![[PWD 101] EXPLAINED: How To Choose Between Round And Square Drill](http://paintwithdiamonds.com/cdn/shop/articles/Square_vs_Round_Drill_1024x1024.jpg?v=1576615372)
If you're new to the wonderful world of Diamond Painting, you're probably a bit overwhelmed. Well, overwhelmed AND super excited to get started!
Well fear not, friend! We're here to hold your hand as you embark on your Paint With Diamonds journey!
In our new PWD 101 series (PWD stands for Paint With Diamonds btw!), we'll walk new diamond painters through everything they need to know about this incredible new stress-relieving hobby.
THIS WEEK: We're going to take a quick look at the difference between square drill and round drill diamond paintings!
DID YOU KNOW: In PWD, the term "diamond" can be used interchangeably with "resin" or "gem."
Square Vs. Round Drill: What's The Difference?
In Paint With Diamonds, a "drill" simply refers to the shape of each individual diamond you'll be applying to your canvas. If it's confusing, just replace the world "drill" in your head with the word "diamonds."
- Square Drill --> Square Diamonds
- Round Drill --> Round Diamonds
In choosing between square and round drill, it's important to know that there are no right answers. As with so many things in life, this is more or less a subjective preference! Your goal should be to choose whichever shape that YOU personally think is most beautiful :).
QUICK SIDE NOTE: "5D DIAMONDS" - Confused about what "5D Diamonds" are? This is essentially a marketing buzzword that refers to the shape of the diamonds. With the resin diamonds featured below, "5D" refers to the shape you see that so beautifully reflects light to make the diamonds sparkle!
Square Drill (aka Square Diamonds)
What People Are Saying
Creates A Fuller, More Complete Looking Painting.
Square drill diamonds look a bit "cleaner" than round drill diamonds. They line up more easily and create a "fuller" mosaic look when enjoyed from a distance.
Square Diamonds Satisfyingly "Snap" Into Place.
Sometimes it's the little things that matter! When you start making progress on a painting and begin filling in gaps, you get a satisfying "snap" and a sense of achievement, as dorky as that sounds!
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Round Drill (aka Round Diamonds)
Easier (And Faster!) To Pick Up And Apply Diamonds.
Round diamonds just seem to stick to the diamond pen better, making the transition seem more seamless.
Finished Painting Feels Less "Complete."
Given the round shape of the diamonds, gaps between diamonds may appear more apparent when you're close up with the painting.
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Final Word - What Do Hardcore PWD Fans Think?
We polled our Paint With Diamonds Support Group audience, and the answer couldn't be clearer. Have a look for yourself!
The overwhelming majority prefers SQUARE over ROUND (383 vs 87!). In fact, almost twice as many of you are indifferent to whether your diamonds are square or round than actually prefer round!
Do you agree with the consensus? Tell us why or why not in the comments down below!
Comments
Megan said:
I like the round ones i think they better quality and are easier to use and pick up. I didnt like square ones at all
March 05, 2019
Megan said:
I like the round ones i think they better quality and are easier to use and pick up. I didnt like square ones at all
March 05, 2019
Kay said:
I love doing the diamond dotz kits. But I prefer the the round dotz to the square. They are a lot easier to put on.
March 05, 2019
Kelly Esperanza said:
Why can I see spaces between the square canvas when it’s complete?
March 05, 2019
Kelly Esperanza said:
Why can I see spaces between the square canvas when it’s complete?
March 05, 2019
Linda said:
I ordered some kits and some were square diamonds. I found I much prefer the round diamonds. Does anyone know a place to buy round diamonds so I can replace the square ones I got in the kits?
March 05, 2019
Jill said:
I love the square gems best because the shading they give to a design is beautiful and to me offers more detail. It has such a “mosaic” look to it. I enjoy round gems in between my large square gem projects, for a nice break. Also, the squares seem to “shimmer” whereas the rounds seem to “sparkle”. 😎
March 05, 2019
Bev Biertzer said:
I prefer the round, just easier to work with.
March 05, 2019
Pam Douthit said:
Do you need a special tool for the square drills my picture is not coming out right to me
March 05, 2019
Kristin said:
I have completed 10 square and 8 circle diamond paintings. I much prefer the square because of the finished look.
March 05, 2019
Shirley Jinks said:
I have trouble with the square dotz
March 05, 2019
Sharyn said:
My first was a 60×75 full square drills piece. I didn’t know there was anything else! It was a challenge but i loved it so much I bought more big ones! Don’t think I will bother with round, I love the fullness of square.
March 05, 2019
bette said:
i like the round ones. i find with the square ones that some of the colours of the square drill are just a touch larger than the chart square is and therefore your lines do not end up to be straight. by the time i get from side to side or top to bottom i am darn near a whole row out and god help you if you have to squeeze one in , it is just about impossible.
March 05, 2019
Mary Ann Fehr said:
I have done both square and round. I have completed four diamond arts and waiting for my fifth. I find this hobby so relaxing and soothing. I truly enjoy doing these.
February 03, 2019
Linda Dassori said:
I don’t like the squares.
February 03, 2019
Martha Hudson said:
I’ve did one really nice one with the square diamonds and I love it,ualso did two with the round,they r ok but love the challenge of the square diamonds…
February 03, 2019
Alice Sweet said:
I just finished this 5d square one. Its a Mario one. It’s great, however, you can see between them to the back, the black lines and this is so aggravating! Any ideas what to do?
February 03, 2019
Cherie Nelson said:
Square covers more than round but round is as stated easier to pick up and as for sticking not too much difference to me. Round seem to be easier to place as to where they’re placed, the owl I’m working on as gaps to and it’s square. I had trouble with the round ones being upright in the tray, they stuck to everything.
February 03, 2019
Gretchen said:
Are there pens for square drill? I found if you dont get the diamond in perfectly the first time, its very difficult to rotate it into proper place
February 03, 2019
Jackie said:
Never tried the square. Micheals craft only sells round. Will start 3rd soon.
February 03, 2019
Jody said:
I prefer the round diamonds.
February 03, 2019
Elke Pacholl said:
I am working on my first 2 pieces, they are both round. I ordered quite a few and have received them. A lot of them are square which I did not know they were square when I ordered. After reading these posts I am hoping I will like doing the squares too. If not I am so screwed
February 03, 2019
Judy Ogden said:
I have done about 10 since March of 2018. I got 8 or 9 more for Christmas. Already did 3 of them since Christmas. I love doing this. I get busy sometimes and stay up until 1 or 2:00 in morning. They are beautiful
January 24, 2019
EVonne said:
What kind of glue can I use to keep them better in place?
January 24, 2019
Nancy said:
For me, it’s round drill. I have done many of these,some square, some round. The squares tend to pop out way too often, and it takes away from the enjoyment. After all, since I’m not going to frame/hang most of the ones I do, it’s all abut how much fun and how relaxing the hobby is. The round ones DO leave a little tiny gap, but they are really just as pretty when finished.
January 24, 2019
GAye said:
Can you order square diamonds for any painting
January 24, 2019
GAye McGuirk said:
Can you order square diamonds for any paintings
January 24, 2019
Robin Babcock said:
Hey everyone! I love doing the painting with diamond kits! Ive already done 10! All round.
My husband git me a square drill painting for Christmas. Can anyone recommend a goid pen to use? Any info would be helpful! Thank you!
January 15, 2019
Margie A Dall said:
How many of you are having a problem with the square drills popping out? I know that they are suppose to fit tight, but sometimes I have them popping loose. Just wondered if anyone else is having the same problem.
January 15, 2019
Rena said:
Hate your comment/question area cuz there are no answers provided!!
If square diamonds are ordered, you should provide the square pen.
January 15, 2019
jeannie vitanza said:
i have only used the square in the past. this time i ordered round without knowing the difference. i hope it is still a nice “painting” in the end.
January 15, 2019
Joy said:
round drill for me – I have a slight hand tremor, and I find that lining up the squares is beyond me, whereas the round drills are forgiving when I try to line them up. So let’s hear it for round drill – without them, I couldn’t do diamond painting at all. oh, and my light box helps with the lining up process, too – I bought it part way through a picture, and really, you can see the difference it made to the finished picture.
January 15, 2019
loretta said:
i just started my square diamond painting i do not like the squares where can i get the round ones for this picture
January 15, 2019
Diane Lewis said:
I have done both the square and the round, I love them both, the round one’s are definitely EASIER but I just love the look of the square one’s, they do take a lot more time.
January 15, 2019
Gay Block said:
So appreciative of having the paper marking so clear; other folks drawings are much more difficult to see! Also love having the 1-10 colors marked with matching numbers. Great organization, thanks, love them!
January 15, 2019
Marion Shofstall said:
Where can I get a square tool for the square diamonds? I have a ton to do all squares and I hate squares?
January 15, 2019
Susan Thomas said:
Square drills are much more rich in detail. However it is very difficult to keep your lines straight and that is the most important detail for a great looking picture. Working with tweezers is not my idea of relaxing or fun. So please why has a pen w/a square tip not been introduced by any company? It would be sold out in a flash!!
January 15, 2019
Patricia Williams said:
I’ve used both and I prefer the round.
January 15, 2019
JEAN FLECK said:
I started a Square Drill painting a day ago,it is now put away indefinately,before I throw something.They are not all uniform so wont line up right,and forget about moving the drills if crooked,you have to remove and replace.So,give me the Round Drills any day.
January 15, 2019
Mary Ludwig said:
Is there a sealant that can be used on a round diamond painting, without affecting the shine? If the painting is framed do you cover it with glass or without? Getting close to finishing my first painting, and it is really beautiful, Virgin Mary. Is there a video on this site showing how to frame, or should it be custom done? Thank you. ML
January 15, 2019
Jacqueline Bird said:
I do prefer the square still and am doing these I have just finished completing my own photo which I sent to you and it look great well satisfied. Thank you
January 15, 2019
Donna McAfrey said:
I hate square drills! Too difficult to pick up and don’t line up perfect so looks like a wiggly Line. Unfortunately I have two to do but the first one is a disaster and I just started. Can I return these and trade same pictures for ones with round drills?
January 15, 2019
nancya518 said:
Have done both round and square and it’s true that the round are much easier and faster to pick up and place accurately. The square ones could be just as easy if someone would produce a square pen that is actually designed for the square diamonds and is not just a modified round pen. This would allow much more control and precise placement of the square drills. It’s very hard to straighten out a square drill with a round pen and usually you have to remove the diamond and do over. This makes doing the square paintings much slower and more aggravating. When viewed from a distance, as you are supposed to do, I see little difference in the end result. I have ordered one of the square pens and am hopeful even a modified pen will make placing square drill easier. Am awaiting a custom painting which is full square drill and am kind of dreading doing it unless the square pen I ordered works well. But I do like these projects- it’s kind of like zoning out for me.
November 20, 2018
Latresa D said:
I love PWD!! I’ve used both round and square drills. My favorite still is the square. They seem to fill the canvas more than the round ones. I saw somewhere that there’s a square drill pen now and when I see it again, I’ll order it. But I love how the squares look and how they sound when they snap in. I’m working on my 5th PWD and I have several more to work on still.
November 20, 2018
Janet Golden said:
I also hate the square drill. The drills or diamonds are not of a uniform size and that make lining them up a pain. I see more space between the drills than I do with the round drills. Some of the square drills are thinner, smaller, etc and some are bigger and wider. You have to be sure that you are paying close attention to what size you need and then you get a color where none of the fit where you need them. None of this happens with the round ones. As for the wrinkles, I read someone’s post on another site and they said they put a heavy towel on a hard surface, then the picture with the picture turned down on the towel. They then put another towel on top of that and use a warm iron (have to be careful with the heat) and iron the picture between the two towels. I have tried this and it worked for one picture and didn’t work very well on the other one. Love doing this and I must have close to 50 pictures to do.
November 20, 2018
Laural N. said:
I prefer the round drills, I dont have the patience to line up the square ones
November 20, 2018
Susie Schend said:
So how do you measure cm’s?
November 20, 2018
Nancy Fong said:
I love the PWD! I first heard about them when I was about to have knee surgery. I had to take off work for 12 weeks. I would’ve went insane if not for these beautiful PWD!! I like both the round and square drills. And I too enjoy that little “pop” that you get from the square drills.
The frustrating thing about this is trying to find the proper fitting frames so you can show off your art work after.
November 20, 2018
Laura Murphy said:
I love the square I don’t want paper on my picture I just want the shine!!!
November 20, 2018
Ruth Cunningham-Williams said:
I just completed my first diamond painting and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I use to do cross stitch which I enjoyed but I have found a new hobby. Just started my custom diamond painting today, a portrait of my grandson.
November 20, 2018