1. WHAT IS DIAMOND PAINTING?

If you’re a seasoned crafter, you have probably heard of diamond painting. You may also have heard it called paint with diamonds. It’s a bit like cross stitch meets a paint by numbers . Similar to these crafts, this particular activity allows you to make bejeweled works of art using colorful rhinestones. 

What is diamond painting, what are its benefits, and why is it so popular? We will cover this and more within this post. This simple activity is enjoyable for crafters of any age. Many individuals take up diamond painting because it is relaxing and meditative. 

Here in this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about this craft and how you can make your own dazzling artworks. We’ll cover everything from who can partake in this craft to what’s included in diamond art kits, different styles and beads for painting with diamonds, common problems, and more. A whole new world of sparkling art is waiting to be discovered—by you! Read this guide to find out how you can get started.

2. EVERYONE CAN DO DIAMOND PAINTING

What’s so amazing about this craft is that absolutely anyone can do it! Kids and adults alike can enjoy it while also learning to make beautiful works of art.

Not only can everyone do diamond painting, but it has benefits for crafters of all ages. Diamond painting is great for your health in more ways than one. It has been shown to have meditative effects. It’s a wonderful way to reduce stress and anxiety. For stressed students and busy professionals, it’s a perfect way to unwind after a long day. 

Diamond painting also trains the mind to focus and sparks creativity. If you are a parent, this is a great craft in which to involve your teenager. Better yet, the two of you can indulge in diamond paintings together. It will be great for your overall wellbeing and is extremely enjoyable.

2.1 ADULTS

Diamond painting kits for adults continue to rise in popularity. Not only does the craft offer many benefits, but it also opens doors to meeting like-minded people. As soon as you pick up this hobby, you become a part of a special community. Artisans like you enjoy connecting with one another and sharing their works.

2.2 KIDS AND BEGINNERS

Diamond painting for kids is also popular. It teaches them how to focus and free their mind. And it only takes 10 minutes of beginning this craft to have these effects! It’s also a great way to engage kids in a healthy activity and keep them out of trouble. 

For both adults and kids, there are diamond painting kits for beginners. These kits set you up with all the essential tools so that you can begin exploring this wonderful craft and reaping its many benefits.

3. WHAT’S INCLUDED IN A KIT AND HOW TO DO DIAMOND PAINTING?

It takes some time to develop diamond painting techniques. However, with the right tools, you can create a stunning piece of art. There are dozens of kits, each one unique in their own way that come with their diamond painting instructions. Below, we’ll cover some of the items you can expect a kit to have:

3.1 APPLICATOR

The diamond applicator tool is a must-have in a kit. Without one, you won’t be able to precisely lay your beads or gems onto the canvas. Applicators come in a range of type, including drill or wax pens. Using the applicator, you can place each rhinestone with precision.

We also suggest you have some tweezers or a knife along with an applicator. These tools come in handy when you want to straighten out any rows. Working with square beads, tweezers or a knife, can help attain perfectly straight lines. How to diamond painting is made so easy when you have the right tools and an applicator is an important one!

3.2 CANVAS

Just like with any painting, the basic part of your art goes onto a canvas. This is the foundation of your project. It will usually come in the form of plastic, resin, or fabric. You’ll also receive a design chart along with it to guide you. Some artisans enjoy sending in their own photos for printing or selecting a unique one from the seller's website.

3.3 VIBRANT DIAMONDS

Finally, you have the main element: the diamonds. These are the colorful crystals that will bring your canvas to life. Using the applicator, you’ll be able to apply gems right where you want them. For any questions, refer to the paint with diamonds instructions included in the kit.

3.4 GLUE

Your kit will come with a glue that you will then use to pick up the beads to stick onto the double sided tape backing of the canvas. Sometimes this glue is more like a waxy substance. The “pen” that the kit comes with had a hollow tube at the that you then cope some of the glue into. You then touch this glue to the gem, pick it up and then place it where it needs to be. The sticky canvas will pull the gem off the glue/wax and adhere it to the canvas. 

Pro tip: If you aren’t sure how to use the pen or pick up the glue, have a search online for one of the many tutorials that people put out there. They can give you a step by step guide on how everything works.

3.5 SEALER OR ROLLER

You’ll also want to invest in a roller and sealant if the kit doesn’t come with it. Both tools are essential to prevent any diamonds from falling off. They are the final steps to any diamond painting project. Feel free to browse through our post about tools and accessories to get started on putting together your own kit!

4. 5D DIAMOND PAINTING VS 3D DIAMOND PAINTING

There are two types of kit options that you want to consider: 5D and 3D diamond painting. Each has its own benefits—and challenges! The style you select will depend on the effect you want to achieve. 

So, what is the difference between 3D and 5D diamond painting? The main difference between the two is that lies in the number of facets on every gem. 3D will have 3 facets. 5-dimensional diamonds have 5 facets.

The difference, however, goes beyond the number of faces on each gem. 5D diamond painting is like cross-stitching. It breaks down images into patterns. With the 5D style, the bottom of the diamond is flat, so it will easily stick to the canvas. With 5D diamond painting kits, you’ll usually receive drills in one of three shapes: rounded, squared, or special. With the 5D style, artisans can achieve a very realistic, unique effect. 

Compared to 5D, the 3D style has fewer sides, so it is a more basic style. The fewer facets also entail less sparkle. The more facets the diamond has, the more it sparkles.

The type of drills that are right for you simply depend on your preferences and the look that you want to achieve. For more inspiration, browse through our collection of 3D and 5D diamond painting kits.

5. DIAMOND PAINTING FULL & PARTIAL

Now let’s talk about full drill vs partial drill diamond painting. Let’s start with diamond painting partial drills. What does this mean? 

Partial diamond painting means that only a portion of the picture or painting will be covered. The canvas will be printed, but diamonds will only cover parts of the canvas. The result will still be vibrant and beautiful. However, partial kits only include gems in specific areas. 

What does full drill mean in diamond painting? Full drill styles cover the entire canvas. The painting will be filled with gems. This means it will take longer to complete the painting, requiring more patience. However, the result will be amazing. The best part about this hobby is that it doesn’t feel like work – it’s simply an enjoyable activity to indulge in. You can find complete 5D diamond painting full drill kits in our 5-dimensional collection.

6. SQUARE VS ROUND VS SPECIAL SHAPED

You may have heard the term “drill” used in reference to this craft. Diamond painting beads or drills refer to the shape of each diamond, bead, or gem. If this is still confusing, when you hear the word “drill”, think “diamonds”. 

There are several different drill shapes. Square, round, and special-shaped drills are the most common. You attach the drill with a special type of diamond painting resin.

So, which drill is better? It all depends on the design and look that you desire. There is no right answer when it comes to diamond painting – hence why it’s so popular among artisans.

Here are the main differences between the available shapes:

6.1 SQUARE BEAD/DRILL

Diamond painting square drills offer a more complete look because there are no gaps in between diamonds. They are the most popular option because artisans like the clean look that they offer. They are also easier to place because they just fit with one another. 

A few reasons crafters like square beads best include:

They offer a glossier finish.

• For artisans looking for a challenge, square drills are harder to place.
• There are no gaps when using these beads, giving the canvas a complete look.
• It is preferred for smaller sizes.

All in all, with a square drill diamond painting, you’ll get crisp lines and a cleaner picture with no gaps. It will take practice to line up the drills perfectly. However, this is all part of the fun.

6.2 ROUND BEAD/DRILL

Then you have diamond painting round drills. These are easier to pick up and apply. You’ll find quite a few kits offering 5D round diamond painting. 

This style is easier because round drills stick better to the pen. However, the final painting can feel less complete when compared to a square diamond canvas. The gaps within the painting will appear more obvious when staring at it up close. 

A few reasons crafters like diamond painting round beads best include:

• They offer a more sparkly finish.
• Round beads are easier to place.
• There are some gaps visible, which some artisans like.
• It is preferred for larger sizes.

You’ll notice that round drills bring forward a more sparkly resemblance, almost as if they are glittering. They are popular among beginners since they’re easier to place on the canvas, and they won’t need to form straight lines like squared shapes do.

6.3 SPECIAL, CRYSTAL BEAD/DRILL

Next, you have 5D crystal diamond painting or special-shaped drills. These are not used as commonly as squared or rounded drills. However, more advanced artisans like the special effects achieved when diamond painting with rhinestones. Browse through our gallery to view our special crystal options. If you run into any issues, don’t hesitate to contact us!

7. THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DIAMOND PAINTING KITS

Feel ready to purchase a diamond painting kit but don’t know where to start? Here are the types of most common types of kits:

7.1 GENERAL KITS

The first type of kit we are going to cover is the general diamond painting kits. These options are available in several different designs. Our website, for instance, has several you’ll want to consider. We have a wide variety of topics to choose from including abstract, fantasy, holiday, dreamcatchers, and animals, among so many others. 

If you are just starting, we encourage you to invest in a smaller kit. As you gain experience, you’ll be able to play around with different sizes, shapes, and styles. Keep in mind that no matter your tastes and preferences, we have a kit for you!

2. CUSTOM KITS

Next up, there are custom diamond painting kits. These are for the individuals who can’t find what they’re looking for when browsing through general kits. At Pretty Neat Creative, we offer customizable options that are affordable and easily accessible worldwide. Many of our clients enjoy sending in family portraits or personal pictures for custom kits. We can take these photos and print the image on a canvas. 

Creating a custom kit and using 5D gems will absolutely bring an image to life. The process of getting your custom kit is easy. Simply follow these steps:

1. Upload a high-quality photo to our website.
2. Decide on the diamonds you wish to use: square, round, special
3. Determine—do you want a 3D or 5D kit?

At the end of the day, whichever kit you go with, you’re going to receive a magical, therapeutic diamond painting kit. Not only will you enjoy the process of completing this project, but you’ll have a beautiful work of art once you finish.

7.3 MULTIPANEL KITS

Finally, we have diamond painting multi panel kits. You have your choice of 3 panel diamond painting and 5 panel diamond painting kits. 

The multi-panel kits are meant for more advanced artisans. These panels are for when you want to create a large work of art that can’t be achieved on one canvas alone. 

Multi-panel kits allow you to create large-scale masterpieces. You can hang the panels together to create a cohesive, dazzling display, or some people opt to space the panels apart for an eclectic, modern design. Browse through our website to discover our bestselling multi paneled kits. It’s a challenge you won’t want to turn down!

7.4 LED DIAMOND PAINTING KITS

Now it’s time to talk about a kit that attains an extra pop of color: LED diamond painting kits. Shinier than even 5-dimensional kits, LED options illuminate the room. This kit includes LED bulbs installed behind the canvas. They will light up your artwork to give it a glowing effect. 

Popular options for LED kits include our holiday collection and world wonders like the Eiffel Tower. The lights accent the art and light up the room for a truly impressive sight!

We also write a very detailed article about the types of Diamond Painting you can see here

8. GENERAL DIAMOND PAINTING TIPS & TRICKS

As you’re working on your canvas, you may encounter some common problems. Don’t worry—there is a way to fix any error. It just takes practice and patience. Here are the top diamond painting problems and how to fix them:

8.1 CANVAS CREASES

So, you finally receive your canvas in the mail only to realize it’s been wrinkled. This can happen during the shipping process, or perhaps you wrinkled it by accident and are now wondering how to get rid of these wrinkles. After all, you want to make sure your canvas is wrinkle-free before starting on any project. 

Here are a few safe ways you can remove the wrinkles:

• Gently iron out the wrinkles using a flat iron. Be sure you don’t set the heat setting to high or you could burn the fabric. Instead, lay the canvas down on a towel and mist it lightly with water. You want to be sure the fabric isn’t soaked—just damp. Gently iron out the wrinkles. This should only take a few seconds.
• Another option is to stretch and roll the canvas. Place the canvas face down on a flat surface and mist the back with water. Gently stretch out the wrinkles by hand or use a rolling pin to roll out the wrinkles. The wrinkles will begin to disappear as the canvas dries out.

If you are unsure about how to go about this process, we encourage you to get in touch with us. You also can watch online video tutorials for some extra guidance.

8.2 SEAL DIAMOND PAINTING

Sealing your masterpiece prevents gems from popping off. You want to begin by gathering the following materials:

• Diamond painting sealer
• Paintbrush
• Tweezers
• Toothbrush or cloth
• Roller

Begin by using the roller to remove any air bubbles. Be gentle but don’t be afraid to add some pressure. 

The next step in seal diamond painting includes dusting off the extra particles and wax that accumulates. This is when you want to pull out the toothbrush or use a cloth to really get between those cracks. You can use the tweezers to refine any details. 

How to seal diamond painting? You want to apply the sealant to the diamonds. There are a few ways you can do this, depending on the type of sealer:

• With a glue sealant, dip the paintbrush into the glue and apply a generous layer over the diamonds. Don’t add too much because it can dull the shininess of your painting.
• If you’re using a sealant spray, then just spray it 2-3 times. Let it dry in between sprays.

You can read the full instruction about how to seal diamond painting in 3 easy steps here.

8.3 FRAME DIAMOND PAINTING

For a luxurious end look, consider adding a frame to your masterpiece. There are several ways you can do this. 

The easiest way would be to use traditional diamond painting frames. These frames are like the frames you see in any gallery—minus the glass. You’ll want to refrain from using a frame with glass because it will take away from the sparkle of the diamonds. If you’re afraid of diamonds popping off, simply seal it! 

Framing a diamond painting is easy! We will send you a set of instructions along with the frame itself. 

Alternatively, for DIY framing, browse through our blog for tips and tricks. You also could watch a video tutorial online that shows you how to frame your painting.

8.4 MISSING BEAD

Diamond painting beads are bound to get lost every once in a while. If this happens, we have you covered in more ways than one.

8.4.1 BEADS MISSING IN ONE OF OUR PACKAGES

If you bought a Diamond Painting from us and a bead was missing, we’ll replace the bead for free. Just contact us via email at help@prettyneatcreative.com. This can happen sometimes because there are so many tiny drills—we apologize for any inconvenience! 

Paint with diamonds missing diamonds can be frustrating. If your kit arrives with missing drills or you need some diamond painting replacement beads, get in touch with us. We have spares we can send out to you so that you can finish your painting.

8.4.2 PURCHASED ELSEWHERE

Where to buy diamond painting beads? Even if you didn’t purchase your original drills from us, you can still buy diamond painting beads directly from our website. Browse through our 3D and 5D drills as well as our squared and rounded. Whatever it is you’re looking for, we’re sure you’ll find with us!

9. DIAMOND PAINTING TOOLS & GADGETS

Don’t forget to add diamond painting tools to your cart if your kit doesn’t include them. It’s frustrating when you are ready to begin your project only to find you forgot to order a sealant or roller. Whatever diamond painting accessories you need, we have! Browse through our extensive list of pens, light pads, frames, rollers, among other 5D diamond painting tools.

CONCLUSION

This brings us to the end of our guide. We hope it has given you a thorough understanding of diamond painting, what it is, and the benefits it will bring into your life. For more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are more than happy to help you get your hands on the perfect kit for you.