Diamond Painting Sorting Trays: Do’s & Don’ts

Diamond painting shaker trays They may seem at first glance like only a small part of your hobby, but in practice they make a huge difference to your working speed, precision and enjoyment. They help you align your diamond painting drills quickly and neatly, so you can work more efficiently and spend less time rotating drills. Whether you're just starting with diamond painting or have already completed dozens of canvases, the proper use of a shaker tray can make the difference between a messy work table and a neat, organized project.

In addition, shaker trays help you spill less, keep your rhinestones organized, and make it easier to work with multiple colors at once. Especially with larger designs or when using a multi-placer, you'll notice how handy and indispensable they really are.

In this article, we discuss step by step the most important do’s & don’ts and provide practical tips for Organize diamond painting drills`, and we'll show how, with a few simple tricks, you can get even more out of your shaker trays. That way you'll work faster, neater and enjoy working on your artwork more.`

📍 Complete your workspace!
Discover our complete collection of diamond painting accessories, from convenient shaker trays to storage boxes and pens. Everything you need to work on your artwork faster, neater and with even more enjoyment.

What is a diamond painting shaker tray?

A diamond painting shaker tray is a small container, usually made of plastic, with a ribbed bottom, specially designed to hold your to organize diamond painting drills while working on your project. Thanks to the ridges in the tray, the stones automatically roll into neat rows when shaken, with the flat side facing down and the sparkling, faceted side facing up. This makes picking them up with a diamond painting pen much easier and faster.

Shaker trays are available in various colors, sizes and designs. Some models have a handy pouring spout, so you can easily pour the leftover stones back into a storage jar or bag without spilling. Other variants are extra large, ideal for projects where you use a lot of a single color at once.

Whether you're creating a small design or a large masterpiece, a good shaker tray provides more efficiency, less frustration and an organized workspace. It is therefore one of the most commonly used and indispensable tools in the world of diamond painting.

📍 New to diamond painting?
Read our blog Diamond Painting Guide: What All the Terms Mean discover what all the terms and tools mean, from shaker tray to multi-placer. Ideal for beginners and advanced users who want to refresh their knowledge.

Do’s – How to get the most out of your diamond painting shaker trays

1. Do not overfill the container

The less diamond painting drills The less you put in the tray, the easier they align neatly. When the tray is too full, the stones don't have enough room to move, so they're less likely to end up lying flat-side down. Fill the shaker tray to about one third for the best result. This gives the stones enough freedom to move so they neatly fall into the grooves, allowing you to work faster and more precisely.

2. Shake gently and rhythmically

Use a light, even motion to arrange the stones. Shaking too hard or too quickly can cause the stones to jump over the edge or become jumbled. If needed, you can gently tap the side or bottom of the shake tray to improve alignment. This gentle technique works best, especially if you are a multi-placer pen used to pick up multiple stones at once.

3. Use multiple containers at the same time

Are you working with multiple colors in one session? Then use different diamond painting shaker trays plaats ze naast elkaar of gebruik een speciale organizer of sorteerstandaard. Zo hoef je niet steeds een bakje leeg te maken en opnieuw te vullen, wat veel wisseltijd bespaart. Bovendien houd je je werktafel overzichtelijk en voorkom je dat steentjes van verschillende kleuren per ongeluk mengen.

4. Clean your shakers regularly

Dust, skin oils, or adhesive residue can cause the stones to stick to the ridges or to slide less smoothly. By cleaning your shaker trays regularly, they will stay in top condition. A damp cloth is often enough, but for a more thorough cleaning you can rinse them with lukewarm water and let them air dry. This keeps your shaker trays working smoothly and extends their lifespan.

Don’ts – Avoid these common mistakes

1. Hold the container while gluing

It might seem useful to you diamond painting shaker tray in your hand to hold while you place your stones, but it greatly increases the chance of spilling. One unexpected movement and you'll have stones all over your table (or floor). Therefore always place your sorting tray on a flat, stable surface. Preferably use a non-slip mat or a special accessory mat, so the tray doesn't shift. This is especially important if you're working with multiple trays at once.

2. Pick out the stones with your fingers

If diamond painting beads stick together due to heat, static electricity or long-term storage, it's tempting to pry them apart with your fingers. However, this takes a lot of time, can damage the beads and sometimes leaves extra dirt on the surface. A much better method: place the stuck beads in a shaker tray and gently press a second tray on top. By lightly rubbing or tapping, the beads will fall apart on their own, without damage.

3. Shaking too hard

The purpose of shaking is to have the stones lie neatly with the flat side down, not to send them flying through the air. Shaking too hard or too fast can cause the stones to jump over the edge, fall onto the floor, or end up mixed up. For the best result, use short, gentle movements. You can also lightly tap the side of the tray to get the last stones into position.

📍 Looking for handy storage and sorting accessories?
View our Diamond Painting Accessories always keep your stones and tools organized and within reach.

Extra tips for diamond painting trays

Combine your sorting trays with a storage box

A storage box is ideal for storing your diamond painting gems sorted by color. While working, you can easily pour the desired color into a sorting tray and put it back neatly after use. This prevents spills, saves time searching, and keeps your workspace tidy. Especially for large projects with many colors, this combination is a real time-saver.

Invest in the best shaker trays for diamond painting

Not all shaker trays are the same. Choose sturdy models with a pouring spout", so you can pour the beads back into their jar or bag without making a mess. Larger sorting trays are handy for projects where you use a lot of one color at once, while smaller trays are ideal for detail work. A set of different sizes gives you the most flexibility."

Place your shaker trays on an accessories mat

A accessory mat An accessory mat with a non-slip backing prevents your sorting trays from shifting while you work. This is not only convenient, but also safer. That way you reduce the chance of a tray tipping over and your drills ending up everywhere. In addition, some accessory mats have separate pockets for your pen, wax and tweezers, so all your diamond painting tools stay neatly in one place.

📍 Curious which shaker trays work best?
Read our blog Diamond Painting Accessories: Must-haves for a Successful Project and discover which tools take your diamond painting experience to the next level.

Conclusion

A diamond painting sorting tray is perhaps a small tool, but the effect on your workflow is significant. It helps you align your stones quickly and neatly, prevents unnecessary mess, and helps you maintain a pleasant working rhythm. By applying the right techniques and avoiding common mistakes, you'll get the most out of this indispensable little tool.

Whether you're working on a small card, a detailed portrait or a grand masterpiece: with this do’s & don’ts You work faster, neater and with more enjoyment. Moreover, using good shaker trays gives you more peace of mind and a better overview while you're gluing, so you can enjoy your creative moment even more.

📍 Would you like to experience for yourself how big the difference can be?
Discover our complete collection of diamond painting sorting trays and accessories and complete your workspace. Work faster, neater and with even more enjoyment on your next work of art!