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.

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.

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.

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.

August 18, 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

August 18, 2026August 18, 2026

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?

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:

Choose a section of the canvas to work on.
Peel back a small section of the protective covering.
Find the symbol you want to work on.
Check the colour chart to identify the correct drill.
Pour a small number of drills into the tray.
Press the applicator pen into the wax.
Use the pen to pick up a drill.
Place the drill onto the matching symbol.
Continue working through the section.
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.

June 18, 2025August 17, 2026

📌 Historical Article — This post was published in June 2025 and refers to our former retail shop at Sundowner Plaza. Diamond Art SA no longer operates from this retail location. Please see our current contact/collection information here. Contact us

Historical: Diamond Art SA’s Former Sundowner Plaza Shop

Cnr Apollo Rd & Taurus Rd, Sundowner JHB.

We’re excited to welcome you to our brand-new store — now open for business!

Browse and purchase beautiful diamond art paintings, ready to take home today.

Place your order for a custom diamond art or cross stitch kit — made just for you!

Come say hello and see what’s new — we can’t wait to see you!

Or visit our website: www.diamondartsa.co.za

Send us a WhatsApp for any queries or sample layouts for customs: 081 800 7491

February 7, 2025November 22, 2025

💎 Love Diamond Painting? Make It Personal! 💎

Turn your favorite photo into a stunning diamond art masterpiece! Whether it’s family, pets, a wedding, or a special memory, we’ll bring it to life in sparkling diamonds.

✨ Why Choose Custom Diamond Art?

✔️ Unique & Personalized

✔️ Relaxing & Fun to Create

✔️ A Perfect Gift for Any Occasion

✔️ Stunning Home Décor

📸 Send us your photo for a FREE sample layout – see how your image will look before you order!

💬 Message us today to get started! WhatsApp 081 800 7491

📷 See our images of happy clients’ finished diamond art paintings – your masterpiece could be next!

www.diamondartsa.co.za

March 10, 2023

Diamond painting with wooden frame

Diamond art paintings, with a printed border and stretched over a wooden frame, ready for you to hang when completed! We have 15 frame colours to choose from to match your image. We can print any image/photo you supply us, these we can make in 4 different sizes

. https://www.diamondartsa.co.za/62-diamond-painting-on-a-frame