All important concepts clearly explained
Diamond Painting is a creative hobby full of colour and relaxation. But if you're just starting out, you can sometimes get lost in terms like 'confetti', '5D' or 'kit'. Experienced enthusiasts also sometimes come across something that makes them think: what does that actually mean?
Don't worry: in this dictionary of Painting by Numbers Expert we explain clearly and simply what all these terms mean. This way you can start with confidence or get even more out of your hobby!
Basic concepts – get started right away
#1 Canvas: The self-adhesive surface on which you place the diamonds. The symbols on the canvas indicate where which colour belongs. This is the basis of every Diamond Painting project.
#2 DP: Abbreviation of Diamond Painting. You often see this term on forums, in groups or in instructions.
#3 Painting by Numbers Expert: That's us! The specialist in Diamond Painting and Paint by Numbers. With us you will find high-quality sets, useful tips and personal advice.
#4 Diamonds: Small, glittering stones made of resin or acrylic. They are also called 'drills'. Not real gemstones, but they do sparkle beautifully!
#5 Full Diamond Painting: A design where the entire canvas is covered with rhinestones. The result is a glossy, detailed work of art.
#6 Partial Diamond Painting: Only the main subject of the canvas is pasted. The background remains visible. Ideal if you want quick results or are just starting out with this hobby.
#7 Pin or locating pin: Your most important tool! With this pen you pick up the stones (often using wax) and place them in exactly the right place.
#8 Kit: A complete package with everything you need to get started: canvas, stones, pen, wax, tray and sometimes also tweezers and extra accessories.
#9 Round stones: Easy to install and ideal for beginners.They sometimes leave a little space between the stones, but you will hardly notice that when it is finished.
#10 Square stones: These fit exactly against each other and give a tight, even result. The well-known 'click' feeling when placing makes this type a favourite among many advanced users.
#11 Shaker tray: A small sorting tray with ribs in which you can easily shake stones so that they are right side up. Indispensable for every project!
#12 Tweezers: Handy if you want to correct a stone orwant to work extra accurately. Some people prefer to use tweezers rather than a pen, especially with square stones.
#13 Wax: Wax is essential to pick up your stones properly with your pen. Press the tip of your pen lightly into the wax block – often pink or red – and the stones will stick perfectly. Indispensable for every Diamond Painting session!
#14 3D: 3D stones have 9 facets and provide a subtle shine. They are often used in classic designs and are ideal for a sparkling but calm result.
#15 5D: These stones have no fewer than 13 facets and therefore shine extra brightly. Do you want your work of art to really stand out? Then go for 5D!
#16 Air bubbles: Sometimes air bubbles can form under the adhesive layer of the canvas during production. You can carefully pierce them with a knife or smooth them out with a card. Do you have many? Please feel free to contact us – we are happy to help you!
#17 Chessboard technique: With this technique you stick the stones alternately - just like a chessboard. This ensures a tight and even result. Ideal for large areas in one colour.
#18 Colour Blocking: Large pieces of canvas with only one colour are often worked in 'blocks'. Handy to use a multi-placer and wonderfully relaxing to do.
#19 Confetti: A box with all different colours mixed together. It seems messy, but from a distance you can actually see a beautifully detailed effect. Patience is rewarded!
#20 Sealing: Some people choose to seal their finished work with special glue or lacquer. However, our canvases have a strong adhesive layer - additional sealing is usually not necessary.
#21 Diamondpox: A nod to the fact that sometimes you suddenly find stones on your arm or pants after a long session. A well-known and funny phenomenon among Diamond Painters!
#22 DMC codes: These colour numbers come from the embroidery world and are also used in Diamond Painting. This way you know exactly which colour goes where. You will find the codes on the canvas and in the overview of your set.
#23 Double-sided tape (DKT): Do you have dust or hairs on your canvas? You can carefully remove them with a piece of double-sided tape without damaging the adhesive layer.
#24 Own photo (EFM): Do you want your transform your own photo into Diamond Painting? That's possible! At Painting by Numbers Expert your memory into a sparkling work of art – including personal advice.
#25 List format: This is the total size of your canvas including border. Useful to know if you want to frame or hang your work.
#26 Cast adhesive: Our favourite glue! This liquid adhesive layer is applied evenly and prevents bubbles and wrinkles. This means the stones stay in place better and you work more smoothly.
#27 Check contents: When your package arrives, it is smart to check whether everything is complete: are all colours and toolspresent? This way you can start without any worries and you will immediately know if you are missing something.
#28 Framing: A completed work of art deserves a beautiful place. Use a suitable frame (preferably without glass) and give your Diamond Painting a permanent place on the wall.
#29 Preparing (Kitting Up): Before you start, it is useful to sort your stones, label the jars and get everything ready. This way you work a lot calmer and more efficiently.
#30 Kitting Down: Done with your artwork? Then it's time to clean up. Sort the remaining stones back into your jars, clean your pen and tidy up your workspace. This way you close your project neatly - a nice ending to a creative process!
#31 LED light plate: A thin, illuminated plate that you place under your canvas. Ideal in poor light or if you have difficult to read symbols. Highly recommended for anyone who often works at night or with detailed designs.
#32 Multi Placer: A handy attachment for your pen with which you cancan place multiple stones at the same time. Perfect for colour blocking! It saves time and still gives a sleek result.
#33 Storage box: With a good storage box you can keep your stones organized and within reach. Available in various sizes – from 28 to 60 compartments. Indispensable for those who like to work in an organized manner.
#34 Fold lines: Sometimes there are small folds or waves in the canvas after unpacking. These usually disappear on their own when you roll out the canvas or press it lightly. A heavy book can also do wonders.
#35 Roller: You can press all the stones firmly afterwards with a rubber roller. This prevents stones from coming loose later and ensures a smooth end result - without damaging your canvas.
#36 Single Placer: The standard tip of your pen with which you place one stone at a time. Ideal for small details and precision work.
#37 TTP: A popular abbreviation from the community: 'Trust The Process'. Sometimes your project may look a bit strange up close – but trust that it will come to life beautifully from a distance!
#38 Unboxing: A fun trend where you show how to unpack a new Diamond Painting package. Ideal to showcase the content, share your first impressions or inspire other hobbyists.
#39 Block division: Divide your canvas into smaller work areas, for example with washi tape or a cut-in protective layer. This way you work more clearly and prevent mistakes.
#40 Washi Tape: Decorative tape that you can easily remove. Ideal for protecting the edges of your canvas or defining your work area. Also nice to decorate your storage box or pen!
#41 WIP: 'Work In Progress' – or your ongoing project. Whether you have just started or are almost finished: every WIP is a step towards a fantastic end result.
#42 Sideswipes: Small guides or marks around the symbols on your canvas. They help you place stones extra neatly - as if you had a little 'support wheels' for perfectly glued stonesdiamonds.
Community Language and Funny Terms
In addition to the official terms, the Diamond Painting world also has many funny or recognizable words from the community. You mainly encounter them in Facebook groups, YouTube videos or while chatting with other fans:
#43 Stash: Your stock of not-yet-started Diamond Paintings. Often bigger than you want to admit – but always kept with love!
#44 Drills: The English name for stones. You often see terms such as “square drills”, “round drills” or “AB drills”. Widely used internationally and now also common among many Dutch hobbyists.
#45 Canvas Wrinkles: English term for wrinkles or folds in your canvas. Don't panic – they usually go away on their own or with a little help from a heavy book or warm towel.
#46 Trash Drills: Stones that are misshapen, broken or unusable. Some people throw them away, others use them creatively as decoration in jars or art projects.
#47 Startitis: The 'disease' where you keep starting new Diamond Paintings - but barely finish anything. Recognizable? You are not alone!
#48 Confetti Hell: An area on your canvas full of small colour boxes mixed together. It seems like chaos, but the result is astonishing. Not everyone likes it – but detail fans will love it.
Are you missing a term? Let us know in the comments – we'll be happy to add your favourite Diamond Painting lingo to this dictionary!
