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How Long Does Diamond Painting Take? A Complete Guide

One of the first questions many people ask before starting a diamond painting is:

“How long will it take me to finish it?”

There isn’t one exact answer because every diamond painting is different.

A small, simple design may take only a few hours or a few sessions, while a large, highly detailed painting can become a project that you work on for weeks or even months.

The time depends on the size of the painting, the amount of detail, the number of colours, your experience and how often you work on it.

This guide explains what affects diamond painting completion time and how you can estimate how long your next project might take.

Finished Diamond art Paintings

How Long Does a Diamond Painting Take to Complete?

A diamond painting can take anywhere from a few hours to many weeks or months to complete.

There is no standard completion time because people work at very different speeds.

For example, someone who works on their painting for an hour every evening will obviously finish sooner than someone who only works on it for an hour or two on weekends.

The size of the painting also makes a major difference.

A small project with a simple design requires far fewer drills than a large, detailed portrait.

Diamond art Painting in progress

What Determines How Long a Diamond Painting Takes?

Several factors affect how long your diamond painting will take.

The most important are:

  • The size of the painting
  • The amount of detail
  • The number of drills
  • The number of colours
  • Your experience
  • How quickly you place the drills
  • How often you work on the painting
  • How organised your workspace and drills are

Let’s look at each one.

1. The Size of the Diamond Painting

The size of your painting is one of the biggest factors affecting completion time.

A small painting simply contains fewer areas to cover than a large painting.

For example, a small children’s project may be relatively quick to complete, while a large wall-sized artwork can take a considerable amount of time.

This is one reason it is important to think about the amount of time you have available when choosing your next project.

If you’re new to diamond painting, starting with a smaller project can help you learn the process without committing yourself to a very large painting.

You can read our guide to choosing the right diamond painting size for more information.

2. The Amount of Detail

Two paintings of exactly the same physical size can take different amounts of time to complete.

A simple design with large areas of similar colours may be quicker to work on than a highly detailed image containing many small features and colour changes.

Portraits are a good example.

A detailed portrait may contain many different shades in the face, hair, clothing and background.

This means you may need to switch between colours frequently while working.

3. The Number of Drills

Every drill you place takes time.

The larger the painting, the more drills you will generally need to place.

A small painting may contain thousands of drills, while a large painting can contain many more.

This is why a large diamond painting can become a long-term project.

The good news is that you don’t have to complete all those drills at once!

4. The Number of Colours

The number of colours in a painting can also affect how quickly you work.

If you are working on a large area of one colour, you can often place many drills without constantly changing colours.

A detailed image with many different colours may require you to stop frequently, find another colour and change your tray.

This can slow down the process.

It isn’t necessarily a bad thing, though.

Many diamond painters actually enjoy detailed designs because of the variety involved.

5. Your Experience

Your first diamond painting will probably take longer than your fifth or tenth.

When you’re learning, you need to think about:

  • Which symbol you’re looking for
  • Which colour matches the symbol
  • How much wax to use
  • How to position the drill
  • How to organise your drills
  • How to work without damaging the adhesive

After completing a few paintings, many of these things become automatic.

You will naturally become faster and more confident.

Don’t worry if your first painting feels slow.

You’re learning a new skill.

6. How Quickly You Place the Drills

Everyone has a different working speed.

Some people carefully place each drill individually.

Others develop a faster rhythm once they become comfortable with the process.

Your speed can also depend on the type of design you’re working on.

Large blocks of the same colour can sometimes be completed quickly, while detailed areas with lots of colour changes can take longer.

There is no correct speed.

Diamond painting is supposed to be enjoyable, so you don’t need to race through your project.

7. How Often You Work on Your Painting

This can make an enormous difference to the total calendar time.

Someone who works on their painting every day may finish it relatively quickly.

Someone who only works on their painting on weekends may take considerably longer.

You can make diamond painting fit around your schedule.

You could work for:

  • 15 minutes
  • 30 minutes
  • One hour
  • Several hours

Whatever works for you.

Even a small amount of progress adds up over time.

How Long Does a Small Diamond Painting Take?

Small diamond paintings are generally a good option for beginners because there are fewer drills to place.

The actual time will depend on the design and the person completing it.

A simple small project may be completed over a few sessions, while a more detailed small painting may take longer.

If this is your first diamond painting, choosing a smaller project can be a good way to learn how you enjoy working before moving onto something larger.

You can explore Diamond Art SA’s small diamond painting designs if you’re looking for a smaller project.

How Long Does a Large Diamond Painting Take?

Large diamond paintings can take considerably longer.

The larger the image, the more drills you have to place.

If the image is also highly detailed, you may have many colours and small areas to work through.

A large painting can therefore become a project that you work on over many weeks or even months.

For some diamond painters, that’s actually part of the appeal.

Instead of rushing to finish, the painting becomes a relaxing hobby that you return to regularly.

Large Diamond art Painting

How Long Does a Custom Diamond Painting Take?

Custom paintings can take longer to prepare because they are made from your own photograph.

There is a preparation process before the canvas can be produced.

At Diamond Art SA, custom photographs can be assessed and a sample layout can be provided before proceeding.

For custom paintings that are made to order, please allow approximately 15–25 working days for preparation before delivery.

This is the preparation time before you receive the painting, not the amount of time it takes you to complete it.

Once you receive your custom painting, your personal completion time will depend on the size, detail and how often you work on it.

You can read our complete guide to custom diamond paintings to learn more.

How Can I Complete My Diamond Painting Faster?

If you enjoy working quickly, there are several things you can do to make the process more efficient.

Keep Your Drills Organised

If you constantly have to search for colours, you’re going to spend more time organising than painting.

Keep your drills clearly separated and labelled.

Work in Small Sections

Don’t expose the entire canvas at once.

Work on a manageable area and gradually move across the painting.

Use Good Lighting

Being able to clearly see the symbols makes the process easier and can reduce mistakes.

Prepare Your Workspace

Keep your tray, applicator, wax and drills within easy reach.

A tidy workspace can make your painting sessions much more enjoyable.

Take Regular Breaks

Working for hours without a break isn’t necessarily going to make you finish faster.

If your eyes or hands become tired, take a break and come back later.

Should I Try to Finish My Diamond Painting Quickly?

Not necessarily.

One of the best things about diamond painting is that you don’t have to rush.

For many people, the enjoyment comes from the process rather than simply reaching the finished painting.

You can work on your painting while:

  • Listening to music
  • Watching television
  • Listening to a podcast
  • Listening to an audiobook
  • Chatting with family
  • Relaxing after a busy day

Your diamond painting can be something you look forward to rather than another task that needs to be completed.

How Do I Know What Size Painting I Can Handle?

Think about how much time you realistically have available.

If you only have a short amount of free time each week, a smaller project may be more enjoyable.

If you love large projects and enjoy working on the same painting for months, a large detailed design may be exactly what you’re looking for.

There is no “right” size.

The best size is the one that suits your available time, workspace and patience.

Can Children Finish a Diamond Painting?

Yes, but the project should be appropriate for the child’s age and ability.

A small and relatively simple project can be a good introduction for younger diamond painters.

Large, highly detailed paintings may require more patience and concentration.

Diamond drills are also very small pieces, so younger children should always be supervised appropriately.

Diamond Art SA offers small diamond painting projects that can be suitable for children and beginners.

Why Larger Paintings Can Take Longer

It can be tempting to think:

“If I want more detail, I’ll just buy a bigger painting.”

That’s true in terms of allowing more space for detail, but it also means you will have many more drills to place.

A larger painting requires:

  • More workspace
  • More storage
  • More drills
  • More time
  • More patience

Before ordering a large painting, make sure you have somewhere suitable to work on it and store it between sessions.

How Long Does It Take to Get Good at Diamond Painting?

You can learn the basic technique very quickly.

Your first few sessions may feel slow because you’re learning how everything works.

With practice, you’ll become more comfortable with:

  • Identifying symbols
  • Handling drills
  • Using your applicator
  • Organising colours
  • Working in sections
  • Positioning drills accurately

Your speed will naturally improve as you gain experience.

But remember that being fast isn’t the goal.

A neat, enjoyable painting session is more important than how many drills you can place in an hour.

A Simple Way to Estimate Your Completion Time

If you want to estimate how long your own painting might take, think about three things:

1. How large is the painting?

Larger = generally more drills.

2. How detailed is the image?

More detail and more colours can mean slower progress.

3. How often will you work on it?

Daily sessions will obviously produce faster calendar-time completion than occasional sessions.

For example:

30 minutes a day × 5 days a week

will give you approximately 2½ hours of diamond painting each week.

Even if you only complete a small section during each session, you’ll gradually see the painting come together.

Don’t Compare Your Speed With Other Diamond Painters

You may see people online saying they completed a particular painting extremely quickly.

Don’t worry if yours is taking longer.

Everyone has a different working speed.

Your experience level, the design you’re working on and the amount of time you have available will all be different.

The important thing is to enjoy your project.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours does a diamond painting take?

There is no standard number of hours. Completion time depends on the size, detail, number of colours and your personal working speed.

Can I finish a diamond painting in one day?

A small and simple project may be possible to complete in one day, particularly for an experienced diamond painter. Larger paintings generally require considerably more time.

How long does a 50 × 70 cm diamond painting take?

There is no fixed completion time because the amount of detail, number of colours and your working speed all affect the result. A 50 × 70 cm painting can be a substantial project and may take many sessions to complete.

Do bigger diamond paintings take longer?

Generally, yes. Larger paintings contain more areas to cover and therefore require more drills and more working time.

Are small diamond paintings good for beginners?

Yes. A small project can be a good way to learn the basic technique before moving onto larger and more detailed paintings.

Do detailed paintings take longer?

Generally, yes. Detailed paintings can contain more colours and smaller areas that require more careful work.

How can I finish my diamond painting faster?

Keeping your drills organised, working in manageable sections, having good lighting and preparing your workspace can make the process more efficient.

How long do custom diamond paintings take to prepare?

Diamond Art SA currently advises customers to allow approximately 15–25 working days for preparation before delivery for made-to-order paintings.

How long will my custom diamond painting take me to complete?

That depends on the size and detail of the painting and how often you work on it. The preparation time before delivery and the time you personally spend completing the painting are two separate things.

Enjoy the Journey

Diamond painting isn’t just about reaching the last drill.

For many people, the process itself is the enjoyable part.

Watching an image gradually appear as you place hundreds or thousands of tiny drills can be incredibly satisfying.

Whether you choose a small beginner project, a large detailed artwork or a custom diamond painting made from your own photograph, choose a project that you will enjoy spending time with.

If you’re ready to choose your next project, explore the Diamond Art SA diamond painting collection.

You can also read our complete beginner’s guide to diamond painting or learn how to choose the right diamond painting size.

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What Photo Do I Need for a Custom Diamond Painting? 10 Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing the right photograph is one of the most important steps when ordering a custom diamond painting.

A photograph that looks beautiful on your phone or computer screen doesn’t necessarily make a good diamond painting. The image needs to contain enough detail, have a clear subject and work well when converted into a design made from thousands of individual coloured drills.

If you’re thinking about turning a family photograph, pet photo, wedding picture or favourite memory into diamond art, this guide will help you choose the best photograph and avoid common mistakes.

Custom photo turned into a diamond painting

What Makes a Good Photo for a Custom Diamond Painting?

The best photographs for custom diamond paintings generally have:

  • Good lighting
  • Clear focus
  • Good image quality
  • A clearly visible main subject
  • Enough detail
  • Good contrast
  • Faces that are large enough to see clearly
  • Minimal obstruction around the important subject

The most important question to ask is:

Can I clearly see the important details in the original photograph?

If the answer is yes, you have a much better starting point for a custom diamond painting.

Original Photo → Sample Layout → Finished Diamond Painting

1. Don’t Choose a Blurry Photograph

One of the biggest mistakes is choosing a photograph that is already blurry.

Diamond painting cannot recreate details that aren’t visible in the original photograph.

For example, if someone’s eyes, facial features or hair are already blurred, those details may also be difficult to represent in the finished diamond painting.

Whenever possible, choose a sharp, well-focused original photograph.

2. Avoid Very Dark Photographs

A photograph that is extremely dark can be difficult to convert into diamond art.

Important details may disappear into shadows, particularly around faces, hair and clothing.

A photograph with good, even lighting generally provides more information to work with.

This doesn’t mean that every photograph needs to be professionally photographed. A good-quality photograph taken with a modern phone can work very well.

3. Don’t Choose a Photo Where the Main Subject Is Too Small

This is particularly important for family photographs and group photographs.

Imagine a photograph showing six people standing far away from the camera.

You may be able to see everyone clearly when looking at the original photograph, but each person’s face may be quite small.

When converted into a diamond painting, there may not be enough space to represent the individual facial features clearly.

If the people in the photograph are small, consider choosing a larger diamond painting size.

You can read our guide to choosing the right diamond painting size for more information.

4. Don’t Use a Screenshot If You Have the Original Photo

If you have access to the original photograph, use it.

Avoid sending:

  • Screenshots
  • Social media downloads
  • Photographs of photographs
  • Heavily compressed images
  • Images that have been repeatedly sent through messaging apps

These versions may have lost some of the original image quality.

The better the original file, the better starting point you have.

5. Think Carefully About the Background

The background of a photograph can make a big difference.

Ask yourself:

What do I actually want the finished diamond painting to show?

If the main subject is a person or pet, you may want that subject to be the main focus of the finished artwork.

A photograph where the subject is surrounded by a large amount of distracting background may not be as effective as a closer photograph.

This doesn’t mean that backgrounds are bad.

A beautiful landscape or meaningful location can be an important part of a photograph.

The key is deciding what you want the finished diamond painting to emphasise.

6. Avoid Photos Where Faces Are Hidden

If you’re creating a family or portrait diamond painting, faces are usually one of the most important parts of the image.

Be careful with photographs where:

  • Faces are turned away
  • Faces are covered by hair
  • People are wearing sunglasses
  • People are partly hidden
  • Faces are heavily shadowed
  • People are very far away

A photograph can still be meaningful even if faces aren’t clearly visible, but it may not produce the type of detailed portrait you are expecting.

7. Don’t Assume a Bigger Size Will Fix Every Problem

A larger diamond painting gives an image more space for detail, but it cannot completely fix a poor-quality photograph.

For example, if the original photograph is blurry, simply making the diamond painting larger won’t magically create sharp facial features.

Think of it this way:

Good photograph + appropriate size = better starting point

Poor photograph + very large size ≠ automatically better result

The photograph and the size need to work together.

8. Choose the Right Aspect Ratio

The shape of your photograph also matters.

If your original photograph is very wide but you want a tall diamond painting, some of the image may need to be cropped.

Likewise, changing the proportions can alter the composition of the photograph.

Before ordering, consider whether you want:

  • Portrait orientation
  • Landscape orientation
  • A square design

Try to choose a photograph whose proportions work naturally with the size and shape you want.

The photograph and the size need to work together.

8. Choose the Right Aspect Ratio

The shape of your photograph also matters.

If your original photograph is very wide but you want a tall diamond painting, some of the image may need to be cropped.

Likewise, changing the proportions can alter the composition of the photograph.

Before ordering, consider whether you want:

  • Portrait orientation
  • Landscape orientation
  • A square design

Try to choose a photograph whose proportions work naturally with the size and shape you want.

What Is the Best Photo for a Custom Diamond Painting?

There isn’t one perfect type of photograph.

However, some characteristics generally make a photograph easier to convert into diamond art.

A good photograph usually has:

A clear subject

The main person, pet or object should be easy to identify.

Good lighting

Important details should not disappear into very dark shadows.

Good focus

The important parts of the photograph should be sharp.

Good resolution

Whenever possible, use the original high-quality photograph.

Enough detail

This is particularly important for faces, pets and portraits.

A suitable composition

The photograph should have a composition that works for the size and shape of the finished painting.

What Is the Best Photo for a Custom Pet Diamond Painting?

Pet photographs can make beautiful diamond paintings.

For the best results, try to choose a photograph where your pet’s:

  • Eyes are clearly visible
  • Face is in focus
  • Fur is reasonably detailed
  • Markings are visible
  • Head and body aren’t heavily obstructed

Close-up photographs can work particularly well for pet portraits because the animal’s face occupies more of the image.

A photograph of your dog running across a large field may be beautiful, but if the dog occupies only a small part of the photograph, you may need a larger painting or a different composition.

Custom pet photograph turned into diamond art

What Is the Best Photo for a Family Diamond Painting?

Family photographs require a little more consideration because several faces may need to be represented.

If you have a large group of people, ask yourself how large each person’s face appears in the original photograph.

A photograph where everyone is close together and clearly visible is often a better starting point than a photograph where everyone is spread far apart.

For larger family groups, a larger diamond painting may also be beneficial.

If you aren’t sure whether your photograph will work, send it to Diamond Art SA before ordering so that the image can be assessed.

Family photograph converted into a custom diamond painting

What Is the Best Photo for a Wedding Diamond Painting?

Wedding photographs can make beautiful personalised diamond paintings.

Good choices include:

  • A close-up photograph of the bride and groom
  • A favourite wedding portrait
  • A photograph showing a special moment
  • A photograph with a meaningful wedding location

Try to choose an image where the important details, particularly the faces, are clearly visible.

What Size Should My Custom Diamond Painting Be?

The photograph and the finished size need to be considered together.

A larger painting provides more space for detail, which can be particularly important for portraits, pets and family photographs.

For custom photographs, Diamond Art SA recommends starting from approximately 50 × 70 cm or larger when good detail is important.

However, the ideal size depends on the photograph.

A close-up portrait of one person may require a different size from a photograph containing a large family group.

If you are unsure, send us the photograph before ordering so we can help you determine whether the image is suitable.

You can also read our complete guide to choosing the right diamond painting size.

Can I See a Preview of My Custom Diamond Painting?

Yes.

Diamond Art SA offers a sample layout for custom photographs so that you can see how your photograph translates into diamond art before proceeding.

This can be particularly helpful if you are unsure about:

  • The photograph
  • The cropping
  • The amount of detail
  • The chosen size
  • How the image will look as diamond art

If you’re uncertain about your photograph, don’t guess. Ask before ordering.

Why Doesn’t a Custom Diamond Painting Look Exactly Like the Original Photo?

This is an important expectation to have before ordering.

A photograph contains millions of colours and a huge amount of visual information.

Diamond painting uses a limited range of coloured resin drills.

The photograph therefore needs to be converted into a design using the available drill colours.

When you look closely at the finished artwork, you will see individual coloured drills rather than a photographic image.

When you step back, those individual drills work together to recreate the overall picture.

This is the nature of diamond art and part of what makes it unique.

What If I’m Not Sure Whether My Photo Will Work?

You don’t have to guess.

If you’re unsure whether your photograph is suitable for a custom diamond painting, send it to Diamond Art SA before ordering.

We can assess the image and help you determine whether it is suitable and what size may be appropriate.

This is particularly useful for:

  • Family photographs
  • Group photographs
  • Pet photographs
  • Older photographs
  • Low-light photographs
  • Photographs with lots of background
  • Photographs where you’re unsure about the detail

A Simple Checklist Before Sending Your Photo

Before sending your photograph, ask yourself:

☐ Is the photograph clear?

☐ Is the main subject in focus?

☐ Is there enough light?

☐ Can I clearly see the important details?

☐ Are faces large enough to see?

☐ Is the original photograph available?

☐ Is the background appropriate?

☐ Is the orientation suitable?

☐ Have I considered the size of the finished painting?

☐ Would I be happy with the image as a diamond painting?

If you can answer yes to most of these questions, you have a good starting point.

How to Get the Best Result From Your Custom Diamond Painting

The best results start before the order is placed.

Choose a good photograph, consider the size carefully and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

At Diamond Art SA, you can send your photograph for assessment and request a sample layout before proceeding.

Our custom diamond painting service allows you to turn your own meaningful photograph into a diamond-art project that you can create yourself.

Custom paintings are made to order, so please allow approximately 15–25 working days for preparation before delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What resolution should my photo be for a custom diamond painting?

The higher the quality of the original photograph, the better. Rather than focusing only on a particular pixel number, choose the highest-quality original image you have.

Can I use a photo from my phone?

Yes. Modern smartphones can produce excellent photographs. Try to send the original photograph rather than a screenshot or compressed copy.

Can I use a blurry photograph?

You can ask us to assess it, but blurry photographs may not reproduce fine details clearly.

Can I use an old photograph?

Yes. Older photographs can sometimes make wonderful custom diamond paintings. However, the quality and clarity of the original image will affect the result.

Can I use a photograph with several people?

Yes. However, the more people there are, the more important the size and composition become. If the faces are very small, a larger painting may be necessary.

Can I use a pet photograph?

Yes. Close-up photographs where the pet’s eyes and facial features are clearly visible can work particularly well.

What size should my custom photo diamond painting be?

Diamond Art SA recommends starting from approximately 50 × 70 cm or larger for photographs when good detail is important. The best size still depends on the individual image.

Can I see a sample before ordering?

Yes. Diamond Art SA offers a sample layout for custom photographs so that you can see how the photograph translates into diamond art before proceeding.

Will my finished painting look exactly like my photograph?

No. A photograph contains millions of colours, while diamond painting uses a limited range of drill colours. The finished artwork recreates the overall image using individual coloured drills.

Ready to Turn Your Photo Into Diamond Art?

Choosing the right photograph is the first step towards creating a custom diamond painting that you will enjoy completing and displaying.

You don’t need to be a professional photographer. The most important things are choosing a clear photograph, making sure the main subject is visible and selecting a suitable size.

If you’re unsure whether your photograph will work, send it to Diamond Art SA for assessment before ordering. Contact us.

View our Custom Diamond Painting Service

You can also read our complete guide to custom diamond paintings to learn more about the complete custom-painting process.

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Custom Diamond Painting From Your Own Photo: Everything You Need to Know

Have you ever looked at a favourite photograph and thought, “I wish I could turn this into a diamond painting?”

You can!

A custom diamond painting allows you to take a photograph that has special meaning to you and turn it into a sparkling piece of artwork that you can create yourself.

It could be a photograph of your family, children, partner, pet, wedding, holiday, favourite landscape or another special memory.

But before ordering a custom diamond painting, there are a few important things to understand. The photograph you choose, the size of the painting and the amount of detail in the image can all affect the finished result.

This guide explains how custom diamond paintings work, what makes a good photograph and how to choose the right size.

Custom photo transformed into a diamond painting by Diamond Art SA

What Is a Custom Diamond Painting?

A custom diamond painting is a diamond art kit created from your own photograph or image.

Instead of choosing a design from a catalogue, you provide your own image. The image is then converted into a diamond painting design using coloured resin drills.

The finished canvas contains symbols that correspond to the different drill colours. You then complete the artwork by placing the drills onto the matching symbols.

At Diamond Art SA, we can turn suitable photographs and images into custom diamond art paintings. You can view our custom diamond painting service to see the available options.

What Can You Turn Into a Custom Diamond Painting?

There are many different types of photographs that can be turned into diamond art.

Some popular ideas include:

  • Family photographs
  • Children’s photographs
  • Wedding photographs
  • Couple portraits
  • Pet photographs
  • Memorial photographs
  • Holiday photographs
  • Favourite landscapes
  • Nature photographs
  • Special occasions
  • Meaningful memories

You don’t have to choose a traditional portrait either. A beautiful landscape, favourite animal or special place can also make an interesting diamond painting.

How Does a Custom Diamond Painting Work?

The process is fairly simple.

Step 1: Choose Your Photograph

Start by choosing a photograph that you would like to turn into diamond art.

The quality and composition of the photograph are important, so don’t simply choose the first photograph you find.

Look for an image where the main subject is clear and easy to see.

Step 2: Send Your Photograph

Send your photograph to Diamond Art SA so that we can assess it and help determine whether it is suitable for diamond painting.

If you are unsure about your photograph, it is always better to ask before placing your order.

Step 3: We Prepare a Sample Layout

Diamond Art SA can provide a sample layout for your photograph so that you can see how the image translates into a diamond painting before proceeding.

This is particularly useful because a normal photograph and a diamond painting are very different types of images.

Step 4: Choose Your Size

The size of your finished diamond painting is extremely important.

A larger painting provides more room for detail, which is especially important when your photograph contains faces, pets or other small features.

For custom photographs, Diamond Art SA recommends starting from approximately 50 × 70 cm or larger for the best level of detail.

Sample layout of 50x70cm custom diamond painting against a 30x40cm painting

Step 5: Your Custom Canvas Is Prepared

Once the photograph and size have been confirmed, the image is converted into a diamond-art design and prepared for printing.

Your finished kit includes the canvas, drills and the basic tools required to complete the painting.

Custom paintings are made to order. Diamond Art SA currently advises customers to allow approximately 15–25 working days for preparation before delivery.

What Makes a Good Photo for a Custom Diamond Painting?

Not every photograph will produce the same result.

A good starting photograph should ideally have:

  • Good lighting
  • Clear focus
  • Good resolution
  • Clearly visible subjects
  • Enough detail
  • Reasonable contrast
  • A background that doesn’t overpower the main subject

The most important thing is that the subject you want to turn into diamond art is clearly visible.

Clear Photos Are Better

A blurry photograph cannot suddenly become a highly detailed diamond painting.

If the eyes, face, fur or other important features are already unclear in the original photograph, those details may also be difficult to reproduce in the finished artwork.

Whenever possible, use the original high-quality photograph rather than a screenshot or heavily compressed image.

Good Lighting Matters

A photograph with good lighting generally gives you more visible detail to work with.

Very dark photographs can make important features disappear into shadows.

Likewise, photographs with extremely bright areas can lose detail in those areas.

A photograph with reasonably balanced lighting is usually a better starting point.

Keep the Main Subject Clear

Think about what you want people to notice when they look at the finished diamond painting.

If the main subject is a person, pet or group of people, you generally want them to be clearly visible rather than tiny figures surrounded by a huge amount of background.

Can I Use a Family Photograph?

Yes.

Family photographs can make wonderful custom diamond paintings and can become meaningful pieces of artwork.

However, consider how large the people appear in the photograph.

If you have a large family photograph with many people standing far away from the camera, their faces may be quite small.

A larger canvas can give those faces more room to be represented.

If your photograph contains several people, we recommend sending it to us first so that we can help you determine whether the image and size are suitable.

Can I Turn a Pet Photograph Into Diamond Art?

Absolutely.

Pet portraits are a popular choice for custom diamond paintings.

Dogs, cats, horses and other animals can make beautiful custom artwork.

For a pet photograph, look for an image where:

  • The animal is clearly visible
  • The eyes are in focus
  • The face is well lit
  • The fur is reasonably clear
  • The animal isn’t too small within the photograph

A close-up photograph of your pet can often be a better choice than a photograph where the animal is far away.

What About Wedding Photographs?

Wedding photographs can make particularly meaningful custom diamond paintings.

You could choose:

  • A wedding portrait
  • A couple photograph
  • A favourite moment from the wedding
  • A photograph of the bride and groom
  • A special wedding location

When choosing a wedding photograph, consider how clearly the faces are visible.

A photograph that looks beautiful as a normal photograph may not necessarily be the best choice for diamond art if the people are very small or the image is extremely dark.

Wedding custom diamond art painting.

Why Does the Size of a Custom Diamond Painting Matter?

This is one of the most important things to understand before ordering.

A photograph contains millions of colours and an enormous amount of visual information.

A diamond painting has a limited number of available drill colours.

The photograph therefore has to be translated into a much simpler representation using individual coloured drills.

A larger painting gives the design more space to represent important details.

This is why Diamond Art SA recommends starting custom photographs from approximately 50 × 70 cm or larger when good detail is important.

If you’re unsure about the size, our guide to choosing the right diamond painting size explains more about how size affects detail.

Will My Diamond Painting Look Exactly Like My Photograph?

This is an important question to understand before ordering a custom diamond painting.

No — it will not look exactly like the original photograph when viewed close up.

A photograph contains millions of colours, while diamond painting uses a limited range of drill colours.

The photograph is therefore converted into a diamond-art design using the available colours.

When you look closely at the finished painting, you will see individual coloured drills.

When you step back and look at the painting as a whole, those individual colours work together to recreate the overall image.

This is part of what makes diamond art so interesting — the picture is created from thousands of individual pieces.

Can I See What My Custom Painting Will Look Like Before Ordering?

Diamond Art SA offers a sample layout for custom photographs.

This gives you an opportunity to see how your photograph translates into diamond art before proceeding.

If you are unsure about your photograph or size, this is a useful step because you can discuss the image before the custom canvas is prepared.

Should I Edit My Photograph Before Sending It?

You don’t necessarily need to edit your photograph yourself.

In fact, if you have the original photograph, it is generally better to send the highest-quality original file available rather than a screenshot or heavily compressed version.

If you think the photograph needs cropping or changes, you can discuss this before the custom painting is prepared.

The most important thing is to start with a clear image where the main subject is visible.

What Size Should My Custom Diamond Painting Be?

There isn’t one size that works for every photograph.

The correct size depends on:

  • How many people are in the photograph
  • How large the subjects appear
  • How much detail the image contains
  • Whether the photograph is a portrait or landscape
  • How much background is included
  • How large you want the finished artwork to be

For custom photographs, Diamond Art SA recommends starting from approximately 50 × 70 cm or larger for better detail.

If you’re not sure, send us your photograph and we can help you decide.

What If My Photograph Isn’t Suitable?

Don’t worry.

Not every photograph is ideal for diamond painting, and that is exactly why it can be helpful to have the photograph assessed before ordering.

A photograph might be difficult to use if:

  • The subject is very small
  • The photograph is blurry
  • The image is extremely dark
  • Important facial features are hidden
  • There is too much distracting background
  • The original image quality is very low

If you’re unsure, ask before ordering.

It is much better to choose the right photograph and size before the canvas is prepared.

Can I Use a Photograph From My Phone?

Yes.

Modern phones can produce excellent photographs suitable for custom diamond paintings.

However, try to send the original photograph rather than a screenshot.

Avoid sending a photograph that has been repeatedly compressed through messaging apps or downloaded from social media if you have access to the original file.

The more detail available in the original image, the better starting point you have.

How Long Does a Custom Diamond Painting Take?

Custom diamond paintings are made to order, so they require preparation before they can be shipped.

Diamond Art SA currently advises customers to allow approximately 15–25 working days for preparation before delivery.

The actual time required to complete the painting yourself will depend on the size, detail and how often you work on it.

A large custom portrait can become a long-term creative project.

Why Make a Custom Diamond Painting?

A custom diamond painting can be much more personal than choosing a standard design.

You are creating artwork from something that already has meaning to you.

It can be:

A Family Memory

Turn a favourite family photograph into something you can display in your home.

A Pet Memorial

Create a lasting piece of artwork from a photograph of a beloved pet.

A Wedding Keepsake

Turn a favourite wedding photograph into a sparkling handmade artwork.

A Personal Gift

A custom diamond painting can also make a thoughtful personalised gift for someone special.

A Creative Project

Instead of simply printing and framing a photograph, you get to spend time creating the artwork yourself, one drill at a time.

What Is Included in a Custom Diamond Painting Kit?

The exact contents can depend on the product you choose, but a custom Diamond Art SA kit includes the materials required to create your painting.

The basic kit includes:

  • Custom printed canvas
  • Coloured diamond drills
  • Applicator pen
  • Wax
  • Diamond painting tray

The custom product information also confirms the applicator pen, wax and bead tray as included components.

Are Diamond Art SA Custom Paintings Made in South Africa?

Diamond Art SA is a South African diamond painting supplier offering custom diamond paintings to customers in South Africa.

Our website provides custom diamond art kits as well as standard diamond painting designs, accessories and other diamond-art products.

You can explore our custom diamond paintings if you’re ready to turn your own photograph into diamond art.

Tips Before Ordering Your Custom Diamond Painting

Before sending your photograph, ask yourself:

Is the photograph clear?

Make sure the main subject is in focus.

Is the subject large enough?

Faces and other important details need enough space.

Is the lighting good?

Avoid photographs where the main subject is almost completely hidden in shadows.

Is the photograph meaningful to you?

Remember that a custom diamond painting takes time to complete, so choose something you will enjoy creating and displaying.

Have you chosen the right size?

When in doubt, ask before ordering.

Would you like to see a sample layout?

Diamond Art SA can provide a sample layout for your photograph before proceeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can any photo be made into a diamond painting?

Many photographs can be converted into diamond art, but some will produce better results than others. Clear, well-lit photographs with a clearly visible subject are generally the best starting point.

What is the best photo for a custom diamond painting?

A clear, well-lit photograph with the main subject in focus is generally best. Close-up portraits and pet photographs can work particularly well.

What size should a custom diamond painting be?

For photographs, Diamond Art SA recommends starting from approximately 50 × 70 cm or larger for better detail.

Can I make a diamond painting from a pet photo?

Yes. Pet photographs can make beautiful custom diamond paintings, particularly when the animal’s face and eyes are clearly visible.

Can I use a family photograph?

Yes. Family photographs can be turned into custom diamond paintings. If there are several people in the photograph, a larger canvas may be beneficial.

Will my custom diamond painting look exactly like my photograph?

No. The photograph has to be converted into a limited range of diamond drill colours, so the finished artwork will have the appearance of diamond art rather than a printed photograph.

Can I see a preview before ordering?

Diamond Art SA offers a sample layout for custom photographs. You can send your photograph for assessment before proceeding.

How long does a custom diamond painting take to prepare?

Diamond Art SA currently advises allowing approximately 15–25 working days for preparation before delivery.

What if I don’t know which size to choose?

Send your photograph to Diamond Art SA before ordering and ask for assistance. The image, number of subjects and amount of detail can all affect the recommended size.

Turn Your Favourite Photograph Into Diamond Art

A photograph can capture a special moment, but creating that photograph as diamond art gives you the opportunity to turn the memory into something you can actually spend time creating.

Whether you want to create a family portrait, remember a beloved pet, preserve a wedding photograph or simply turn a favourite image into something unique, a custom diamond painting can be a very personal creative project.

If you have a photograph in mind but aren’t sure whether it will work, send it to Diamond Art SA for assessment and a sample layout before ordering.

Explore Custom Diamond Paintings from Diamond Art SA

You can also read our guide to choosing the right diamond painting size or our complete beginner’s guide to diamond painting to learn more.

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How to Start Diamond Painting: A Complete Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide

Starting your first diamond painting can seem a little confusing when you open the kit and see a canvas covered in symbols, bags of tiny coloured drills and a collection of unfamiliar tools.

The good news is that diamond painting is much easier than it looks.

Once you understand what each tool is for and how the symbols on the canvas work, the process is simply a matter of picking up and placing the drills one by one.

This step-by-step guide will show you how to start your first diamond painting, how to use the tools included in your kit, how to avoid common beginner mistakes and how to work your way towards a finished painting.

If you haven’t tried diamond painting before, you may also want to read our complete beginner’s guide to diamond painting first.

How to start diamond painting for beginners

What Do You Need to Start Diamond Painting?

A basic diamond painting kit normally contains everything you need to begin.

You will generally need:

  • A diamond painting canvas
  • Coloured resin diamond drills
  • An applicator pen
  • Wax
  • A diamond painting tray
  • A colour and symbol chart

You may also find additional tools depending on the particular kit.

As you become more experienced, you can add accessories such as storage containers, tweezers, a light pad, multi-placer tools and other diamond painting accessories.

You don’t need to buy lots of equipment before starting. The basic tools supplied with your kit are enough to learn the technique.

Diamond painting canvas drills pen wax and tray

Step 1: Find a Suitable Workspace

Before opening your drills, find a clean, flat surface where you can comfortably work.

Your workspace should have enough room for:

  • Your canvas
  • Your tray
  • Your diamond drills
  • Your applicator pen
  • Your wax
  • Your colour chart
  • Any storage containers you are using

Good lighting is particularly important because the symbols on a diamond painting canvas can be small.

If you are working on a large painting, make sure you have enough space to support the canvas without constantly folding or moving it.

Step 2: Unpack Your Diamond Painting

Carefully remove the canvas and the other contents from the packaging.

Lay the canvas flat on your workspace.

Depending on how it has been packaged, the canvas may have some curling or creasing. Give it time to flatten naturally rather than immediately trying to force it flat.

Keep the protective covering on the adhesive surface while you prepare your workspace and organise your materials.

Step 3: Understand the Symbols and Colour Chart

Before placing your first drill, take a look at the chart supplied with your painting.

The canvas is covered with symbols, and each symbol corresponds to a particular drill colour.

The chart tells you which colour belongs to each symbol.

For example, one symbol might represent a particular shade of blue, while another symbol represents a shade of green.

Take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the system before starting. This can prevent mistakes later.

Step 4: Organise Your Diamond Drills

Your drills will usually be supplied in individual bags according to colour.

Keep the different colours organised so that you can easily find the one you need.

If you have storage containers, you can transfer the drills into labelled containers. However, this isn’t necessary for a small project.

For your first painting, you can simply keep the original bags organised and work with one colour at a time.

Be particularly careful with colours that look very similar.

Mixing two similar colours together can make it difficult to separate them again.

We also sell these Storage Holders.

Step 5: Choose the First Section

Don’t try to remove the entire protective covering from the canvas.

Instead, choose a small section to work on and expose only that area.

Keeping the rest of the canvas covered helps protect the adhesive from dust, hair and other debris while you work.

A manageable section also makes the project feel much less overwhelming.

You don’t need to complete an entire painting in one sitting.

Step 6: Pour Your Drills Into the Tray

Choose one of the colours needed for the section you’re working on.

Pour a small amount of the drills into your diamond painting tray.

Gently shake the tray from side to side.

The grooves in the tray help the drills settle into a position that makes them easier to pick up with your applicator pen.

Don’t fill the tray too much.

Working with a smaller quantity makes it easier to handle the drills and reduces the chance of accidentally spilling them.

Or get one of these trays for more colours.

Round diamond painting drills in a diamond painting tray

Step 7: Add Wax to Your Applicator Pen

Your diamond painting applicator pen has a hollow tip designed to pick up the drills.

Press the tip of the pen gently into the wax supplied with your kit.

The wax provides temporary grip, allowing the pen to pick up a drill.

You don’t need to keep adding wax after every drill.

When you notice that the pen is no longer picking up the drills properly, simply add a little more wax.

Step 8: Pick Up Your First Diamond Drill

Place the waxed tip of the applicator pen gently onto the top of a drill in your tray.

The drill should stick to the pen.

Lift it from the tray and take it to your canvas.

Now find the symbol on the canvas that corresponds to that particular colour.

Step 9: Place the Drill Onto the Canvas

Position the drill over the matching symbol.

Gently press the drill onto the adhesive.

Lift the pen away.

The drill should remain attached to the canvas.

That’s your first diamond!

It really is that simple.

Continue picking up drills and placing them onto the corresponding symbols.

Placing drills on canvas

Step 10: Work Methodically

There isn’t one single correct way to work through a diamond painting.

Some people like to complete one colour at a time within a section.

Others prefer to work across a row or small area and place whichever colour is required as they go.

Try both approaches and see which feels more comfortable for you.

The important thing is to work in manageable sections and keep track of which colours you are using.

Step 11: Keep the Rest of the Canvas Covered

As you finish a section, move on to the next area and expose only as much of the adhesive as you are ready to work on.

Avoid leaving large areas of adhesive exposed unnecessarily.

Dust, fibres and other debris can settle on the sticky surface and make it more difficult to place the drills.

Keeping the protective covering in place until you need the next section is one of the easiest ways to keep your canvas clean.

Step 12: Check Your Work as You Go

Before moving too far away from a completed section, check your work.

Look for:

  • Missing drills
  • Incorrect colours
  • Drills that are sitting crooked
  • Symbols that have accidentally been skipped
  • Loose drills

It is much easier to correct a mistake while you are still working on that section than to discover it when the entire painting is finished.

If you notice that you have placed the wrong drill, carefully remove it and replace it with the correct colour.

Step 13: Continue Section by Section

Now simply repeat the process:

Choose a colour → put the drills in the tray → add wax to the pen → pick up a drill → match the symbol → place the drill.

Then repeat.

As you continue, the image will gradually appear.

This is one of the most satisfying parts of diamond painting because you can watch the picture develop from a collection of symbols into a finished piece of artwork.

Step 14: Take Breaks

You don’t have to finish your painting in one session.

In fact, large diamond paintings can take many sessions to complete.

If you are working for a long period, take regular breaks and give your eyes and hands a rest.

When you stop for the day, make sure the unfinished area is protected.

Step 15: Finish Your Painting

Continue working through the canvas until all the required symbols have been covered with drills.

Once you believe you have finished, take a close look at the entire painting.

Check for:

  • Missing drills
  • Incorrect colours
  • Loose drills
  • Areas that haven’t been completed
  • Drills that need repositioning

Once you’re happy with the result, your diamond painting is ready to be protected and displayed.

Common Diamond Painting Mistakes Beginners Make

Removing the Entire Protective Cover

One of the most common mistakes is removing the whole protective covering at the beginning.

You don’t need to do this.

Work on one small section at a time and keep the remaining adhesive covered.

Mixing Different Drill Colours

Be careful when working with colours that look similar.

Keep your drill bags or containers clearly separated and labelled.

Pouring Too Many Drills Into the Tray

You only need a small amount at a time.

A tray overflowing with drills is harder to manage and easier to spill.

Working Without Enough Light

If you struggle to see the symbols, improve your lighting before continuing.

A well-lit workspace can make a big difference, especially when working on detailed paintings.

Rushing

Diamond painting is not a race.

Trying to work too quickly can lead to misplaced drills, missed symbols and frustration.

Take your time and enjoy the process.

Leaving Mistakes Until the End

If you notice an incorrectly placed drill, fix it while the section is still in front of you.

It’s much easier than trying to find mistakes after the entire painting has been completed.

Tips for Making Diamond Painting Easier

Once you’ve completed your first project, you will probably discover your own preferred way of working.

Until then, these tips can help:

Work in Small Sections

Don’t expose more canvas than you can comfortably complete.

Keep Your Drills Organised

Good organisation becomes increasingly important as your paintings become larger and contain more colours.

Use Good Lighting

Make sure you can easily see the symbols and colours.

Keep Your Workspace Clean

Small drills can easily disappear if they are dropped onto a cluttered surface.

Keep Unused Drills Safe

If you have leftover drills, keep them labelled and stored rather than throwing them away immediately.

You may need replacement drills or extras for another project.

Take Your Time

The purpose of diamond painting is to enjoy the creative process. There is no need to rush to the finish.

What If a Diamond Drill Won’t Stick to the Pen?

If your applicator pen stops picking up drills, it may simply need more wax.

Press the tip gently into the wax again and try another drill.

If the problem continues, check that the tip is clean and that you are touching the correct part of the drill.

What If I Put the Wrong Drill on the Canvas?

Don’t panic.

If you notice that you’ve used the wrong colour, carefully remove the drill and replace it with the correct one.

This is much easier to fix while you are still working on the area.

What If I Run Out of a Colour?

If you think you may be running low on a particular colour, check your remaining supplies before continuing.

Keep your leftover drills organised so you know which colours you have available.

Diamond Art SA also offers diamond painting tools, accessories and supplies, including additional supplies that may be useful to diamond painting enthusiasts.

How Do I Choose My Next Diamond Painting?

Once you’ve completed your first project, you may find yourself ready to try something larger or more detailed.

When choosing your next project, consider:

  • The image you like
  • The size
  • The amount of detail
  • How much time you have available
  • The amount of workspace you have
  • Whether you want a small, medium or large project

Our guide to choosing the right diamond painting size explains how image detail, size and project time can affect your choice.

You can also explore our diamond art designs to find your next project.

Can I Turn My Own Photograph Into a Diamond Painting?

Yes.

Once you’re comfortable with the basic diamond painting process, you may want to create something more personal.

Diamond Art SA offers custom diamond paintings created from suitable photographs.

You could use a family photograph, pet photograph, special memory or another meaningful image.

If you’re considering a custom painting, choosing the right photograph and size is particularly important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is diamond painting easy for beginners?

Yes. The basic process is simple to learn. You match the symbols on the canvas with the corresponding drill colours and place the drills onto the adhesive.

What should I do first when I open my diamond painting kit?

Find a clean workspace, lay your canvas flat, check the colour chart and organise your drills before beginning.

Should I remove all the plastic from my diamond painting?

No. It is better to expose only a small section at a time so that the remaining adhesive stays protected.

How do you pick up diamond painting drills?

Press the tip of the applicator pen into the supplied wax, then gently touch the waxed tip to the top of a drill.

How do you know where each diamond goes?

Each symbol on the canvas corresponds to a particular drill colour. Use the colour and symbol chart supplied with your painting to match the correct drill to each symbol.

Should I work one colour at a time?

You can. Many people find it convenient to complete one colour within a small section before moving onto another colour, but you can experiment and find the method that works best for you.

What happens if I make a mistake?

Carefully remove the incorrect drill and replace it with the correct one. Mistakes are normal, especially when you’re learning.

Can I stop my diamond painting and continue later?

Yes. Diamond paintings can be completed over multiple sessions. When you stop, protect the unfinished adhesive area and keep your drills organised.

How long does it take to complete a diamond painting?

It depends on the size, detail, number of colours and how often you work on it. A small project may be completed relatively quickly, while a large detailed painting can take much longer.

Ready to Start Your First Diamond Painting?

Diamond painting may look complicated when you first open a kit, but the basic technique is simple.

Prepare your workspace, organise your drills, expose a small section of the canvas, load your applicator with wax and start placing the drills one at a time.

Before long, the symbols will begin disappearing beneath colourful drills and your picture will start to appear.

If you are looking for your first project, explore Diamond Art SA’s range of diamond painting designs.

For more information about diamond painting, sizes, custom paintings and getting started, visit our Diamond Painting South Africa guide.

Finished diamond painting artwork
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How to Choose the Right Diamond Painting Size: A Complete Guide

Choosing the right diamond painting size is one of the most important decisions you can make before starting a project.

A larger diamond painting generally gives an image more room for detail, while a smaller painting can be quicker and easier to complete. The best size depends on the image you want to create, how much detail it contains and how much time you want to spend on your project.

Whether you are buying your first diamond painting or choosing a size for a custom photograph, this guide will help you understand how diamond painting sizes work and how to choose the right one.

Why Does Diamond Painting Size Matter?

The size of a diamond painting affects how much detail can be represented in the finished artwork.

Imagine trying to reproduce a detailed photograph of a person’s face in a very small space. There simply isn’t enough room for every small feature to be represented clearly.

Increasing the size gives the image more space, allowing individual details to be represented using more drills.

This is particularly important for:

  • Portraits
  • Pet photographs
  • Faces
  • Animals
  • Landscapes with fine detail
  • Images containing small objects
  • Photographs with complicated backgrounds

A simple image with large areas of colour may work well at a smaller size, while a highly detailed photograph may need a much larger painting.

What Does the Diamond Painting Size Mean?

One important thing to check when ordering a diamond painting is what measurement the listed size refers to.

At Diamond Art SA, the size shown for our paintings refers to the actual image or drill area, rather than the overall canvas.

This means the physical canvas will be larger than the stated image size because additional canvas surrounds the image area.

Always check the individual product information before ordering, as specifications can vary between products.

Small Diamond Paintings

Smaller diamond paintings can be a good choice for beginners or anyone looking for a project that doesn’t require a large amount of time or workspace.

They can also work particularly well for:

  • Simple designs
  • Small decorative pictures
  • Children’s projects
  • Beginner projects
  • Small gifts
  • Designs with less fine detail

If you are new to diamond painting and aren’t sure whether you will enjoy the hobby, starting with a smaller project can be a great way to learn the basic technique.

You can explore our small diamond painting projects for smaller designs.

Small diamond art Paintings

Medium-Sized Diamond Paintings

Medium-sized paintings offer a balance between detail and completion time.

They provide more space for an image to develop than a small painting without requiring the same amount of time and workspace as a very large project.

Medium sizes can work well for:

  • Animals
  • Flowers
  • Landscapes
  • Decorative artwork
  • More detailed designs
  • Intermediate diamond painters

The ideal size will still depend on the particular image.

Two images of exactly the same size can require very different amounts of detail depending on the design.

Medium size Diamond art paintings

Large Diamond Paintings

Large diamond paintings give an image significantly more space for detail.

They are particularly useful when you want to reproduce:

  • Faces
  • Family portraits
  • Pet photographs
  • Highly detailed animals
  • Complex landscapes
  • Detailed artwork
  • Large statement pieces

A large painting does take more time to complete, but the additional space can make a significant difference to the appearance of a detailed image.

If you have a photograph containing several people or important facial details, choosing a larger size is often worth considering.

Custom Large Diamond art Painting

Choosing the Right Size for a Custom Diamond Painting

Size becomes especially important when you are creating a diamond painting from your own photograph.

A photograph contains a huge amount of information and detail. When it is converted into diamond art, the image has to be represented using a limited number of coloured resin drills.

A larger canvas gives those details more room.

For custom photographs, Diamond Art SA recommends starting from approximately 50 × 70 cm or larger when good detail is important.

This is particularly relevant for photographs containing:

  • People
  • Faces
  • Pets
  • Multiple subjects
  • Fine details
  • Detailed backgrounds

If you are unsure which size is suitable for your photograph, it is a good idea to ask before ordering.

You can learn more about our custom diamond painting service.

hy Small Photos Can Be Difficult to Turn Into Diamond Paintings

A common mistake is choosing a very small size simply because the original photograph looks clear on a phone or computer screen.

A photograph viewed on a screen can contain far more information than a small diamond painting can reproduce.

For example, a photograph of a person may clearly show their face when viewed on a large screen. If that same photograph is reduced to a small diamond painting, there may not be enough space for the eyes, nose, mouth and other features to be represented clearly.

This is why the size of the finished diamond painting matters just as much as the quality of the original photograph.

Does a Bigger Diamond Painting Always Look Better?

Not necessarily.

A larger size isn’t automatically better for every image.

If the original design is simple, increasing the size may not add much useful detail.

The goal is to choose a size that gives the image enough space to reproduce the important details without creating an unnecessarily large project.

The image itself should always be considered when choosing a size.

How to Choose a Diamond Painting Size for a Portrait

Portraits often benefit from larger sizes because faces contain many small details.

When choosing a size for a portrait, consider:

  • How many people are in the photograph
  • How large the faces are within the original photograph
  • How much background is included
  • Whether facial details are important
  • How large you want the finished artwork to be

A close-up portrait with one person may require less overall canvas than a family photograph showing several people.

For a family photograph, a larger size can help ensure that each person’s face has enough space to be represented.

How to Choose a Size for a Pet Diamond Painting

Pet photographs can also benefit from additional size, particularly when you want the finished painting to show details such as:

  • Eyes
  • Fur
  • Facial features
  • Whiskers
  • Nose
  • Markings

A close-up photograph of one pet may work well at a smaller size than a photograph showing several animals or an animal in a detailed environment.

If you are considering a custom pet diamond painting, choosing a clear photograph and an appropriate size will give you the best starting point.

Custom diamond pet painting

How Much Workspace Do You Need?

Remember that a large diamond painting doesn’t only require more time. It also requires more physical workspace.

Before ordering a large project, consider where you will work on it.

You may need space for:

  • The canvas
  • Drill containers
  • Your tray
  • Applicator
  • Wax
  • Additional tools
  • A comfortable working area

If you don’t have a permanent craft area, a smaller painting may be easier to manage.

How Long Does a Diamond Painting Take?

The larger the painting, the more drills there are to place, so larger projects generally take longer to complete.

However, completion time also depends on:

  • Your experience
  • How quickly you work
  • The number of colours
  • The amount of detail
  • How often you work on the project
  • Whether you work for short or long sessions

A small project can be completed relatively quickly, while a large detailed painting can become a project you work on for weeks or even months.

There is no need to rush. One of the enjoyable things about diamond painting is being able to work at your own pace.

What Size Should a Beginner Choose?

If you have never tried diamond painting before, a smaller or medium-sized project can be a good place to start.

This allows you to learn:

  • How to use the applicator
  • How to use the wax
  • How to read the symbols
  • How to organise your drills
  • How to protect the adhesive
  • How you prefer to work

Once you’ve completed your first project, you may find yourself ready to take on a larger and more detailed design.

What Size Should I Choose for a Detailed Image?

If the image contains a lot of detail, consider choosing a larger size.

As a general guide:

Simple image → smaller size may work well

Moderately detailed image → medium size may be suitable

Highly detailed image → larger size is usually preferable

This isn’t a strict rule because every image is different.

If you are unsure, ask before ordering rather than guessing.

Can Diamond Art SA Help Me Choose a Size?

Yes.

If you’re unsure which size would work best for a particular design or photograph, you can contact Diamond Art SA before ordering.

For custom diamond paintings, we can assess your photograph and help determine whether it is suitable for diamond art.

You can also request a sample layout for a custom photograph before proceeding.

Final Tips for Choosing Your Diamond Painting Size

Before choosing your size, ask yourself:

What does the image contain?

Does it have faces, pets or lots of fine detail?

How much time do I want to spend on it?

A larger painting can become a long-term project.

How much workspace do I have?

Make sure you have somewhere comfortable to work.

Is it a custom photograph?

If so, consider choosing a larger size so important details have enough room.

Am I a beginner?

A smaller project can be a good introduction to the hobby.

Where to Start

Choosing the right diamond painting size doesn’t have to be complicated.

The most important thing is to consider the image itself, the amount of detail you want to preserve, the amount of time you have available and the space you have to work.

If you’re new to diamond painting, you can read our complete beginner’s guide to diamond painting to learn more about how the hobby works.

You can also explore our diamond art designs or take a look at our custom diamond painting service if you would like to create a painting from your own photograph.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best size for a diamond painting?

There isn’t one best size. The ideal size depends on the image, the amount of detail, your available workspace and how much time you want to spend on the project.

What size diamond painting is best for beginners?

A smaller or medium-sized painting can be a good starting point for beginners because it allows you to learn the basic technique without committing to a very large project.

What size should a custom diamond painting be?

For custom photographs, Diamond Art SA recommends starting from approximately 50 × 70 cm or larger when good detail is important.

Does a bigger diamond painting have more detail?

A larger painting gives the image more space to represent detail, but simply making an image larger does not automatically create more detail. The quality and composition of the original image also matter.

What size is best for a family portrait?

Family portraits often benefit from a larger size because there may be several faces that need to be represented. The best size depends on how many people are in the photograph and how large their faces appear in the original image.

What size is best for a pet diamond painting?

A close-up photograph of one pet may work well at a smaller size, while photographs with several pets or lots of background detail may benefit from a larger painting.

Does Diamond Art SA help customers choose the right size?

Yes. If you’re unsure which size to choose, you can contact Diamond Art SA for assistance before ordering.

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What Is Diamond Painting? A Complete Beginner’s Guide

If you have ever seen a sparkling diamond painting and wondered how it is made, you are not alone. Diamond painting is a creative craft that is easy to learn, requires no painting experience and can be enjoyed by both children and adults.

Whether you are completely new to the hobby or are thinking about buying your first diamond painting kit, this guide explains what diamond painting is, how it works, what you need to get started and how to choose your first project.

What is diamond painting - finished diamond art painting

What Is Diamond Painting?

Diamond painting is a craft hobby where tiny resin diamonds, also called drills, are placed onto a specially printed adhesive canvas to create a sparkling picture.

The process is similar to a combination of paint-by-numbers and cross stitch. Instead of using paint or thread, you use small coloured resin drills. Each symbol on the canvas corresponds to a particular drill colour.

You gradually build the image by placing the drills onto the matching symbols. As more drills are added, the picture begins to appear.

The finished artwork has a colourful, sparkling appearance because the faceted surface of the resin drills reflects light.

How Does Diamond Painting Work?

Person placing resin drills onto a diamond painting canvas

The basic process is surprisingly simple.

A typical diamond painting kit contains a printed adhesive canvas, resin drills and the basic tools needed to place the drills. The canvas has a protective covering over the adhesive to keep it clean until you are ready to work on it.

You then:

  1. Choose a section of the canvas to work on.
  2. Peel back a small section of the protective covering.
  3. Find the symbol you want to work on.
  4. Check the colour chart to identify the correct drill.
  5. Pour a small number of drills into the tray.
  6. Press the applicator pen into the wax.
  7. Use the pen to pick up a drill.
  8. Place the drill onto the matching symbol.
  9. Continue working through the section.
  10. Move onto the next section until your painting is complete.

It is essentially a pick, place and repeat process. Once you get started, the technique becomes much easier and more natural.

What Comes in a Diamond Painting Kit?

The exact contents can vary depending on the supplier and product, but a basic diamond painting kit generally includes:

  • An adhesive diamond painting canvas
  • Coloured resin drills
  • An applicator pen
  • Wax
  • A diamond painting tray
  • A colour/symbol chart or key

Some projects may also include additional tools or accessories.

You don’t need a large collection of equipment to start diamond painting. The basic tools supplied with a kit are enough to get you started.

As you become more experienced, you may decide to add accessories such as storage containers, tweezers, multi-placer tools or a light pad.

What Are Diamond Painting Drills?

The small “diamonds” used in diamond painting are usually called drills.

They are small resin pieces with a faceted top that creates the sparkling effect associated with diamond art.

Drills are available in different colours and can be either round or square, depending on the particular diamond painting.

At Diamond Art SA, our diamond art paintings currently use round drills.

Round drills are circular and are placed onto the corresponding symbols on the adhesive canvas. They are a popular choice for diamond painting and are straightforward to work with, especially for beginners.

Is Diamond Painting Difficult?

One of the reasons diamond painting is so popular is that the basic technique is easy to learn.

You don’t need to know how to draw or paint, and you don’t need previous crafting experience.

The challenge usually comes from the amount of time required rather than the technique itself. A small, simple painting can be much quicker to complete than a large, highly detailed design.

If you are a complete beginner, starting with a smaller project can be a great way to learn how everything works before moving onto a larger painting.

How Do You Start Your First Diamond Painting?

Before you begin, find a clean, flat workspace where you can comfortably work on your canvas.

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Make sure you have enough room for your canvas, drills, tray and tools.

Good lighting is also important because you need to be able to see the small symbols on the canvas clearly.

Step 2: Understand Your Colour Chart

Look at the symbol and colour chart supplied with your painting.

Each symbol corresponds to a particular drill colour. Take a little time to familiarise yourself with the chart before you begin.

Step 3: Work on a Small Section

Avoid removing the entire protective covering from the canvas at once.

Instead, expose a manageable section and keep the rest covered. This helps protect the adhesive from dust and other debris while you work.

Step 4: Prepare Your Drills

Place a small quantity of the colour you are working with into your tray.

Gently shake the tray so that the drills settle into position and are easier to pick up with your applicator.

Step 5: Load Your Applicator

Press the tip of your applicator pen into the wax.

The wax gives the tip enough grip to pick up an individual drill.

Step 6: Pick Up and Place the Drills

Touch the waxed pen to the top of a drill, then place the drill onto the matching symbol on your canvas.

Press gently so that it sticks to the adhesive.

Continue placing drills until the section is complete.

Step 7: Continue Section by Section

Once you have completed one area, move onto another section of the canvas.

Slowly, the individual drills will come together to create the finished image.

If you’re unsure what size painting to choose, read our guide to choosing the right diamond painting size.

How Should Beginners Choose Their First Diamond Painting?

Your first diamond painting doesn’t have to be huge.

In fact, a smaller or simpler design can be a good way to learn the basic technique without committing to a very large project.

When choosing your first painting, consider:

  • The size of the artwork
  • How much detail the image contains
  • How much time you have available
  • Whether you prefer simple or detailed designs
  • Whether you want to complete the project relatively quickly

If you are unsure what size would work best, our Diamond Painting South Africa guide contains more information about choosing the right size and getting started with diamond painting.

You can also explore our small diamond painting projects if you are looking for a smaller project.

How Long Does Diamond Painting Take?

There is no standard amount of time required to complete a diamond painting.

Completion time depends on:

  • The size of the painting
  • The amount of detail
  • The number of colours
  • How quickly you place the drills
  • How often you work on the project
  • Your experience level

A small project might be completed relatively quickly, while a large, detailed painting can become a long-term project that you work on over many sessions.

One of the enjoyable parts of diamond painting is that you can work at your own pace.

What Size Diamond Painting Should You Choose?

Size is particularly important when choosing a diamond painting.

A larger image generally gives the artwork more room to represent fine details. This becomes especially important when the design includes faces, animals, small features or complicated backgrounds.

A smaller image may be suitable for a simpler design, while a highly detailed image may benefit from a larger size.

If you are choosing a custom diamond painting from your own photograph, size becomes even more important because the photograph needs enough space for the important details to be represented.

For more information, read our guide to Diamond Painting in South Africa.

Can You Turn Your Own Photo Into a Diamond Painting?

Yes!

One of the most exciting options available to diamond painting enthusiasts is creating a custom painting from your own photograph.

You could use:

  • A family photograph
  • A photograph of your pet
  • A favourite holiday memory
  • A special person
  • A wedding photograph
  • A landscape
  • Another meaningful image

Diamond Art SA offers custom diamond paintings created from customers’ own photographs.

For the best results, photographs should generally be clear, well-lit and contain enough detail for the main subject to be reproduced effectively.

When creating a custom diamond painting, it is also important to understand that a photograph contains millions of colours, while diamond painting uses a limited selection of drill colours. The finished artwork therefore won’t be an exact photographic reproduction when viewed close up.

Instead, the individual coloured drills work together to recreate the overall image.

Is Diamond Painting Suitable for Children?

Diamond painting can be an enjoyable creative activity for children, but the small size of the drills means that parents should consider the child’s age and ability when choosing a project.

For younger children, a smaller and simpler design can be easier to manage than a large, highly detailed painting.

Diamond Art SA offers small and children’s diamond painting projects that can be suitable options for younger crafters.

Always supervise young children appropriately because the drills are small pieces.

Tips for Your First Diamond Painting

Here are a few simple tips that can make your first project easier:

Keep the protective cover on

Only expose the area you are currently working on. Keeping the rest covered helps protect the adhesive.

Don’t pour too many drills into your tray

Work with a manageable amount at a time. This makes it easier to handle the drills and reduces the chance of spills.

Keep your drills organised

If you have several colours, keep the bags or containers clearly labelled so that you can easily identify the colour you need.

Take your time

There is no need to rush. Diamond painting is a project you can work on a little at a time.

Start small

If this is your first project, a smaller design can help you become comfortable with the tools and process.

Don’t worry about perfection

Your first few rows may not look perfect, and that’s completely normal. Your technique will improve as you continue.

What Can You Do With a Finished Diamond Painting?

Once you have completed your painting, you can display it as artwork in your home, give it as a gift or keep it as a reminder of the time you spent creating it.

Before displaying your finished painting, check that all the drills are properly placed and that there are no obvious missing pieces.

If you want additional protection for your finished artwork, diamond painting sealer can also be used according to the product’s instructions.

Where Can You Buy Diamond Painting in South Africa?

If you’re looking for diamond painting in South Africa, Diamond Art SA offers a range of options for beginners and experienced crafters.

Our range includes:

You can explore our diamond art designs or visit our Diamond Painting South Africa guide for more information about choosing a painting and getting started.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need artistic experience to do diamond painting?

No. Diamond painting does not require drawing or painting skills. You simply follow the symbols on the canvas and place the corresponding drills.

What are diamond painting drills?

Drills are the small resin pieces that are placed onto the adhesive canvas to create the finished artwork.

What tools do I need for diamond painting?

A basic project requires a diamond painting canvas, drills, applicator pen, wax and tray. Additional accessories are optional.

Are diamond paintings suitable for beginners?

Yes. Diamond painting is relatively easy to learn, and beginners can start with a small or simple design before progressing to larger projects.

Can I make a diamond painting from my own photo?

Yes. Diamond Art SA offers custom diamond painting services that allow you to turn a suitable photograph into a diamond-art design.

What size diamond painting should a beginner buy?

There is no single correct size. Smaller projects can be easier for beginners because they generally require less time to complete. The best size also depends on the detail in the image.

Does Diamond Art SA deliver in South Africa?

Yes. Diamond Art SA supplies diamond painting products to customers throughout South Africa.

Ready to Try Diamond Painting?

Diamond painting is a simple craft that can turn a printed design into a sparkling piece of artwork, one drill at a time.

Whether you want to try a small beginner project, create a large statement piece or turn a favourite photograph into a custom diamond painting, there are many different ways to enjoy the hobby.

Explore Diamond Art SA’s diamond painting designs and find a project for your next creative session.

If you’re not sure where to begin, you can also visit our Diamond Painting South Africa guide for more information.

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 Make This Father’s Day Unforgettable!

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✨ Make Mom’s Day Sparkle! ✨

This Mother’s Day, skip the standard flowers and give her a gift as unique and beautiful as she is.

 Diamond Art Paintings

Give her the gift of relaxation. Our Diamond Art kits are the ultimate “me-time” activity, resulting in a shimmering masterpiece she can proudly display.

 Bespoke Wooden Trays & Decor

Elevate her morning coffee or breakfast in bed with our premium wooden trays. Want something even more personal? Our Laser-Cut Wooden Items can be customized with heartfelt messages that will bring a tear to her eye every time she sees them.

 Genuine Leather Bookmarks

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WhatsApp 081 800 7491

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Turn Your Memories Into a Sparkling Masterpiece!

Looking for a gift that truly stands out? Our NEW Custom Diamond Art Trays combine the elegance of laser-cut wood with the irresistible shimmer of diamond dotting. 💎

Whether it’s a favourite family photo or a sentimental message for Ouma, you create more than just a tray—you create a keepsake.

Choose Your Style:

🖼️ The Full-Drill Canvas: Wall-to-wall sparkle! We turn your high-res photo into a complete diamond mosaic.

✍️ The Legacy Engraved: A beautiful blend of diamond art and a personalized laser-engraved message for that extra special touch.

Perfect for:

✅ Mother’s Day & Birthday Gifts

✅ Wedding & Anniversary Keepsakes

✅ A relaxing DIY project for yourself!

🚛 We ship nationwide! Each kit comes unassembled for you to stain, dot, and seal to perfection.

👉 NOT SURE IF YOUR PHOTO WILL WORK? We offer a FREE layout preview before you buy! Send us your image and we’ll show you how it will look in diamonds.

WhatsApp

081 800 7491

For more Dimensional Diamond art click link below:

https://www.diamondartsa.co.za/195-dimensional-diamond-art