In diamond painting, diamond drills are the tiny, faceted “gems” that bring your canvas to life. These colorful beads come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and finishes, and understanding their differences is key to creating a stunning piece. Whether you’re wondering about round vs. square drills, how to store leftovers, or where to buy extra gems, this guide covers everything you need to know about diamond drills.
WHAT ARE DIAMOND DRILLS
Diamond painting drills are the pieces of a diamond painting kit that make the design sparkle! They are the tiny diamond-like gems that are applied to the diamond painting canvas with a diamond painting pen following the charted design, or used without a kit to do Freestyle custom diamond painting on any surface.
The drills in our Diamond Dotz diamond painting kits are commonly referred to simply as Dotz, Dotz drills and Dotz gems by diamond painting fans. Diamond Dotz is a pioneer of the diamond painting hobby, and Dotz gems can’t be beat when it comes to sparkle and color variety.
Fun fact: Dotz is also a trademark of Diamond Dotz and are only found in Diamond Dotz diamond painting kits – remember, if they don’t say Dotz, they’re not!
TYPES AND SIZES OF DIAMOND DRILLS
Perfect for diamond painters of all levels, diamond painting kits with round drills are easy to place and give your artwork a soft, sparkling finish. These round drills are standard in most diamond painting kits for those who want a smooth, flowing look. Diamond Dotz has kits with 2.88mm, 2mm and 5mm round Dotz diamond drills.
- Conventional 2.88mm round drills kits: most of the Diamond Dotz round drill kits use this well-known Dotz drill size. It’s the standard drill size in the market.
- Mini 2mm round drills kits: check out the Mini Dotz diamond painting kits that use a smaller, mini drill size. This smaller drill size allows for exquisite shading and detail on a smaller canvas size. Innovative Mini Dotz diamond painting kits are a must-try for diamond painters who want detailed looks on a small project with no pixelation or distortion, and they’re only from Diamond Dotz. All Mini Dotz diamond painting kits feature the 2mm round drills.
- Large 5mm round drill kits: these Big Dotz diamond painting kits use the largest Dotz gems and are geared specifically for children and kids who are learning to diamond paint. They’re easy to grasp and place and guarantee success!
For crisp detail and complete canvas coverage, square drills are a good choice. They snap into place and create a “tiled” effect with no gaps on the charted canvas, but they do require a bit more precision and skill to place. Diamond Dotz square drill kits feature detailed designs and are ideal for advanced crafters.
FULL-DRILL VS. PARTIAL-DRILL KITS
A full-drill diamond painting kit means that the diamond drills cover the entire canvas. These kits are also called full-coverage diamond painting kits, again describing that when the kit is complete, the diamond drills will cover the entire canvas.
A partial-drill diamond painting kit means the diamond drills do not cover the entire canvas. These kits are sometimes called partial-coverage diamond painting kits, because when the kit is complete, the diamond drills only partially cover the canvas. The parts of the canvas that are not covered in drills have a printed background.
Choosing a full-drill versus a partial-drill diamond painting kit is a personal preference, although considerations include: skill level, time to complete, and design choice – for example, some designs are better rendered as a partial-drill kit, while others are not.
SPECIAL FINISHES AND DECORATIVE DRILLS
Bring extra sparkle to your projects with drills that have special finishes like AB-coated drills, metallic drills, and glow-in-the-dark drills. These decorative drills are perfect for accent areas or creative DIY projects beyond the canvas.
Many Diamond Dotz diamond painting kits also feature large decorative special-shaped drills, like the Bohemian Owl diamond painting kit shown above. As you shop our full offering of diamond painting kits, you’ll notice many more designs that have big specialty feature gems.
HOW TO STORE AND ORGANIZE YOUR DIAMOND DRILLS
Stay organized with dedicated diamond drill storage containers—from simple plastic boxes to full bead organizers. Many diamond drill storage organizers feature adjustable compartments, secure lids, and labeling options to keep colors sorted. The Diamond Dotz 8-pack cylinders drill storage or 6-pack stackable drill storage containers are fan favorites.
WHAT TO DO WITH LEFTOVER DIAMOND DRILLS
Don’t let extra drills go to waste! Use them for DIY crafts like decorating jars, picture frames, sneakers, ornaments, and phone cases. Custom diamond painting with leftover drills is a fun way to make use of every sparkling bead.
BUYING DIAMOND DRILLS IN BULK
Never run out of colors with bulk packs of diamond drills that include hundreds of gems. Great for replacements, Freestyle custom diamond painting projects, or for those who love experimenting with leftover gems. Diamond Dotz has many options when it comes to bulk diamond drills.
- The palette of Freestyle diamond drills gems has 400+ individual Dotz colors to choose from.
- Themed bulk packs of drills feature holiday, neon, primary and pastel color families.
Diamond drills are the heart of every diamond painting project, giving your artwork its sparkle and detail. By learning about different drill types and how to store and use them, you’ll make your crafting experience more enjoyable and organized. Whether you’re starting your first kit or searching for specialty gems, the right drills make all the difference. Ready to stock up? Explore our collection of diamond drills, storage solutions, and tools and accessories to keep your craft shining bright.
FAQ: DIAMOND DRILLS
What are diamond drills in diamond painting?
Diamond drills are the sparkling gems that you apply to the charted canvas.
How do you apply diamond drills?
Apply diamond drills with a diamond painting pen.
How do you store diamond drills?
Cylinders and containers are popular diamond drill storage solutions.
What’s the difference between square and round drills?
The application of round vs. square drills is a bit different; round drill kits are a bit easier to place, square drill kits require a bit more precision, but provide full coverage with no gaps.
