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

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.

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.

August 18, 2026August 18, 2026

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.

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.