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
Judy Heap said:
When the piece is finished, what do you recommend on sealing and framing?
October 06, 2019
Lexi said:
The dryer sheet tip is a great idea! Could have used that yesterday when I closed my new storage bin and a bunch of beads jumped up to cling to the underside…
August 05, 2019
Heather said:
I use Medication (pill) box from the Dollar Store to sort my gems in. The best one is the one with morning, afternoon, and night time sections.
August 05, 2019
Mike Smith said:
I have bought a Doc cross stitch thread book that has all the colours in. I find it quicker to find the colours when sorting out the diamonds for the first time. I also use a medicine box to keep my diamonds in with a white label stuck to each section and Mark up using a pencil only then when finished and empty I run all the numbers off ready for the next painting. I’m disabled and I feel diamond painting had helped me over come the feeling of being useless since having a back problem.
August 05, 2019
Clare said:
I have been recieving canvas with no bead bag count sheet and no DMC color number. Is there a way to identify what code they are for storing after project is done?
August 05, 2019
paula a mckinley said:
For those who use the dual ended pen & prefer using the wax tip instead of the wax squares. I found them on Amazon. Just look up diamond painting wax tips…or…by name which is Beau 10pc nail rhinestones picker wax replacement tips
August 05, 2019
paula a mckinley said:
To Vicky-I clamp a ruler down on the edge. When the first row or two is done I remove it.
August 05, 2019
Wallene Roberts said:
I needed a bigger light box but could not afford a bigger price. I found an old 16×20 shadowbox frame and took it apart and painted the insides black. I purchased led strip lights with dimmable light switch and lined inside of box. Then since I could not find a opaque white acrylic sheet in size I needed I bought privacy window film translucent and lined the glass on the frame. I put it all back together and now I have a larger light box made of a beautiful walnut to go on my desk. I spent less than $30 on everything. You can also use two picture frames instructions are on net.
August 05, 2019
Karlene Bonnett said:
is there a way to avoid sticking to the sticky canvas when you have to move the clear paper out of the way to apply the diamonds that are covered with the protection cover?
Thanks,
Karlene Bonnett
August 05, 2019
Emily Harris said:
Use a led lightboard (circut has a great one) to place behind canvas to make seeing symbols easier to read
August 05, 2019
karen lesker said:
I love this new craft! I just finished my first picture and it turned out beautifully. As a kid I used to do mosaics but find that now days you can not find them to do…this is the next best thing. Awesome company and great support!
August 05, 2019
Shelly Johnson said:
I use a pill container & have taped the # & symbol to the top of the lid.
August 05, 2019
Deborah White said:
I bought your storage containers for my diamonds. But I love the idea of sleeping on my finished painting. Me finding your hobby is a blessing . Thank You So Much. Sincerely, Debi White
August 05, 2019
Gladys Naumann said:
To Vicky, I found that doing every other space, then going back and filling in the space helps keep the lines straight.
August 05, 2019
Susan Vaughn said:
If you are left handed I have Done 4 of these. The best place to start is the lower right! Being a lefty so that your hand does not get all sticky start at the bottom!
I do a lot of crafts and being a lefty the 1st one never turns out right. Because I have to finds what works for me!!!!
Plus what I have done is I take a picture of the key then I print it and use that to label things. I use storage for beads to sort. Plus I use tape so I can peal it off.
August 05, 2019
Vickie King said:
Can I use poster board to flatten my canvas under the mattress, or cardboard?? I should I place it picture part down? I’m a newbie and I’m running out of books, I have to I’m trying to flatten now🤷♀️
August 05, 2019
Chris said:
Help I’m halfway through my diamond art but my wax is drying out what should I do?
August 05, 2019
Karen DiAnn said:
I have worked on a DP but had to stop for about 2 months, and I went to start working on it and about a quarter of the diamonds fell off, how do I correct the accident? Should I have placed it between the heavy wood boards my husband made if it’s going to be a while if I don’t work on it.
This had upset me quite a bit, because I need to put colors back in the right boxes.
August 05, 2019
Sheri said:
The best and cheapest containers are at the $$$ Store. They come 12 small containers in a package and I bought a plastic container that stores all of them for the total price of $3.00. Can’t beat it.
August 05, 2019
Nancy Greene said:
You never get enough plastic storage bags with the kits. I purchased 2″ × 3″ bags through amazon. When I’ve completed the project I put all the bags into a Ziploc bag along with the color code and attach it to the item. Whoever gets the item has the beads and chart if necessary for replacement needs
August 05, 2019
Colleen Cassell said:
I’ve found if I lift the top sheet up at both ends and place back down it straightens out straight away no need to sleep on it or put books on it !!
August 05, 2019
Bonnie M said:
I also couldn’t get the multiple bead tool to work, then my 9 yr old granddaughter taught me! Completely fill the holder (to the top) with wax. When picking up diamonds have 4 lined up. I am left handed, so I start from the left side and get the 1st one in then slide to my right so diamonds are snug in the holder. Works like a charm!
August 05, 2019
Diana said:
When I have completed my project how do I frame it?
July 18, 2019
Rhonda Sikes said:
Use static guard aerosol spray vs dryer sheets to combat static issues
July 18, 2019
Amber Boyer said:
Hi how do you get the diamonds to stick firmly in place
July 18, 2019
Dorothy Derowitsch said:
I store diamonds in a plastic container with many compartments. Before putting the diamonds in container wipe each section with a fabric dryer sheet to stop static and making it easier to get them out of the container.
July 18, 2019
Jason said:
How do I keep the square drills from popping up?
July 18, 2019
Victoria Maas said:
Is it really necessary to save beads from an old project?
July 18, 2019
Kathy Bauman said:
Is there one place to get the kits that have clearer stamped instructions on the canvas? I have tried a few and it seems each one gets worse!
July 18, 2019
Debbie Greene said:
I just finished my first project. I had no problems and love doing it. But my friend is doing one and the diamonds keep popping off and they are various sizes now causing problems flowing into the next square Can anyone help us
July 18, 2019
Cyndi said:
I bought an artist portfolio to store my paintings in. The larger size fits nicely.
July 18, 2019
Denise said:
Get a thick poster board. Super Glue on the board old fashioned clothespins. Line up bags,leave spaces between each bag. Then you can clip your bags to the board for easy access to each color needed. Didn’t come up with this tip on my own saw it posted somewhere online and thought I’d pass on the tip since I didn’t see it here.
July 18, 2019
Denise said:
Get a thick poster board. Super Glue on the board old fashioned clothespins. Line up bags,leave spaces between each bag. Then you can clip your bags to the board for easy access to each color needed. Didn’t come up with this tip on my own saw it posted somewhere online and thought I’d pass on the tip since I didn’t see it here.
July 18, 2019
Amzette Auld said:
Hello. I’m new. I just started my first kit. It’s the tiny one with the Purple sky and the guy holding the umbrella. (I LOVE PRINCE). I just ordered the Sweet Hummingbird kit. Is that where I’ll get the tool that lets you do 3 at a time or do I have to order it. Thank you for all your great advice. You all are awesome!!! 💜💜💜
July 18, 2019
Catherine Woodward said:
Use nail polish remover or acetone on a cotton pad to remove the diamond legend and other writing before framing. You won’t have to worry about it peeking out of the edges of your matting or frame.
July 18, 2019
Robyn said:
I found a pill container that has 21 sections that each open individually! Open the one you are using and if you walk away you know what Color is in your tray. Also no spilling and easy open. ( make sure you get one that each section is separate that if you travel they won’t mix together). I use the paper symbols to tape to the lids.
July 18, 2019
sarah weyer said:
I was reading through the comments and saw that one poster mentioned having spilled all of her diamonds. I had the same problem my first XL size piece which had 34 different colors! I contacted the seller and asked if I could buy another set of diamonds without the picture or tools and they said it was a fairly common problem and they sent out a full set of replacement diamonds free of charge! May not work with all companies but worth asking, especially if you’ve already started the painting!
July 18, 2019
denise said:
i LOVE the round beads; would someone PLEASE tell me what i’m doing wrong with the square ones? i thought they’d be easier, however, they are NOT, and i can’t get them to line up. there are tiny gaps between EVERY bead. help!!!
July 18, 2019
Vicky said:
Please tell me how you keep your lines straight I’m ready to throw everything in the garbage HELP!!!!!!!’nnnnn
July 18, 2019
Ivy Byers said:
I always use a small tackle box for my diamonds, and write the number on the inside of the lid.
July 18, 2019
Tiffany Smith said:
I love tip number 2, I never thought of that! Here’s a tip for framing; if your canvas is an irregular size try the customizable frames at Hobby Lobby :) In their framing section they have regular picture frames (they’re simple black metal frames, but you can always paint it later). The frames I’m talking about are sold in separate pieces, as in they sell each side section or edge of the frame separately instead of all put together. And they have each side available in multiple sizes along with multiple sizes of glass. Of course you can always leave the glass out, but I prefer to get a frame with glass to protect all the hard work I put into each canvas :)
June 21, 2019
Grace said:
I can’t get the “drill” to work. I have about 5 different “multiple diamond 💎 holding” devices and can’t get any to work bid I get them in it (which is hard to get several in right, no gaps, then I can’t get them out. I end up having to pick them out. I asked someone who does these to show me and they can’t get hers or mine to work either. What is this user doing wrong. “User error “ I’m sure 😯
June 21, 2019
Mona said:
I’ve finished a total of 17 and still going . I use a laptop desk that sits on my lap and it’s perfect fit for any size canvas.
June 21, 2019
Joyce Puttock said:
I use weekly pill containers while I’m doing them out the numbers on the top easy to take off and I store the ones I haven’t used in small clip lock bags and put the numbers from the pill box on front of bag then I put a pic of the one I have done in the bag with the left over diamonds
June 21, 2019
Jane Ungelbach said:
Store left over bags numerical in a container. If you need more for another project it will be right there by number. Also save empty bags file by number so can use for next project if necessary.
June 21, 2019
Marty Haugh said:
I put a few layer of clear polyurethane on the picture after I’m done and use them for small table toppers.
June 21, 2019
Jenny said:
We’re can I buy the Multiple Diamond tool please and how much
June 21, 2019
Melissa said:
Instead of sleeping on the painting pull the paper back and put it right back on the canvas. It instantly smooths it out!
June 21, 2019
Joan said:
I put my Diamond Art of a big wooden easel with a light tray under it to make it easier to work at it. The picture is held onto the wooden easel by large clips
June 21, 2019
Janice Dahl said:
I love diamond painting also, unfortunately, last night when I was ‘painting’ I spilled about 5 of my diamonds on the floor. They got mixed up, so don’t know what to do now. I put my diamonds into the boxes for the 7 days of pills.
June 21, 2019