Summary: This guide shows you exactly how to do diamond painting: what tools you need, the 5-step method, pro tips, the top beginner mistakes to avoid, and how to make your own custom diamond painting at DYC. Ideal first size: 30×40cm.
Wondering how to do diamond painting or what makes diamond art so relaxing and beautiful? Whether you call it Diamond Dotz, diamond art, or custom diamond painting, the process is easy, calming, and deeply rewarding. Let’s walk through everything you need to know — from tools to step-by-step techniques — and help you start your first sparkling masterpiece.
Diamond Dotz How To: What You’ll Need
Don’t worry if you’re new — most kits come with all the essentials. Each diamond painting kit includes:
- A pre-printed canvas with your chosen design
- A full set of sparkling resin drills (diamonds)
- A pen tool
- A wax pad
- A diamond tray
That’s all you need to begin your own diamond painting journey. Our Custom Diamond Painting Kits include a few thoughtful extras:
- Multi-placer pen tips – place up to 10 diamonds at once
- Reusable storage bags – organize extra drills easily
- Label stickers – keep colors and symbols neatly marked
Tip for beginners: Start with a smaller canvas (like 30×40cm) to build confidence and enjoy quicker results.
Looking for beginner-friendly options? Explore our Beginner Diamond Painting Kits.
Step-by-Step: How to Do Diamond Art (How to Diamond Paint)
1. Unroll Your Canvas
Lay your canvas flat on a clean surface. Gently roll it the other way or place books on the corners to help it stay flat.
2. Check the Symbols
Each canvas has a printed chart matching symbols to diamond colors (like “DMC 310” for black). This is your guide — your sparkly legend.
3. Pour Diamonds Into the Tray
Pour a small number of diamonds into the tray and gently shake it so the flat sides face up. This makes them easy to pick up with the pen tool.
4. Dip Your Pen into Wax
Press the pen tip into the wax pad to help it grab and hold each diamond securely.
5. Start Placing Diamonds
Peel back the film bit by bit (don’t remove it all at once). Match each symbol with the correct diamond and place them — one sparkle at a time.
Slowly, your image begins to glow — and so does your mood. That’s the magic of diamond art.
How Does Diamond Painting Work?
Diamond painting works through a “color-by-symbol” method on an adhesive canvas. Each symbol corresponds to a specific diamond color; placed correctly, the tiny resin drills reflect light to create the signature sparkle fans love.
Think of it as a cross between paint-by-numbers and mosaic art — relaxing, beautiful, and wonderfully therapeutic.
How to Make Your Own Diamond Painting
Want to know how to make your own diamond painting? Upload your favorite photo — pet, family, or travel memory — and our designers will turn it into a custom diamond painting kit: Custom Diamond Painting.
Diamond Painting Tips from Team DYC
- Work in small sections so your glue doesn’t dry out.
- Use tweezers for extra precision when placing diamonds.
- Store extra drills in labeled bags to stay organized.
- Seal your finished artwork with a clear, non-toxic sealer for extra shine and longevity.
Top 5 Beginner Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
- Peeling off the entire film at once — peel bit by bit to keep the canvas sticky and dust-free.
- Starting with an oversized canvas — begin with 30×40cm to finish faster and build confidence.
- Mixing drills without labels — use labeled baggies/boxes; match DMC codes to symbols.
- Pressing too hard with the pen — gentle pressure works best; replace wax when pickup weakens.
- Skipping sealing/framing — seal for durability and frame for a gallery-ready finish.
FAQs: Common Questions About Diamond Painting
How do you do diamond art?
Apply small resin diamonds to a sticky canvas using a pen tool. Follow the color symbols and enjoy — no experience needed!
How does diamond art work?
The printed canvas acts like a color guide; each resin diamond sticks to its corresponding symbol to form a sparkling mosaic.
How to do Diamond Dotz?
Same method as diamond painting — peel, pick, and place! The main difference is branding and packaging.
How to make your own diamond painting?
Upload your photo on our Custom Diamond Painting page, choose your size, and receive a personalized kit.
How long does a diamond painting take?
Small canvases (30×40cm) can take a few evenings; larger sizes take longer. Work at your own pace.
Do I need to seal a finished diamond painting?
Sealing is optional but recommended for durability, especially if you plan to frame or gift the artwork.
What’s the difference between round vs. square drills?
Round drills are beginner-friendly and faster; square drills offer a tighter, mosaic-like finish with crisp details.
Can kids do diamond art?
Yes! Choose simpler designs and larger drills. It’s a relaxing, screen-free craft for family time.
Why People Love Diamond Art
-- “Diamond art has become my daily dose of calm — just me, my canvas, and a sparkle of peace.”
-- “It’s something I share with my daughter. Each piece we finish feels like a memory framed in light.”
-- “I turned my cat’s photo into a custom kit, and now it hangs in my hallway — a moment that shines forever.”
At DYC, diamond painting is more than craft — it’s comfort, mindfulness, and creation, one diamond at a time.
Let Your Light Shine
Whether you're crafting a keepsake, making a gift, or just taking a moment for yourself, diamond painting invites you to slow down and sparkle from the inside out.
From little moments to lasting sparkle — that’s DYC.
