Types of Diamond Painting Drills: Your Complete Guide to Resin, Acrylic, AB, Fairy Dust, and More

Introduction

When it comes to diamond painting, the type of drills you choose can significantly impact the final look and feel of your artwork. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting out, understanding the wide variety of diamond drills available is essential for creating a masterpiece you’re proud of. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything from the classic resin vs. acrylic debate to unique specialty options like AB, Fairy Dust, and Rhinestone drills. By the end, you’ll know how to choose the perfect drill type for your next dazzling design.

1. Resin vs. Acrylic Drills: Choosing Your Core Medium

Resin Drills

Resin drills are often considered the gold standard in diamond painting. These high-quality drills are made from resin, giving them a polished, consistent shape and a brilliant shine. They tend to be more durable and offer better clarity and uniformity. Resin drills are ideal for those seeking a premium finish that withstands time and wear.

They also tend to adhere more securely to adhesive canvases, reducing the risk of popping drills and increasing the overall longevity of your artwork. If you're investing a lot of time into a detailed piece that you want to frame and display, resin drills are your best bet for achieving a professional, gallery-quality finish.

Acrylic Drills

Acrylic drills are more budget-friendly and made from plastic. While they may not have the same brilliance or consistency as resin, they still offer a satisfying sparkle and are widely accessible. They’re perfect for beginners or for tackling larger projects where affordability and availability are key.

In addition to being cost-effective, acrylic drills are easier to produce in mass quantities, making them an ideal choice for large kits or custom pieces. They come in a wide variety of colors and are often used in kits meant for younger crafters or newcomers to the hobby.

When to Use:

• Choose resin drills for a professional, polished look.
• Use acrylic drills when you're starting out, working on bulk designs, or want to reduce project costs.

2. AB Drills (Aurora Borealis): A Touch of Magic 

Named after the stunning natural light display, AB drills feature an iridescent coating that creates a rainbow shimmer effect. These drills add depth, dimension, and extra sparkle to any design.

Why Use AB Drills?

• Perfect for accents like stars, reflections, or highlights
• Great for making areas "pop" without overwhelming the design
• Easy to combine with resin or acrylic drills for subtle or bold contrast

AB drills are typically used in moderation, as their vivid shimmer can overpower more muted areas if applied too generously. However, when placed strategically, they can guide the viewer’s eye and enhance the overall composition of your diamond painting.

Think of AB drills as the finishing jewelry for your artwork. A little goes a long way in elevating the final presentation.

3. Fairy Dust Drills: Add Whimsy and Movement 

Fairy Dust drills are coated with a soft, iridescent sheen that shifts in color depending on the angle of light. Their dreamlike sparkle is ideal for magical or fantasy-inspired themes.

Best Uses for Fairy Dust Drills:

• Highlight wings, stars, clouds, or enchanted scenery
• Create motion or shimmer effects
• Add visual texture to otherwise flat areas

These drills introduce an ethereal quality, changing hues with every glance. They bring stories to life, especially in fantasy or celestial scenes.

They are also excellent choices for children’s illustrations or whimsical animals, where a soft shimmer creates a dreamy atmosphere. Used on backgrounds, they can mimic stardust, fog, or glowing light.

4. Rhinestone Drills: Bold and Brilliant 

Rhinestone drills are glass-like beads known for their intense light reflection and sparkle. Unlike flat resin or acrylic drills, rhinestones have a faceted surface that glistens dramatically.

Why Choose Rhinestones?

• Excellent for focal points and glamorous accents
• Ideal for crowns, jewelry, metallic surfaces, and night scenes
• Best used sparingly to create contrast and visual hierarchy

Pair them with matte drills for a dramatic contrast that immediately draws the eye. Some kits are entirely rhinestone-based, offering a gem-like mosaic finish, while others incorporate them as decorative touches. They can also be used to add real-world texture, like the sparkle of a tiara or the twinkle of city lights.

5. Round vs. Square Drills: Shape and Fit Matter

Round Drills

• Pros: Easy to pick up and place; more forgiving for beginners; faster to apply
• Cons: Small gaps between drills can reduce sharpness in detailed areas

Round drills create a slightly softer aesthetic and are ideal for designs where precision is less critical. Their curved edges make them easier to align, resulting in a smoother crafting experience for new users.

Square Drills

• Pros: Fit edge-to-edge for a seamless look; ideal for detailed, high-resolution designs
• Cons: Require more precision; more time-consuming to place accurately

Square drills snap into place like puzzle pieces, creating a more complete and polished image. They're often the go-to for serious diamond painters who want the most refined, gap-free result.

Pro Tip: Some artists mix round and square drills intentionally to add texture and contrast across different sections of the artwork.

6. Other Specialty Drill Types to Explore 

Beyond the most common options, there are a variety of unique drill types that can elevate your art:

• Glow-in-the-dark drills: Ideal for nighttime scenes or fun, hidden surprises. These drills absorb light during the day and emit a soft glow in darkness.
• Metallic drills: Provide a chrome or gold finish, great for armor, jewelry, or futuristic themes. These are often used in sci-fi or steampunk-style paintings.
• Transparent or jelly drills: Offer a subtle, see-through color effect for layering or underwater themes. They can mimic glass, water, or even ice.

These specialty drills encourage experimentation and creative freedom. Whether you're crafting for fun or creating a gift, they offer new ways to tell visual stories through shimmer and shadow.

7. Heartful Diamonds Specialty Drill Collection 

Heartful Diamonds offers a carefully curated collection of high-quality acrylic diamond drills in both square and round styles. Our inventory includes:

• Standard drills in round and square 
• AB drills for elevated sparkle
• Fairy Dust drills for dreamy finishes
• Rhinestone drills for eye-catching detail work

Whether you're looking to enhance a specific section or transform your entire canvas with special effects, we have the tools to help your creativity shine.

Our drills are hand-checked for quality, ensuring uniform sizing and consistent color tones, which are essential for achieving a smooth and professional-looking result.

Conclusion: Find the Drills That Fit Your Artistic Vision 

Understanding the different types of diamond painting drills helps you make more informed choices and opens the door to creative experimentation. From budget-friendly acrylics and high-shine resins to magical Fairy Dust and dazzling rhinestones, each drill type offers something special.

When selecting drills for your project, consider the tone and subject of your painting. Want a starry night sky? Try AB and glow-in-the-dark drills. Creating a royal portrait? Incorporate rhinestones and metallics. Working on a serene nature scene? Resin or round drills might offer the subtleness you need.

So whether you're crafting your first piece or building a gallery of diamond-painted art, remember: your choice of drills can take your design from beautiful to breathtaking.

Explore More

Looking for inspiration or ready to shop? Browse our Heartful Diamonds collection to find the perfect drills and kits for your next masterpiece.

Follow us on social media and tag your creations with #HeartfulDiamonds to be featured!