Diamond Painting Explanation: This Is What All Terms Mean
Have you just started with Diamond Painting and are you already dizzy from all the terms like "confetti," "drills," or "5D"? Then you are not alone! In this blog, we give you a clear diamond painting explanation in which we list all the important concepts of this popular hobby. Whether you are a beginner or have completed dozens of paintings, this diamond painting glossary will help you further.
🔗 Also read the Beginner's Guide to Diamond Painting for a practical first introduction to this creative hobby.
What is Diamond Painting?
Diamond Painting is a creative hobby where you stick small, shiny stones (diamonds) onto a canvas, following a pattern with symbols. It's like paint-by-numbers, but with stones! You use tools such as a pen, wax, and a shaking tray to build your artwork stone by stone.
🎥 New to Diamond Painting? Check out this handy video explanation for a step-by-step instruction and see exactly how it works!
Basic Concepts: The Glossary for Beginners
Canvas
The surface you are working on. It has symbols that correspond to the colors of the diamonds. Some canvases are fully covered (full) and others only partially.
DP / Diamond Painting
The abbreviation DP simply stands for Diamond Painting. You often see this in product titles and on forums.
✨ New to DP? In this blog we explain exactly what Diamond Painting is, how it works, and why it is such a relaxing and addictive hobby.
Stones / Diamonds / Drills
The small colored resin or acrylic stones that you stick onto the canvas. They are also called "drills."
💎 Curious about what those sparkling stones are made of? In this blog discover everything about the material, the types, and why they shine so beautifully on your canvas.
Pen
With this pen, you pick up the stones (often with wax) and place them on the canvas.
✍️ More comfort while applying? Our ergonomic Diamond Painting pen feels extra comfortable in the hand and prevents tired fingers during long sessions – ideal for enthusiastic hobbyists!
Wax
A sticky substance that you apply to the tip of your pen. This makes the stones stick to it.
🕯️ Why is wax indispensable for Diamond Painting? In this blog read how it works, why it sticks so well, and what to do if it no longer stays sticky.
Shake tray
A tray with ridges in which you shake the stones so that they lie flat side down and are ready to be picked up.
Tweezers
Useful for removing misplaced stones. Some prefer it over the pen.
Accessories / Tools
Collective name for the tools such as the pen, wax, tray, tweezers, and roller.
🧰 Looking for extra tools? We also sell Diamond Painting accessories like pens and containers, everything to make your project run smoothly!
Complete package / Kit
A Diamond Painting set that contains everything you need to get started right away.
🛍️ Do you want to get started right away? View our complete Diamond Painting kits here with everything you need in one package!
Release paper
Release paper is specially designed paper that you can place over the adhesive part of your canvas to protect it while working. Unlike the original protective film, release paper is sturdier, reusable, and easier to handle – ideal for those who want to work neatly and without sticky hands.
📄 Do you want to know exactly how to use release paper and what the benefits are? Read this blog for a detailed explanation and useful tips!
Advanced terms: what do these Diamond Painting technical terms mean?
3D & 5D
These terms refer to the number of facets on the stones. 3D has 9 facets, 5D has 13 and shines more.
Confetti
An area on the canvas with many different colors close together. It requires a lot of switching, but produces a detailed result.
🎨 Curious why a confetti canvas is such a colorful challenge? In this blog we explain exactly what it is, why it is popular among advanced users, and how to handle it!
Colour Blocking
Large areas in the same color. Ideal for working quickly with a multi-placer.
DMC codes
Unique color numbers indicating which color represents which symbol on the canvas. Originating from the embroidery world.
🎯 Would you like to know more about DMC codes and how many different colors there are? In this blog discover everything about the color system behind Diamond Painting and why it is so important!
Lightpad / Light panel
An illuminated background that lies beneath your canvas, making the symbols more visible.
Stone placer / Multi-placer
A tool that allows you to place multiple stones at once.
WIP (Work In Progress)
Is often used on social media to show an artwork that is not yet finished.
Stash
Your collection of not-yet-started Diamond Paintings. 😅
Sealing
Some choose to seal their work afterwards with glue or varnish. Not mandatory, but it can be useful for loose stones.
Kitting Up / Kitting Down
Respectively preparing and cleaning up your workspace before/after a project.
Community language & funny expressions
- Startitis – The urge to start new projects before finishing the previous one.
- Diamond pox – Stones that appear everywhere after a long session.
- Trash Drills – Broken or misshapen stones.
- Canvas Wrinkles – Wrinkles in the canvas. Usually easy to smooth out.
Conclusion
Hopefully this diamond painting guide has helped make the hobby even more enjoyable and understandable. Whether you were looking for an explanation of diamond painting terminology or wanted to know what diamond painting terms mean, with this blog you're all caught up!
