Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Starting Your First Custom Diamond Painting
“Diamond painting is relaxing—until you realize you’ve poured drills onto the wrong section.”
Whether you're diving into your first custom kit or exploring diamond painting for kids with the family, there’s nothing like the thrill of starting a new project. But just like cooking without reading the recipe, a few rookie mistakes can turn your fun into frustration.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top 10 mistakes beginners make with custom diamond painting—and how to avoid them. If you're using a personal photo or investing in your first kit, these tips will help you get the most sparkle for your effort.
1. Choosing the Wrong Image for Your Custom Kit
Not every photo turns into a masterpiece. Your adorable pet or that magical sunset might look great on your phone, but a custom diamond painting needs clarity and contrast.
Avoid:
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Blurry or dark photos
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Images with too many tiny, indistinct details
Do This Instead:
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Choose well-lit, high-resolution images
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Focus on one subject with a clear background (e.g., a smiling face, a pet, or a child’s drawing)
➡️ Pro Tip: If it’s hard to see the subject at thumbnail size, it may not translate well to drills.
2. Underestimating the Size You Need
A common trap: choosing a canvas size that’s too small for your image. When it comes to diamond painting, size really matters—especially for custom portraits or detailed designs.
Avoid:
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Choosing the smallest available size to save money or time
Do This Instead:
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Opt for a larger canvas (at least 40x50cm) for portraits or images with fine features
- Bigger canvases offer more drill space, meaning better detail and clarity
3. Ignoring the Drill Shape Decision
We’ve said it before: the difference between square and round drills is a game-changer.
Avoid:
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Picking randomly without considering your goals or skill level
Do This Instead:
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Use square drills for sharp detail and realism
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Use round drills for faster completion and more sparkle—great for beginners or diamond painting for kids
Still not sure? Check out our full guide: Square vs Round Drills: Which is Best for Your Custom Diamond Painting?
4. Starting Without Organizing Your Drills First
Imagine dumping a hundred colors into one tray. That’s the chaos you're inviting if you don’t organize your drills before you begin.
Avoid:
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Opening all the bags at once
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Leaving drills unlabeled
Do This Instead:
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Use a storage box or tackle case with labeled compartments
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Write the DMC number (or symbol) on each container
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Only open the colors you’re currently working with
Organization = sanity, especially when you knock over a tray (which you will).
5. Peeling Off the Whole Canvas Cover
It’s exciting to dive in—but peeling off the whole protective film exposes the adhesive and invites dust, hair, and mistakes.
Avoid:
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Removing the entire cover at once
Do This Instead:
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Peel back only a small section at a time
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Use parchment paper or washi tape to section off areas
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Work in a top-to-bottom or left-to-right pattern
This method protects your canvas and helps you see your progress more clearly.
6. Not Using the Right Tools
While most diamond painting kits include basics like a pen and tray, that doesn’t mean you’re fully prepared.
Avoid:
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Relying solely on the basic pen and tray if you’re working on a large or detailed project
Do This Instead:
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Upgrade to a multi-placer for background areas
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Use a light pad to see symbols more clearly
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Try wax alternatives or putty for better grip
Bonus: quality tools make the process smoother, especially for first-timers.
7. Not Checking the Canvas Before Starting
Canvas issues happen—smudged symbols, poor glue quality, or missing color codes. Starting without inspecting the canvas is like building a house without checking the foundation.
Avoid:
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Jumping in without a once-over
Do This Instead:
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Check that all symbols are visible and sticky
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Make sure the legend and DMC codes are complete
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Lay the canvas flat under some books for 24 hours if it’s creased
Contact your seller immediately if anything’s missing—reputable diamond painting kit providers will make it right.
8. Skipping the Color Legend or Key
Every symbol on your canvas matches a drill color—but if you don’t reference the legend, mistakes happen fast.
Avoid:
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Guessing drill placement based on color or memory
Do This Instead:
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Always cross-reference symbols with the chart
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Use highlighters to mark completed sections
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Print out an extra copy of the legend if needed
This one small habit can save you hours of fixing misplaced drills later.
9. Letting Kids Use the Wrong Type of Kit
Diamond painting for kids is wildly popular—and for good reason. It’s creative, calming, and screen-free. But giving a child a 50x70cm square drill custom portrait is setting everyone up for tears.
Avoid:
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Letting kids start with complex, adult-sized projects
Do This Instead:
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Choose round drill kits with fewer colors and large, simple designs
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Start with smaller pre-designed kits before graduating to custom ones
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Always supervise young kids to prevent wax-eating (yes, really)
You’ll keep the sparkle—and your sanity—intact.
10. Skipping the Sealing Step
After all that work, don’t risk your diamonds falling off. Sealing your painting preserves its brilliance and keeps drills in place.
Avoid:
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Rolling up or hanging a finished painting without sealing
Do This Instead:
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Use a clear brush-on sealer or spray after pressing the drills flat
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Let it dry thoroughly before framing
This last step turns your craft into lasting wall-worthy art.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Rush—Enjoy the Process
Remember, diamond painting is meant to be therapeutic. Take breaks. Celebrate small wins. Brag about your progress in group chats. Even if a few drills go rogue (or end up stuck to the cat), the joy is in the journey.
Ready to Get Started the Right Way?
Avoiding these common mistakes makes your first custom diamond painting not just fun—but a total success. Whether you’re creating a meaningful gift, preserving a memory, or crafting alongside your child, taking a few extra steps upfront saves time, effort, and stress.
✨ Looking for high-quality diamond painting kits with all the tools, instructions, and customization you need?
Explore our collection of custom kits here—perfect for beginners, pros, and everyone in between.