Prepare your canvas
Peel back a small section of the protective film to reveal the pre-glued area.
Diamond Painting Complete Guide
Everything you need to know to start creating something beautiful.
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What Is Diamond Painting?
Diamond painting is a relaxing craft where you place small colored resin diamonds (drills) onto a self-adhesive canvas, following a printed color-coded grid to build a sparkling piece of art.
It’s a bit like a puzzle: the technique is easy to learn, and the main ingredient is patience as your artwork comes together.
- Lots of themes to choose from — animals, landscapes, cities, pop culture, and classic art-inspired designs.
- Suitable for all ages and skill levels, from first-timers to experienced crafters.
- Start with a smaller canvas, then move on to larger pieces (including designs 50 cm and up).
How to Make a Diamond Painting
Follow these simple steps to complete your first diamond painting:
Choose your color
Check the color on your pattern, then open the matching diamond bag.
Set up your pen
Use the pink wax to create a lightly sticky tip on your applicator pen so drills pick up easily.
Place the drills
Pick up a drill and place it on the matching adhesive spot. Continue section by section.
Beginner Tip:
Always work from one side of your project and move across the canvas as you go. Expose only a small area of adhesive at a time so it stays clean and the drills hold firmly.
Round vs. Square Drills
In diamond painting, a “drill” is simply the shape of each diamond you place on the canvas. Both shapes look beautiful — here’s how they compare:
Round Drills
- A favorite for beginners — easier to pick up and place with the applicator pen.
- A sparkling finish that really shines, especially on larger paintings.
- Tend to stick well to the pen tip, which helps the process feel smoother and faster.
Square Drills
- Fit tightly together for a fuller, mosaic-like look with fewer gaps.
- Especially popular for larger canvases.
- Align cleanly and are quick to place — many crafters also love the satisfying “click” as gaps fill in.
Which should you choose?
There’s no single right answer — it comes down to personal preference. If you’re new to diamond painting, round drills are a great place to start. If you want a fuller mosaic look (especially on larger canvases), try square drills. In one crafter poll shared on our guide, square was preferred 383 to 87 over round.
Ready to start your next masterpiece?
Explore our diamond painting kits and find a design you’ll love today.
