We LOVE diamond painting. There's absolutely nothing better than unboxing a new kit, prepping your canvas and tools, and spending countless hours putting diamonds to canvas to slowly reveal a masterpiece of your own making.
Fortunately, we're not alone in our addiction to this amazing new craft hobby! The passionate folks over at the official Paint With Diamonds Support Group are always sharing progress, tips, and tricks that make paint with diamonds lovers absolutely giddy!
We've gone through hundreds of posts to find the best paint with diamonds tips and tricks. Read ahead for our favorites!
7. Use egg cartons to organize your diamonds
Raise chickens? Or did you just cook an omelette and use up all your eggs? Use the container to organize your diamonds! Courtesy of Niña Conklin.
6. Tape or glue your diamonds next to their symbol on the canvas.
Easily reference the diamonds you need at quick glance! Tip courtesy of Heidi Proctor and Angela Earley!
5. Use a marker to put the number or symbol on each diamond bag.
If egg cartons aren't your style, simply sort the diamonds into the plastic Ziploc bags included in your kit. Then write the corresponding number or symbol on the outside of the bag. Tip thanks to Kelsey Kelso Bjork!
4. Use a cutting board as a flat surface for your canvas.
Can't find a good surface to use to complete your paint with diamonds? Just tape the canvas to a normal kitchen cutting board! Just wash it first ;). Thanks for the tip, Suzie Pini van Deurs!
3. Use a multi-diamond applicator tool to speed up the process!
Don't be afraid to pick up more than one diamond at a time! Most of our kits come with a double-sided tool that lets you pick up one diamond at a time, or a bunch! Tip courtesy of Brooke Stubbs.
2. Flatten your canvas by sleeping on it. Literally.
This one comes straight from Ali King, who says, "put it between two pieces of cardboard. Put that under my mattress and sleep on it overnight. Works great! I do that once I'm done with it as well, just to make sure all the diamonds are fully adhered."
1. Stop static cling with dryer sheets.
Isn't it annoying when your diamonds stick to everything BUT the canvas? PWD fan Ariel Rocha recommends cutting up a dryer sheet and placing small pieces of it in whatever you are storing the gems in. Game changer!
Have an awesome tip that we missed? Leave it in the comments below! And don't forget to share this post with your fellow die-hard paint with diamonds fans!
Comments
Linda said:
I special order frame sizes from ArtFrames.com
November 20, 2018
Jordyn Aaron said:
How do I use the bigger end of the diamond pen?
November 20, 2018
April said:
How do you keep the diamonds from falling off after framing? I want to frame them but not behind glass.
November 20, 2018
Lori said:
I use an extra large clip board to work on my diamond paining and also to store it on when I’m not working on it. I got it at hobby lobby. They have several different sizes.
November 20, 2018
Leeann Gregory said:
I use a tackle box tray to keep my diamond beads organised and separated for easy access
November 20, 2018
Jane Ungelbach said:
I don’t find frames the right size either so I get a frame usually at JoAnn fabric that is a bit larger than the picture. I use either a strip of scrap book paper, strip of colored tape or strip of ribbon to fill in the area to make it to the edges of the frame. I use double sided tape or glue works good.
November 20, 2018
Constance Spille said:
Having trouble getting some of the pieces to stick, does anyone have any suggestions? Is there anything to put on top of the piece to help them stick?
November 20, 2018
Debbie said:
After completing your painting, what do you do with the extra gems? Do you just discard them or would they ever match with other gems from other paintings?
November 20, 2018
Sabrina Deyling said:
If your using a plastic devider with small storage compartments, use white out to write the numbers that coraspond with the color. When your finished you can remove the whiteout with alcohol or nail polish remover. This works great
November 20, 2018
Judith. said:
Really like the tips. Some i already do but some i really appreciate reading. Ty
November 20, 2018
Eileen K McDougall said:
How do I clean off some stuck paper on the canvas without ruining it?
November 20, 2018
Anja Christie said:
I use a daily pill tray(4x a day/7 days = 28 spaces) to store my diamonds. And I mark each one with the symbols and numbers. Works perfectly! Also, I put my canvas on a magnetized easel and fasten it with magnets. However, any flat surface really works with scotch tape!☺❤
November 20, 2018
Robyn said:
I recently found out that instead of putting it under the mattress to flatten
all you have to do is lift up the wax paper/protective covering off, IN SECTIONS, and smooth it back on. So picture a square divided in 4 sections, peel back 1st section and smooth back on, continue with other sections till you’ve basically lifted the whole cover off and re-smoothed. It will laid flat! I was amazed when I tried it and is so simple!
November 20, 2018
Debra Tyree said:
I use the frames from Walmart. I customize the cardboard window to fit my painting.
November 20, 2018
Nancy P said:
Where are the answers to the questions that are being presented? I have some of the same questions and have not seen any answers. I’m also looking for a smart way to frame my completed picture and am wondering about the pros/cons of putting a glossy finish on the picture when done. What type of gloss? what brand? etc
November 20, 2018
Nanz said:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDfVWcjkQq4
This is a wonderful youtube for lots of excellent tips especially getting the canvas flat and eliminating the balls of dotz that occur.
November 20, 2018
Wilma said:
I use a tiny funnel to put the chips into my containers. I use screw top containers which are much easier than flip top. I label with small stickers. Best tip I have is to use a small easel. No sore neck, no glare to deal with.
November 20, 2018
Corinne Lengyel said:
When framing, is it recommended to use a non-glare glass, or no glass at all? I framed one of mine with a non-glare, but wondering if that is still taking away from some of the diamond “shine”. Thx!
November 20, 2018
Lucie lanctot said:
I put my diamonds in pill boxes with lids that are attached to the container and glue numbers on them
November 20, 2018
Brenda Peterson said:
I use tic tac containers, and label the tops with little Avery labels, they peel right off easily for the next project! The tweezers are much easier to use than the sticky stuff. No residue and, shaking the tray side to side (carefully) turns the diamonds right side up. I’ve done about 30 kits! Personalized ones are amazing,
November 20, 2018
Teresa Church said:
I have found the little cups with lids at the hospital cafeteria they use to put condiments in works great to hold my diamonds, and I label them with magic markers.
November 20, 2018
Donna Garza said:
I bought little glass tubes from Michaels to keep my beads in. I taped a little piece of paper with the number on it in the front. It’s easier to pour in the tray, as well as putting the beads away when you’re not using them.
November 20, 2018
Pat said:
What glue is good to use to put the diamonds on if the square drys.
November 20, 2018
Merri Zumwalt said:
How do you keep your lines straight?
November 20, 2018
Jeanine Damico said:
I use the list that is given, with the symbol, the number color of the tiles and how many packages..I cut them apart and tape them to my baggies when I separate them.
November 20, 2018
Joan Hite said:
I purchased cosmetic containers from Walmart, 10 gram size. I labeled each with the color number and symbol. Then when working I organize them by ABC’s, numbers, and then symbols, makes it easier to find the next color you need.
November 20, 2018
Elaine said:
To flatten picture upon receipt, I just lift the paper from the glued canvas on four corners about 2 inches then pat it back on this flattens your picture.
November 20, 2018
Heather norton said:
I use an angled board with a light pad and keep the diamonds in small plastic tubs
November 20, 2018
Judy Parker said:
I also go to lumber store and buy a nice molding. Just cut to size , miter corners and glue to edges.
November 20, 2018
Judy said:
I use my wooden rolling pin when done to set the diamonds.
November 20, 2018
Tonya Welch said:
To mat some of my projects, I use a cheap way of doing so. Cut one solid piece for each top and bottom and then the smaller sides. I adhere to a craft self stick mounting board by yarnology that is made for embroidery and cross stitching. The 11 × 14 or 16 × 20 are my favorite sizes. Buy a frame if you want in that size or leave as is. You may have to use an adhesive for the matting like a non acid spray adhesive for the matting.
November 20, 2018
Victoria said:
Is there something I can use to seal the diamonds after its complete, without losing the shine?
November 20, 2018
Tina monfette said:
it is hard to find frames that fit exactly so I buy the next size frame up, cover the frame back with velvet material, cut off the area around my completed picture and use hot glue to mount the picture in the center of the velvet. It looks like it has a velvet matte around the picture and looks very professional. Also shadow boxes work well too. Just cut the excess canvas off and hot glue in the shadow box. It looks beautiful.
November 20, 2018
Tina Haynes said:
to flatten your canvas pull up the corners of your top sheet to the middle the flatten back down. I have seen it on Many videos and it seems to work great. I can’t wait for my first DP to arrive so I can get started with all of these great tips!
November 20, 2018
Esther Sefer said:
Wow, I’m being shyed from doing this now. I’m waiting on my first 2 orders to arrive. It looks fabulous to do and I thought it would be a dream until all these posts of do’s and don’ts.
I just hope my Paint With Diamonds won’t stay packaged up after seeing many hints, of which there is more than 20 pages. I’m on page 4 of the hints and it’s begun to give me a headache.
November 20, 2018
Laura Helsth said:
For framing I buy inexpensive frames but use customer matting looks awesome
November 20, 2018
Margaret Wilson said:
I use the pill baggies. Their in the hearing aid section at walmart. They have a section to write on that won’t rub off. Their just the right size. I bought a craft box at walmart. Its big enough to hold everything. I have several kits in there. I also put my diffent kits in big ziplock and label which kit it is. Also i use one of those multi fold poster board, to lay all my pics in before, during and after. I lay my box of supplies ontop to flatten then. All supplies u can buy at walmart.
November 20, 2018
Margaret Wilson said:
I use the pill baggies. Their in the hearing aid section at walmart. They have a section to write on that won’t rub off. Their just the right size.
November 20, 2018
Phyllis Stephenson said:
I am just finishing up my 8th painting and am totally addicted! I love all of the suggestions—-some of which I never thought of myself. Thanks to everyone who contributed. I do have trouble finding or getting these paintings framed after I get them done. Is there a website or place where you can find the frames? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
November 20, 2018
Tamara Martin said:
I’ve tried sleeping on them & there is still a visible crease on the canvas I’ve put them under books aswell is there any other trick to try. Have u considered mailing them out in a cardboard poster tube so they don’t get smashed during shipment I don’t know about others but I like doing them as soon as I get them, not have to sleep on them b4 doing them just a suggestion
November 20, 2018
Sylvia van Kuyk said:
I put my pink wax inside one of the little zip lock bags you get with your kit, to keep it fresh.
November 20, 2018
COLLEEN BELL said:
How do you use the wax pen and why would you use wax?
November 20, 2018
Pearl said:
I received a 40×40 peacock picture for 80th birthday. Haven’t opened it yet. Sq are too small so getting magnified light to start. Also I got a gorgeous box with a plastic divided box to keep dots. I plan to scotch tape original bag to lid of each compartment. I love all the tips in this blog thanks for sharing esp static one.
Happy sitting..
November 20, 2018
Leslie Reigle said:
When you pull your canvas out of the 📦, lay it down flat, then remove one side of the covering that covers the sticky side. Hold the canvas flat and restick the covering. Turn to the other half and do the same. When you’ve done both sides it will be flat right away. Off to work you go and you don’t have to wait.
November 20, 2018
Emily said:
Hi
I purchased a large paint by diamond and noticed some areas aren’t as sticky and some stones are lifting. Does anyone have suggestions for a safe glue to use
November 20, 2018
Diane Pullar said:
I am retired now, at this time in my life I found that the most I have done with my spare time was to sit and watch tv, now I don’t even turn on the tv because I love doing these pictures. Thank you so much for this entertainment I enjoy it so much.
November 20, 2018
Lucia Hasbun said:
Hi Brenda, you were asking about the pink squares. I just bought and order of 100 squares from Amazon for $6.99. They come in two sizes. Not including shipping. Just search for paint with diamonds accessories. Hope this helps.
November 20, 2018
Julia Bulkeley said:
When I am finished with a PWD picture, I put the plastic cover sheet and roll it with a Breyer roller to well-seat all the beads. Then I go to Hobby Lobby and pick out a frame a little bigger than the picture. I choose a large mat board (right by the framing dept). They will cut the mat board for free, all all you pay for is your frame ( on sale, of course), the mat board, and the hanger for your frame!!!! The finished product is beautiful!!! Happy diamond painting!!
November 20, 2018
Sam said:
I was crazy and brought my first PWD (Waves Crash) in the biggest size possible- 1 metre x 1.5 metres! It is absolutely huge and is going to take me years to complete with the symbols and diamonds being so small! What was I thinking lol’. It is fun but wish I had not brought it so big 😩 any tips on how I can do it quicker lol! I also have another PWD on the way which is 50cm x 60cm 😊
November 20, 2018
Judy Craft said:
What is a Duual sided Premium Wax Pen and how do you use it?
November 20, 2018