coating - press lightly and avoid overloading.
- 4
Peel and place your first drills
Peel back a small section of the protective plastic (about 2-3 inches) to expose the adhesive canvas. Find the matching symbol for your drill color. Touch your waxed pen tip to a drill's flat side to pick it up, then place it onto the corresponding symbol on the canvas. Press gently but firmly.
- 5
Work in sections
Continue placing one at a time, working symbol by symbol. Only expose small sections of adhesive at a time to prevent dust contamination and keep the canvas sticky. Re-cover completed and unworked areas with the plastic film when taking breaks.
- 6
Finish and flatten
Once you've completed a section or your session, gently press down on the placed with your hand or a rolling pin to secure them. Store unused in labeled bags. Cover all exposed canvas areas before storing your project flat.
Tips
- →Common mistake: peeling off too much protective film at once. This lets dust settle on the adhesive and reduces stickiness. Only expose 2-3 inches at a time.
- →If won't stick to your pen, your wax has run out. Press the pen tip into the again, or twist open the pen barrel to access more wax if it's a refillable type.
- →Work from the bottom of your canvas upward so your hand rests on the protective film rather than on placed .
- →Gently shake your tray side-to-side (not up and down) to flip faceted-side up. This saves time hunting for correctly-oriented .
- →Square create a fuller, more seamless look but are harder to align. Round are more forgiving for beginners and still produce beautiful results.
Communities
Resources
- Paint With Diamonds Beginner Guide
Comprehensive beginner guide covering kit contents, techniques, and troubleshooting tips.
- DiamondXpres How-To Guide
Simple 7-step overview of the diamond painting process from unboxing to completion.
- DIAMOND DOTZ FAQ
Official FAQ covering common questions about techniques, materials, and finishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete a diamond painting?
A small kit (under 12x12 inches) takes 5-15 hours spread across multiple sessions. Medium kits take 20-40 hours, and large detailed pieces can take 50+ hours. Most people work in 45-90 minute sessions.
How much does it cost to start diamond painting?
Starter kits cost $8-15 and include everything you need: canvas, , applicator, wax, and tray. Premium brand kits run $20-50+. No additional purchases are required to begin.
What is the most common mistake beginners make?
Peeling off too much protective film at once. The exposed adhesive collects dust and loses stickiness. Only reveal 2-3 inches of canvas at a time and always re-cover when taking breaks.
Should I use round or square drills as a beginner?
Start with round . They are more forgiving with placement and still create beautiful, sparkly results. Square create a seamless mosaic look but require precise alignment.
Do I need to seal my finished diamond painting?
Sealing is optional. If properly placed and pressed, stay secure. If you want extra protection or plan to display without glass, a thin coat of Mod Podge works, though it slightly dulls the sparkle.
What do I do if my canvas loses stickiness?
If small areas lose adhesion, apply a thin layer of double-sided tape or craft glue stick. For larger problems, contact the kit manufacturer - quality brands often send replacements.