Full Drill vs Partial Drill Diamond Painting: Which Should You Choose?

If you're new to diamond painting or browsing your next kit, you've probably come across the terms full drill and partial drill. While both produce stunning results, they offer very different experiences—and choosing the wrong one for your goals could make or break your diamond painting journey.

In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between full and partial drill kits, explore the pros and cons of each, share tips for choosing the best one, and even offer advice for maximizing your experience based on your goals. Whether you're working on a massive landscape or a cozy custom diamond painting, the right drill type will make all the difference.

What Is a Drill in Diamond Painting?

Before diving into the comparison, let’s clarify what a “drill” is. In diamond painting, drills are the small resin or acrylic pieces (round or square) that you stick onto a pre-printed, adhesive canvas to create a sparkling mosaic.

The “drill type” refers to how much of the canvas is covered with these gems:

• Full Drill: The entire image area is covered with drills.
• Partial Drill: Only certain parts of the image are covered, usually the main subject or focal points.

Understanding this simple difference helps crafters plan how much time, effort, and sparkle they want from each project.

What Is a Full Drill Diamond Painting?

A full drill diamond painting means the entire printed area of the canvas is covered in drills, edge to edge. Every square or round section is meant to be completed with sparkling resin pieces.

Pros of Full Drill Kits:

• Maximum Sparkle: Since every inch is covered in drills, the overall shine and light reflection are unmatched.
• Photorealistic Finish: Especially great for projects like custom diamond painting where image accuracy is important.
• Smooth Texture: The entire surface has a consistent, polished feel.

Cons of Full Drill Kits:

• Time-Consuming: Every square inch requires placement, so these projects can take several weeks.
• More Repetitive: Filling large sections with a single color may feel monotonous.
• Requires More Focus: Small details can be tricky, and perfect placement is essential to achieve the desired look.

Ideal For:

• Crafters looking for long-term or intricate projects
• Those who enjoy detailed work and immersive hobbies
• Gifting heirloom-quality finished pieces

Full drill kits are especially popular for diamond painting kits meant to recreate personal photos, pet portraits, wedding shots, and landscapes.

What Is a Partial Drill Diamond Painting?

A partial drill diamond painting covers only selected portions of the canvas. Typically, the subject (such as a flower, animal, or person) is made up of drills, while the background remains a printed design with no drill coverage.

Pros of Partial Drill Kits:

• Faster Completion: With less coverage, you can finish projects in hours or days instead of weeks.
• Beginner-Friendly: Less intimidating for new crafters or children.
• Unique Contrast: The combination of printed background and sparkly subject creates a beautiful dimensional effect.

Cons of Partial Drill Kits:

• Less Overall Shine: Since only part of the canvas has drills, it may not have the wow-factor of full drill designs.
• Flat Background: The printed parts don’t have texture or sparkle.
• Limited Use for Detailed Photos: Not ideal for capturing fine details, especially in custom projects.

Ideal For:

• Kids and beginners exploring diamond painting for the first time
• Busy crafters looking for short-term projects
• Seasonal decor and small giftable items

Partial drill kits are also excellent for diamond painting for kids, offering a manageable project with a satisfying finish.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between full and partial drill depends on your:

• Skill Level: Beginners often prefer partial drills, while experienced crafters may love the challenge of full drill kits.
• Time Commitment: Ask yourself—do you want a weekend craft or a long-haul hobby?
• Project Goal: Are you crafting a decorative piece, a personalized gift, or a relaxing hobby to unwind?

If you're making a custom diamond painting based on a personal photo, full drill is highly recommended to ensure all the details of the image are faithfully represented. A partial drill, while beautiful, won’t offer the level of detail required for photo-based projects.

Time, Size, and Satisfaction

Another important factor in your decision is how you enjoy spending your crafting time.

• Full Drill Kits: Think of these as an investment in creativity. You’ll spend more time, but the satisfaction of seeing a fully completed shimmering image is deeply rewarding.
• Partial Drill Kits: These are perfect for quick bursts of creativity. They’re ideal for holidays, birthday crafts, or introducing friends and children to diamond painting.

The satisfaction you get from your project often depends on how well your expectations match the experience. Don’t be afraid to try both styles to see which feels better for you.

Real-Life Use Cases

Here are a few common crafting scenarios to help guide your decision:

Scenario 1: You're making a gift for a friend’s birthday in less than a week.

Go with a partial drill. You’ll complete it faster and still have a beautiful, heartfelt result.

Scenario 2: You want to recreate a vacation photo as a canvas to hang in your living room.

Choose a full drill. You'll want full detail and sparkle to match the significance of the image.

Scenario 3: Your child wants to try diamond painting over the weekend.

Pick a partial drill. A small, focused canvas will give them satisfaction without overwhelming them.

Tips for Success with Any Drill Type

Regardless of which kit you choose, these tips will help you complete your project smoothly:

• Keep your tools organized: Use trays, pen holders, and labeled bags to prevent chaos.
• Use a light pad: Helps to illuminate symbols, especially useful with full drill canvases.
• Seal your finished piece: Protects your work from dust and makes it last longer.
• Frame or display your art: Whether full or partial, your diamond painting deserves to shine on your wall.

Final Thoughts: Your Sparkle, Your Way

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to diamond painting. Both full drill and partial drill kits have their place in your crafting journey.

Choose full drill for immersive, detailed, and high-impact artwork that shines from edge to edge. Choose partial drill when you want a quicker, simpler experience that still delivers a pop of sparkle.

✨ The good news? You don’t have to choose just one. Try both styles and enjoy the full spectrum of creativity that diamond painting kits have to offer. From custom diamond paintings to easy beginner kits, there’s a perfect sparkle waiting for every crafter.