SEE HOW EASY IT IS TO DIAMOND PAINT
Are you ready to learn how to diamond paint? You’ve landed in the right place! You won’t believe how easy it is to start diamond painting. In this blog post, you’ll see how to master the technique of diamond painting in 12 easy steps and learn about the essential diamond painting tools included in your Diamond Dotz® kit. We’ll also give you some pro tips to use along the way. Diamond Dotz® diamond painting kits are the highest quality kits out there and that means a successful diamond painting experience is guaranteed. Exciting, right?
If this is your first diamond painting, no worries! You’ll quickly discover how easy it is to master diamond painting in just one sitting – it truly is a craft that you can ace in minutes. There are no special skills required to diamond paint and no advance preparation is needed to begin diamond painting. Ready to get started? Let’s go!
First off, open the package and familiarize yourself with the parts of your Diamond Dotz® diamond painting kit. We’ll use the below-listed terms throughout the diamond painting process, so it’s best to get to know all about the diamond painting tools before you dig in. It’s also good to know that there are a variety of names used to describe the diamond art gems and tools. We’ll give you all of the common names that our enthusiasts use, so you can become fully fluent in the language of diamond painting!
HERE ARE THE KEY DIAMOND PAINTING TOOLS AND SUPPLIES IN YOUR DIAMOND DOTZ® KIT:
- The diamond painting canvas with adhesive: this is the sticky piece of fabric with the color design or chart preprinted on it. It’s coated with an adhesive that holds the Diamond Dotz® in place once you start dotting. To protect the adhesive coating, there is a piece of clear film covering the charted canvas. Our canvas is 100% polyester.
- The Diamond Dotz® gems: these are the diamond facets you’ll use to complete or “dot” the design. They are sorted by color and each color is identified by numbers printed on its packet. The terms gems, diamonds, facets, drills and Dotz® are used interchangeably by our fans. We love to use the word Dotz® when we are talking about the gems – but remember, they are only Dotz® if they are part of a Diamond Dotz® kit. It is our trademarked brand after all, and our sparkling Dotz® are truly unique.
- The diamond painting pen: this is the stylus tool that you will use to pick up each individual gem and place it onto the chart. There are many specialty diamond painting pens that you can add to your repertoire once you become a diamond painting expert! Most diamond painters have several diamond painting pens – they are fun to collect as they are essential diamond art tools!
- The diamond tray: this is the grooved tray that you will pour each color of Dotz® in to, as you are dotting that individual color. When you are done dotting that color, or working a specific section of your diamond painting, you will pour the Dotz® back into their storage zip-top bag (included with your kit). You can also use one of your own screw-top storage jars or cylinders, or a hinged-top storage tray to organize your diamonds while not in use. There are many different kinds of diamond organizer trays and systems and choosing your favorite is a personal preference.
- The wax: this is the wax that you will dip the diamond painting pen in to, to “grab” each individual gem. The gem will stick to the pen temporarily while you place it onto the canvas. The wax typically comes in a little pot, but you may find an individual piece(s) sandwiched between 2 clear pieces of film. (We have many kit styles and the wax style varies.)
- The instruction sheet: each kit has an instruction sheet to guide you each step of the way.
Gather all of the diamond painting tools that came in your kit and set them out on a flat, stable work surface – a favorite table, desk or countertop is perfect. A pair of scissors will come in handy to open the Diamond Dotz® packets, so grab a pair of those, too. Wash your hands before you get started.
This is the Diamond Dotz® chart or printed canvas. The chart is printed with symbols that correspond to the gem colors. Each symbol is also printed on the color key on the side of the canvas, and each symbol has a corresponding packet and color number.
Peel back the protective film from the first area that you will begin diamond painting. We recommend that you start at the bottom edge of a design and work up.
TIP: Do not remove the protective film from the whole design. Rather, gradually peel back the protective film as you progress. This prevents lint and dust from sticking to the adhesive on part of the design that you are not yet dotting.
The charted area is preprinted with a special adhesive.
TIP: Take care to re-cover the adhesive area with the protective film when you are not working on your project. This saves the adhesive surface from becoming dry and/or gathering dust and lint.
Identify the symbol on the chart that you will begin dotting. (In this example, we’re dotting the symbol “2”)
Locate the symbol and its corresponding Diamond Dotz® color number on the key at the side of the design. (In this example the symbol “2” corresponds with packet number A02, color number 8108.)
Find the matching Diamond Dotz® gem packet (again, in this example it’s packet A02, color number 8108). Carefully open the individual packet by snipping a corner with scissors.
Load your diamond tray: pour the Diamond Dotz® gems into the grooved tray and give the tray a shake. The goal is to position the Dotz® in the grooves of the tray so they are sitting flat side down, and faceted side up.
Get your wax ready to use: twist to open the wax pot, and peel off the clear film that’s covering the wax.
Load your diamond painting pen with wax: dip the head of the diamond painting pen firmly into the wax and press several times before picking up your first gem.
TIP: It is important to coat/load the head of your diamond painting pen very well with wax before picking up the first Diamond Dotz® gem. To begin, you may also move the head of the pen from side to side in the wax to ensure a good coating. Once a good coating is achieved, you will not need to dip the pen into the wax every time.
Pick up a Diamond Dotz® gem from the tray making sure to place the head of the pen over the round/faceted side of the gem.
Place the diamond onto the corresponding symbol on the chart, flat side of the gem facing down. The adhesive surface on the chart makes it easy to place and stick the flat side of the Diamond Dotz® gem on its matching symbol. Continue the process working one color at a time within sections. Hurray – you are now diamond painting!
TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND:
- If you accidentally place a dot on the wrong symbol as you are work through your design, note that diamond gems can be quickly repositioned after sticking. However, it’s recommended to avoid repositioning if possible.
- When you are not actively diamond painting, place the protective film back over the chart to protect it from dust.
- Close the wax pot well to prevent the wax from becoming dry.
- If you diamond painting pen is still loaded with wax when you are done dotting, you can wrap the head of the pen in plastic when not in use to prevent it from drying out.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS:
- If the fabric becomes soiled during the working process it can be cleaned by gently wiping with a soft damp cloth. Avoid scrubbing and use cold water.
- When your design is complete, lay the protective film over the top of the diamond area and using a cylindrical container such as a glass bottle or rolling pin, gently roll over to secure the diamonds on the sticky surface.
- To store, roll the fabric piece gently, design facing in.
- Keep away from ink pens and paints.
- Do not wash, iron or dry clean.
We are thrilled that you have started your diamond painting journey with Diamond Dotz®. You are now well on your way to becoming a diamond painting afficionado – it does not take long, that is for sure! Diamond painting is a rewarding crafting activity that not only yields a lovely sparkling piece of art upon completion, but that is packed with satisfaction every dot of the way. Check out our latest collection of Diamond Dotz® diamond painting kits and keep enjoying this wonderful hobby.
