Raise your hand if you've ever made a mistake when Diamond Painting ✋
Maybe your fur baby managed to roll all over your canvas. Perhaps you removed the entire cover all at once and your glue dried. Whatever the case may be, IT'S OKAY - we're only human.
So with this in mind, here are the 7 most common Diamond Painting mistakes that people make, and how to avoid them. Learn from other people's mistakes so you don't make them too!
7. Not Wiping Your Painting Down Before You Seal It
Before you go to seal your finished canvas, make sure to use a wet wipe or moist towel to give your painting a good once-over. Remove any dust or dirt before applying sealant, or you may get unsightly dust clumps (image credit: Sue Small).
6. Allowing Fur Babies (Too) Close To Your Canvas
We have absolutely nothing against Diamond Painting with your fur babies keeping you company. But make sure they don't make a quick jump onto an exposed sticky area of your canvas, or you'll have to spend time de-furring your canvas (image credit: Sue Small).
PRO TIP: To remove hair, paper, etc. from your canvas, wipe down the affected area with a wet wipe or moist towelette.
5. Keeping Food & Drinks In Your Workspace
It's perfectly fine to have a snack when you Paint With Diamonds - lord knows I do! Just make sure to keep your workspace clear to avoid spilling any food or drinks on your canvas (image: Amber Lowrie).
PRO TIP: To remove small amount of liquid, just use a blow dryer on low heat to dry your canvas right up! If there are any spots that aren't sticky, just dab a touch of fabric glue on the area.
4. Not Closing Diamond Containers While Working
After you're done pouring out your diamonds, always close your diamond vials and storage containers! Avoid nasty diamond piles sticking to your canvas.
3. Resting Your Arm On Your Canvas
Have you ever found yourself unpeeling your forearm from your canvas? Lyndsey Hymes shares her tip for avoiding this sticky situation: "I took a section of parchment paper big enough for the side of my hand and laid it down so my hand doesn't stick to the canvas and move as needed ... works like a charm!"
2. Placing Diamonds On The Wrong Symbol
When you're in a groove, it may be a while before you take a step back and realize an entire area has the wrong color diamonds in it. The horror!
One way to avoid this mistake - when you turn a large painting upside-down to work on it, remember to also turn your sorter upside down to so you don't mix up similar symbols - like your 6s and 9s! (image: Cheryl Hope).
1. Removing The Entire Cover Paper All At Once
Of course it may be tempting to peel back the entire canvas cover to reveal the design hiding beneath. However, doing so will expose your canvas adhesive to stuff like animal fur, dust, or dirt, resulting in diamonds not sticking properly. Areas of your canvas may also dry out before you can even get to them!
To avoid this, we recommend removing the cover and working on your painting in rectangular sections. You also get a nice sense of satisfaction when each section is completed.
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What did you think of our mistakes? Have you made any of these yourself? Any wise tips for your fellow Diamond Painters? Leave your thoughts in the comments!
Oh, and btw - if you ever make a mistake and you bought your kit from Paint With Diamonds, feel free to take advantage of our Oh Sh*t Insurance - free with every order!
Comments
Diane Fulbrook said:
My fingers were getting sore with the pen so I started using the tweezers to place the diamonds and foumd it also easier to get them sitting right, Also my husband makes my frames out of floor edging. They can be narrow or thicker, what makes you happy. The plastic that comes on the picture is one sided. Before you take it off mark the right side up. The top side will stick to your canvas and take off the glue.
June 09, 2022
Connie Johnson said:
I keep a flashlight on my work station, so if I have trouble reading what a symbol is, I shine it on the symbol so I can read it.
April 19, 2022
Thekli said:
Before framing is it better to sray some glue on it, i mean to stabilise somehow???
April 12, 2022
Shirley Keaster said:
Middle of my diamond painting picture dried up. What is the best way to make it sticky again?
April 04, 2022
Choward said:
I have about 10 so far.very addicting and relaxing. I have found that I have had to make a few changes of the diamonds for it to look right. For instance my mother and baby tigers. They blended in together with no separation so I put some black in and changed the whole looks. I have had to do that in an out five of them so far. Beautiful when done
April 04, 2022
Mary Pate said:
What’s the best way to identify what tile goes somewhere if there’s film over it and unreadable?
April 04, 2022
Betsy said:
So a few things I learned of do.. I cut the plastic cover into strips so I can peel back a small square and when I finish I can put it back over it and use the glue on the outside edge to hold it in place. I just used a hair roller to make sure I got all pet hair off it before sealing it. Worked well and only one diamond came off. Wouldn’t recommend if your diamonds are not sticking. Also I watched a video on sealing and she shook her mod lodge before using. DO NOT shake it. It creates air bubbles and says on it not to shake. And I prefer round drills as they are easier. The square were very hard to line up straight and I couldn’t stand it. But it’s personal preference. I have the same problem as mentions with the round drills being different sizes so in areas of one color I try to alternate between big and little to keep in the color square and that seems to work. And they look very straight. Or I just go for all the big ones. About to seal one of my pictures for the first time and hope I don’t screw it up cause it’s a gift for my son!
November 15, 2021
Amber Burgess said:
Hi my name is amber and I’m addicted to Paint with Diamonds (and ONLY PWD brand…)
I’m on my 3rd custom canvas and a 4th is on the way. I do these as wedding gifts for close friends and family. I have a few tips for you!
1) I got my first 45×60 framed by Hobby Lobby. I chose a pricey frame and a colored border around the canvas. It ran me $178 but it was worth it!
2) I’ve noticed so far that the custom canvas’ drills are the same (symbol and manufacturer code) but different from the canvasses that are already made. And those drills are the same as other pre-made pictures. I hope that makes sense. The canvas art coming from China are all the same as other att coming from China and the USA art drills are the same as other art coming from the USA
3) If your canvas isn’t sticky,
you can use Modge Podge to make it sticky again.
4) Use masking/painters tape on the sticky border around your picture to keep it clean and keep your arm from sticking to it.
5) the round end of the tweezers comes in handy for lining up the drills in rows and around the outside edge of the picture.
6) When doing a custom PWD, you can purchase extra photoshop. When you choose this, a person (Cheryl Hope) helps you and communicates via email with the options, tips, and recommendations for your final product before your order starts making your order. She’s great at what she does and never disappoints!
7) When placing an order for a custom PWD, SIZE DOES MATTER! The bigger the canvas, the clearer the final product! And choose images that aren’t dark. The colors blend and do not cove out very good.
8) AND MOST IMPORTANTLY!!! Have fun and stay active in the PWD family! You will be back for more, that’s a fact! 🥴🤪
I hope these tips and recommendations come in handy! Welcome to the PWD family!! Enjoy this addiction!!
October 07, 2021
Alice Leonard said:
I have done about 8 pieces love doing this hobby, but how do I frame them?
September 07, 2021
Kathleen said:
I have done several diamond art pieces. Some I don’t frame because I don’t like them when completed. The problem I continually have is that after completing a section I run my hand back over the piece and some of the dots are popping up. I run the roller several times but continually some just don’t stay down. I keep the piece covered at all times, I only uncover a small section at a time to work on. I have tried to also gently turn the piece over and roll both sides. I have tried to use the “triple thick” after completion and some dots pop up before the glue is set. Any recommendations?
June 21, 2021
Diana said:
I haven’t tried it but they SLIME (the kids toy) is good for cleaning up crumbs, dirt and other debris from your canvas.
June 21, 2021
Kira Colard said:
If the stickey isnt working, i use a hair dryer. Makes the glue sticky again. & for sealing i use polycrylic protective finish-clear. Works great. My diamonds have stopped falling off after i finish.
June 02, 2021
Teresa said:
I have crumbs in the fi ished part of my diamond painting what is the best way to clean it up?
May 17, 2021
Terri H. said:
I’ve just started DP about 3 months ago and starting my 4th one. Just a couple of issues so far. With my last one the adhesive peeled off the painting and stayed with the cover. Canvas not sticky at all. Luckily my hubby was able to figure it out. Once I made sure was not peeling both layers all was good. Other problem is, I sort my drills by DMC number and I’ve found dye lots don’t always match from one project to the next. Don’t combine them til you check.
May 17, 2021
Hailey said:
Thanks for the tip i really needed it and i have experienced 1 of those problems. I sorta spilled the diamonds every wher and my dog almost ate some of them it wasn’t the best experience but at least my dog didn’t eat them-
April 06, 2021
Marcia Reisinger said:
Sometimes the cover sheet will stick to the glue and its hard to get it up, so I use Parchment paper, works fine, Thank you for Diamond Painting.
March 26, 2021
Laurie said:
Go on YouTube. There’s hundreds of channel’s on diamond painting.
March 17, 2021
Heidi. K. Seelhoff said:
My. Diamonds. Are. Not. Sticking. To. My. Canvas. Very. Well. I’ve. Had. This. Problem. Ever. Since. I. Started about. 2. Months. Ago I’ve. Never. Done. Any. Before. So. I’m. Very. New. I. Love doing. It. A,lot. But. The. Problem. With. Not. Sticking. Is.leaving. me Very. FRUSTRATED. I’ve. Heard. Some. People. Dont. Like those pink wax I. Dont. Know. If. That’s. My. Problem. I’ve. Heard. Some. People like to. Use. Blue. Tak. Where. Do. I. Find. It. None. Of. My. Stores. Have. It. Walmart or. Joana.ns. I. Shop. On. Amazon. Quit. Often. That’s. Where. I. Get. Most. Of. My. Diamond. painting. Supplies
March 17, 2021
Pam said:
What do you use to seal the painting without taking away the sparkle?
February 24, 2021
Charlane said:
On my first picture, very enjoyable, but I exposed to much of the glue while working on various colours and the cellophane cover is sticking badly what can be used to remoisten the glue in unfinished spots? Thanks for any help!
February 24, 2021
Kelly said:
Great tips! I’m still waiting for my order but can’t wait to start.
January 29, 2021
Patricia said:
I’m getting ready to order my 1st. After reading all this, I’m not sure if I’m ready or not!!!!! Seems sooo much to watch out for. I saw a friend doing this, but she is no longer with us for me to get a show an tell.
If anyone could share anything I’d be most grateful. I think I read the squares are easier - any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thank You Ladies——Let’s have fun in spite of Mr. C.
Patricia
January 18, 2021
Alexiaa said:
An adhesive for dried out glue spots, Joann Fabrics sells diamond painting paste. It’s actually made for it. Either go to their store to pick up same day, or have them deliver it! It sometimes goes on sale up to 50% off. Full price for it is under $10 at this time.
January 13, 2021
ken cates said:
I have received my first Diamond Dotz and Iam having a real problem with the glare. I can only do it for thirty minutes at a time before it effects my eyes. I have a light board and overhead lighting and a Otti light. My husband wonders if i should use my sun glases Do you have any suggestionsThanks
January 13, 2021
Amanda said:
If like me you fall asleep while diamond painting and you tip your drills on the carpet put some old pantyhose/stockings over the end of the vacuum nozzle while you vacuum the floor. You get all your drills back safely.
January 13, 2021
Janel said:
When I start a new project, I always take the directions with the drills numbers/symbols and type them into a spread sheet that I can blow up to read easier. I then put all my drills in order in a organized boxes (https://www.joann.com/tiny-container-bead-storage-tray/12869020.html). This make finding my drills so much easier and also finding what drill I need per symbol a lot easier since it is attached to my work area.
One thing I would love to see is if someone out there could put all the symbols online somewhere so that I can just copy and paste them into my spreadsheet when ready. Currently I have to search for all the symbols and it can be time consuming, but worth it!
January 02, 2021
Jan said:
I do not do a section at a time. I do all one color at a time. I just cover the picture with parchment paper when I am not painting so no dust gets on it. I don’t like having too many different beads out a time….too confusing for me lol
January 02, 2021
Catherine L Batchelor said:
I go to Michael’s and by the mod podge high gloss. It also has some for sparkly areas. Use a square sponge for only 99 cents. I just started my 50th one and have seven on order. Addiction, anyone. LOL
December 23, 2020
Tina said:
I am now doing my third one and am so addicted, a friend brought me four of hers since I get them done so quickly. I have bought five for gifts and I am praying they get here next week. I ordered them Nov. 11th.
December 16, 2020
Linda Langer said:
You never say what to seal diamonds with. I don’t want to cover up the pretty glitter but seal the picture
December 16, 2020
Gina Cox said:
Hi
My problem is that in Australia I find the round beads not to all be the same size and so when placing them , especially in a large area such as a background, I can’t get them all straight. This is really stressful as I want the finished product to look really uniform and straight but it ends up looking all wobbly no matter what I do. The beads also tend to puff out when you put pressure on them, such as when you place them, and that makes it hard to keep them perfectly lined up.
So far I have only found them in the bargain shops here, as we have been in “Lockdown” due to Covid-19 for most of the year, and the ones coming from overseas take up to 3 months to get here and are 5-6 times the price. I find $72 for a canvas a bit expensive.
December 16, 2020
Cindy said:
Thanks for the info. I use a lightup board that I bought to go under the canvas which helps a great seeing the symbols. I peel only a little of the plastic covering back and work in that area. I usually start in the corner on the right side of the canvas as my hand then is on the covering and work to the left. I am right handed. When done. I roll the plastic covering back over it, lay it flat and put a large book over it to secure diamonds. When finished. I keep the plastic covering over it flat with a book on it until I get it framed. I save all my diamonds from my kits and combine the same colors in 1 vial. I also bought the tic tac jars container to keep my tools and dots together and organized. I have done around a dozen of these. Fun and relaxing to do.
December 16, 2020
Kristina~~ said:
Hey! If you guys are wondering what to seal those sticky edges with, just take some kind of glue (preferably after diamonding), whether it be elmer’s or another off brand glue. I have those big gallons on elmer’s from my old hobbies of acrylic pour and still have a bunch. I would take a cup (diy container, take a cup and cut off thebottom, then use that) or small container, fill it with the glue, (you could also use mod-podge) and take a brush, maybe a sponge brush for better coverage, and then just put the glue on. If you want it to dry faster, you could use a blowdryer, and if it has a cool setting, use that. Hope I helped some!
-Kristina~~
December 16, 2020
Jacqui said:
I have found that using a scalpel to cut out sections instead of cutting squares of parchment paper is a much easier and less time consuming. You can also use it on the edges where the adhesive overlaps the image so you don’t have to worry about you arm sticking to it while working.
December 16, 2020
Karen said:
Is it even necessary to use a sealant when you are going to put your finished product in a glassed frame
December 16, 2020
Karen said:
What are the tips talked about a sealant to put on the diamond painting once done
I have never seen or heard of a sealant
December 16, 2020
Debi Morgan said:
I bought a wood pants hanger that presses together to hang dress pants by the bottom of them. I painted the hangers with holiday colors and put sprigs of holly or other holiday items at the top. The hangers are perfect for my 10×10 Christmas canvases. I hang them with Command hooks which come down easily after the holidays.
December 16, 2020
Debi Morgan said:
I just finished my very first painting which was a gift to me. Several mistakes, but not all were my mistakes. The snowman picture showed him with an orange mouth and a black line for a mouth. There were no orange beads and no lines or color changes on the canvas for the nose and mouth. I used a fine point sharpie to add these features and others that were messed up. My friend gave me orange beads left over from one of her paintings (always save your extras just in case!). When finished I used spray mod podge to seal the painting. It held it perfectly and even rolling up keeps it sealed.
December 16, 2020
Annie Bentley said:
I am addicted and I have found if you go to Harbor freight you can get a magnified light that helps in seeing your work and you can mount it to your work space quite easily. I have done 5 and love doing them. So relaxing and thank you for the tips
December 16, 2020
Marie F Stoves said:
My dyslexic 17 year old uses her project to calm herself when she feels angry or frustrated. I might just add this to her IEP and get her an ’emergency" kit for school.
Question. Can a kit in progress be rolled up for storage? Currently my 2 kids fit flat inside a thin briefcase with all the supplies. But I am looking at the larger ones for better quality.
December 16, 2020
Marie F Stoves said:
Before putting my project away I go over it firmly with a rolling pin. This insures each drill is secure.
I also read a suggestion that, after wiping it down to clean off the pink stuff, sprinkle it with mica dust. This is sold in painting supplies at craft shops. It will stick to the canvas between drills. It’s clear but shines and is said to give a very nice additional sparkle to the project. And hides the gaps found with round drills.
December 16, 2020
Kathie Mecham said:
Thank you so much for this info. The three major problems I had before requesting this info. #1. I tried to do all the same color drills at once, instead of doing a rectangle. The film that covered the picture was like cellophane and I couldn’t see where I had already cut it to access the drills under other areas. Now I know to do a corner at a time.
#2. After I had put so many cuts in the clear covering, it just fell apart. I thought, I’ll use wax paper. Good idea, but the wax melted on my picture and made the paper stick. Now I know to use parchment paper, and use a damp cloth to get the wax paper remnants off.
#3. I had areas where the glue on the mat would not stick . I purchased a pin tip glue at JoAnns and just added a very small amount of glue to the canvas. The drills did fine after that.
I’m sure I will have other problems before I get this first one done, but I will be checking back here daily! Thanks Again for all of your help.
April 17, 2020
Patricia Fedele said:
Some t imes Addy decides she wants to sit right in the middle of the picture as I work./////?
April 17, 2020
Carol said:
I want to comment on 2 items mentioned. The first is the sticky area around the picture itself. Put a strip of tape around the edges of the picture, lifting 1 side at a time of the paper cover. Works easier than nail polish. The second is sealing the picture. I have found through Amazon, inexpensive wood frames. I have done about a dozen pictures. The picture sizes are odd , for example, 7 1/2 × 11 1/2. I buy an 8×12 and color the edge of the finished picture with black. It fits right in the frame with no white showing. The picture is shiny through the glass. Non-glare glass or plastic does not do the finished product justice.
April 04, 2020
Evelyn. Cabral said:
On the stickeness of the sides and top and bottom. They do get kind of dirty looking. I use liquid white out to make it blend in before framing
April 01, 2020
Evelyn. Cabral said:
On the stickeness of the sides and top and bottom. They do get kind of dirty looking. I use liquid white out to make it blend in before framing
April 02, 2020
jane Starr said:
I also have done a lot of Painting with Diamonds. For the line around the project that is sticky, I bought a roll of narrow (1/4") tape to put over this sticky area to keep my hand from sticking to it. Works like a charm!
April 02, 2020
SHIRLEY said:
just done my first one, lot of mistakes but biggest one was looking at the first row of numbers. once I taped it off it went a whole lot better. I used the middle row which are the symbols and the third row which is the drill/diamond number.
April 02, 2020
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April 17, 2020
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April 17, 2020