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

Should you choose the dazzling sparkle of a full drill kit, or the quick and stress-free fun of a partial drill? Your choice can save you hours — or add breathtaking detail.

Diamond painting is a relaxing, rewarding craft, but the drill type you choose makes all the difference. In this guide, we’ll break down what full vs partial drill means, their pros and cons, and which one is best for your style, skill level, and time commitment.

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Still unsure? Here’s a simple way to decide:

• Choose Full Drill If…

  • You love detail and want maximum sparkle.

  • You enjoy long, immersive projects that take weeks to finish.

  • You’re ready to challenge yourself with advanced diamond painting.

• Choose Partial Drill If…

  • You’re a beginner or casual crafter.

  • You want a project that can be finished in a weekend or two.

  • You’re making a gift and need a quicker turnaround.

💡 Pro Tip: Many crafters enjoy working on both types. Use partial drills for quick, relaxing projects, and full drills for larger masterpieces that you display proudly.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.