Diamond painting is a simple and relaxing hobby that’s easy to learn and satisfying to finish.
A standard kit comes with a sticky canvas marked with symbols, color-coded resin drills, a pen tool with wax or clay for the tip, a sorting tray and simple instructions.
Some kits also add tweezers, extra drills or storage bags. If you’re curious, then explore our kits or shop online to get started.
What is Diamond Painting?
Diamond painting began in China in the early 2010s and quickly spread worldwide for its easy and relaxing process.
Diamond painting is a creative art form similar to paint-by-numbers. But instead of using paint you just apply tiny resin diamonds onto a pre-printed sticky canvas. Each area on the canvas is marked with symbols that correspond to specific drill colors.
Use the applicator pen and wax to pick up and place each drill. Piece by piece, the image turns into a bright mosaic. Diamond painting is beginner-friendly, so you don’t need art experience to start creating.
What are the Benefits of Diamond Painting?
Diamond painting is an excellent activity if you want to build patience and improve concentration.
It keeps your mind focused and your hands busy thus making you relaxed. Over time it reduces stress and helps you improve concentration as you work through each section.
What’s Inside a Diamond Painting Kit?
A diamond painting kit is packed with everything that you will need to start creating immediately. The typical continents include:
- Pre-printed sticky canvas with symbols
- Color-coded resin drills (or diamonds)
- An applicator pen
- Wax to help pick up the drills
- A tray to organize everything.
Kits vary in design and coverage. Full drill kits cover the entire canvas with resin drills, producing a fully sparkling image, while partial drill kits combine drills and painted areas for a quicker, simpler project.
The quality of the kit matters as well. Most use an adhesive canvas, which makes drill placement easy. But some lower-cost options come with non-adhesive canvases, requiring extra glue and effort.
Choosing the right kit depends on your preferences and experience level.
Types of Diamond Painting Kits
Diamond painting kits come in different styles and designs, giving crafters options to match their preferences and skill levels:
3D vs 5D Diamond Painting
The terms 3D and 5D in diamond painting describe the shape of the resin drills.
3D drills are round with a flat back and give a softer shine, while 5D drills have more facets that catch light for a brighter, sparkling effect.
Your choice depends on how much detail and shine you want in your artwork.
Full Drill vs Partial Drill Canvases
Full drill kits cover the entire canvas with resin diamonds, producing a completely gem-filled image.
Partial drill kits leave some areas painted or blank, making the project quicker and easier while still highlighting key details.
Custom Kits
Some diamond painting kits allow you to turn personal photos into diamond art, creating a unique, personalized piece.
Custom kits are popular for gifts or commemorating special moments.
Choosing the Right Diamond Painting Kit
Selecting the right diamond painting kit can make the experience more enjoyable and suited to your skill level.
Size, Design, and Difficulty
Firstly, you need to consider the size of the canvas. Large canvases can take longer to complete but provide more detail. While smaller canvases are quicker and easier for a single-session project.
Secondly, design choice is also important. Complex patterns with many colors are more difficult while simpler designs are beginner-friendly. Difficulty level often combines size and color variation so match your kit to your patience and experience.
Beginners vs Advanced Users
If you are just starting out, look for partial drill kits or smaller full drill designs with fewer color codes to practice basic techniques.
If you are familiar with the basics then you can try the large full drill canvases and custom kits that require more time and precision.
Where to Buy Kits Online
Diamond painting kits can be found on online marketplaces, in craft stores and on specialty websites. It’s important to buy from trusted sellers who offer good-quality drills, strong adhesive canvases and complete tool sets.
Step-by-Step: How to Do Diamond Painting
Follow the steps to get started on diamond painting:
- First of all, prepare your canvas. Unroll it and flatten any creases. Then peel back a small section of the protective film.
- Pour drills into trays and arrange them by symbol or color.
- Dip the pen into wax, pick up a drill and place it on the matching symbol.
- Keep placing drills and peeling back film as you go.
- Press down the drills gently and if needed, use a sealant to secure them.
It is important to be careful and follow the proper tips if you’re a beginner.
Displaying & Preserving Your Diamond Painting
Done with the diamond painting? If you want to display your finished piece, framing is the best option. You can use a standard photo frame or get one made to fit your canvas. Before framing or sealing, press the canvas gently so the drills sit firmly and the surface looks smooth.
To protect your artwork, seal it with glue, resin or a clear spray. This keeps the drills secure and the colors bright. For unfinished pieces, store them flat in a dry place with the cover sheet on to keep out dust and moisture.
Costs & Buying Guide
Diamond painting kits vary in price depending on size, design and brand.
Standard kits usually cost between $10 and $40 and include everything a beginner needs. Premium kits start around $50 and feature larger canvases, higher-quality drills and detailed designs. Budget kits under $10 are great for first-time users.
When buying online, stick to trusted craft stores or official sellers to make sure you’re getting genuine, good-quality kits.
Common Questions & Mistakes
Do you need extra glue?
No, most diamond painting kits come with an adhesive canvas. Extra glue is only needed for non-adhesive or older canvases.
What happens if you lose drills?
Missing drills are usually not an issue. Kits often include extras, and replacements can be ordered if needed.
Common Mistakes that Beginners Make:
Beginners often make simple errors like not organizing drills before starting, peeling back too much protective film at once, pressing drills too hard or unevenly, or rushing through the project instead of working section by section.
Why Try Diamond Painting?
Diamond painting is a calm, easy way to unwind. It helps you focus, slow down and enjoy the process of creating something by hand. Each piece comes together one drill at a time until the full picture appears.
Start your first project with one of our diamond painting kits and see how relaxing it can be to make your own sparkling art.
