Diamond painting is a relaxing and satisfying hobby, and the tools you use can make all the difference. Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned artist, having the right set of tools makes your creative process smoother and faster.
In this article, I’ll introduce 10 commonly used diamond painting tools, explain how to use them, and offer some helpful tips along the way.
Whether you’re new to diamond art or looking to sharpen your setup, these tools will definitely help you improve your painting skills and create stunning results more comfortably.
1. LED Light Pad for Your Canvas
Let’s start with the light pad. The ultra-thin panel goes underneath your canvas and lights up the design from behind. It helps symbols on your canvas stand out clearly, especially if you’re working with darker colors or under dim lighting. The extra illumination can really reduce eye strain and make long crafting sessions much more comfortable.
Here’s a tip: try adjusting the brightness based on the time of day or your room lighting. Some artists prefer a warm light setting in the evening to avoid glare, while others go for a bright, cool light when working on detailed areas.
2. Electric Applicator Pen
The electric diamond painting pen is your upgraded go-to tool for effortless and precise drill placement. Unlike the standard pen, the electric pen operates with a gentle vibration to help you pick up and place drills faster, especially during longer sessions. It’s ideal for crafters who want to boost speed without compromising accuracy.
This pen is also designed to reduce hand fatigue, making it a great choice for those with joint discomfort or anyone who prefers a more ergonomic experience. It often comes with interchangeable tips, allowing you to switch between single and multi-placer functions depending on your project needs.
3.Wax or Putty
No matter which pen you use, it won’t work without wax or pick-up putty. This sticky material sits in the tip of the pen, helping you grab each drill securely. You’ll need to refresh the wax every so often. When you notice the diamonds not sticking as well, it’s time for a refill.
Some experienced crafters switch to long-lasting putties. They tend to be less messy and require fewer reapplications. Whichever you choose, be sure to press your pen straight into the wax to fill it evenly.
4. Drill Tray
Drill trays are essential for keeping your diamonds neat while you work. You pour a small batch of drills into the tray and shake it gently to line them up flat side down. This makes it easier for your pen to pick them up efficiently.
Using multiple trays can be a big time-saver. You can pour out two or three colors you’re working with and switch between them without constantly emptying and refilling a single tray.
5. Tweezers
Tweezers aren’t just for emergencies. They’re actually preferred by some artists for placing square drills. They give you precision control and let you adjust any misplaced diamonds without damaging the adhesive.
You might also use tweezers to remove any fluff or dust that accidentally lands on your sticky canvas. It’s a small tool, but one that definitely deserves a spot in your kit.
6. Storage Box
As you work on more projects, you’ll likely accumulate leftover drills. That’s where a good storage system comes in handy. Storage boxes with small, labelled compartments help you keep every colour organised.
For best results, label each container with the DMC code so you can easily find the right color again. Some crafters also sort by shade to speed up the process when working with similar hues.
7. Roller Tool
Once you finish a section or your entire painting, it’s a good idea to use a roller to press down the diamonds. This helps them adhere more firmly and gives the surface a smoother appearance. Just roll it gently over the canvas and no need to press too hard. This step ensures your diamonds are securely seated and reduces the chance of them falling off later.
8. Section Dividers
Working on a large canvas? Breaking it into smaller sections will make the process more manageable. Use parchment paper or release sheets to cover the parts of the canvas you’re not working on.
This prevents dust or pet hair from sticking to the adhesive and helps keep your project clean and focused. Many crafters mark off their sections with a grid pattern using washi tape for a more organized approach.
9. Washi Tape
Speaking of washi tape, it’s more than just decorative. It’s useful for framing the edge of your canvas, holding release paper in place, or even creating neat rows on your tray. Plus, if your canvas edges start curling, you can tape them down to your work surface with washi to keep everything steady while you work.
10. Sealer
After hours of hard work, you’ll want to protect your masterpiece. A clear, non-yellowing sealer helps keep your diamonds in place and shields your painting from dust and humidity.
Brush-on sealers are popular because they dry clear and don’t affect the sparkle of the drills. Just make sure your canvas is fully finished and flat before applying it.
Final Thoughts
We know that every diamond painting artist has their own rhythm, style, and inspiration. That's why we offer not just tools and accessories, but a wide variety of high-quality diamond painting kits ranging from classic designs to custom-made canvases.
Whether you’re just starting your diamond painting journey or building your ultimate toolkit, our carefully curated collections are here to support your creativity.
Ready to upgrade your experience? Explore our full range of diamond painting tools, accessories, and customizable kits at madewithdiamonds.com and let your next masterpiece begin.
