Diamond painting is one of the most relaxing crafts around, but every crafter hits the odd snag. A pen that will not pick anything up, a canvas that will not lie flat, diamonds that end up in the wrong place: these little problems are completely normal, and almost all of them are easy to fix.
In this guide we go through the most common diamond painting problems, explain why they happen and share simple fixes, so you can get back to the enjoyable part.
Problem 1: My pen will not pick up diamonds
This is the most common question from new diamond painters.
Why it happens: The pen tip needs a little tackiness to lift each diamond. Over time the wax on the tip wears off or picks up dust.
How to fix it:
- If your wax has a protective film, make sure you have peeled it off.
- Press the pen tip gently into the wax again to refresh it. You only need a small amount.
- Wipe the tip clean if it is clogged with old wax or fluff, then re-wax it.
- Try diamond painting putty instead of wax. Many crafters find it easier to refresh.
- Make sure the diamonds are facet side up in the tray. Give the tray a gentle shake to turn them over.
Problem 2: Diamonds keep sticking to the pen
Why it happens: Too much wax or putty on the tip makes the diamond cling to the pen instead of the canvas.
How to fix it: Wipe away excess wax and use less next time. Press each diamond firmly onto the canvas before lifting the pen away. If the canvas adhesive has become dusty, the diamond may also struggle to stick (see Problem 4).
Problem 3: The canvas will not lie flat
Why it happens: Rolled canvases keep a curl from being packed in a tube.
How to fix it:
- Lay the canvas flat, design side up with the protective film still on, and place a few heavy books on top for a while before you start. Our How to diamond paint guide covers this step.
- Gently roll it the opposite way to its curl.
- Use washi tape or an anti-slip mat to keep the edges from lifting while you work.
- Never iron the canvas, as heat can damage the adhesive.
Prefer to avoid it entirely? Our Limited Edition framed kits, such as 481-043 Echo of Ice, arrive with the canvas already framed, so it stays flat.
Problem 4: The canvas has lost its stickiness
Why it happens: The adhesive is exposed to dust, hair and fibres when the protective film is off, and it can also be affected by heat or by being touched.
How to prevent it:
- Only peel back a small section of film at a time.
- Put the film back over unfinished areas between sessions.
- Do not replace the film with ordinary paper, which can stick to the adhesive.
- Keep the canvas away from pets, crumbs and heat sources.
- Wash and dry your hands before you start.
How to fix it: Carefully remove visible dust or hair with clean tweezers. If a small area has lost its tack, a thin layer of suitable craft glue can help hold diamonds in place. Test on a small area first.
Problem 5: I placed the wrong colour
Why it happens: Some shades look almost identical, especially in low light or with special colours like AB diamonds.
How to fix it: Lift the diamond out gently with tweezers and replace it with the right colour. The sooner you spot it, the easier it is, so glance back at the colour key regularly.
How to prevent it:
- Work with only one colour in your tray at a time.
- Label every bag or bottle with its code and symbol.
- Use good lighting. A light pad makes symbols much easier to read.
Problem 6: My square diamonds look crooked
Why it happens: Square diamonds need to sit edge to edge. If one is slightly turned, the rows around it start to drift.
How to fix it:
- Straighten small groups as you go rather than waiting until the end.
- Use the edge of a ruler, such as our FY Ruler set, to push a row gently into line.
- Use tweezers to rotate individual diamonds.
- If a section feels crowded, check the alignment before you add more. Forcing a diamond into a tight gap usually means another one has drifted.
Want to know more about how square and round diamonds differ? Read Round or Square Crystals: Which Should You Choose?
Problem 7: I think I have run out of a colour
Why it happens: Diamonds sometimes get spilt, lost on the floor or used on the wrong symbol.
How to fix it:
- Check your spare bags, tray and work area first. A stray diamond is often hiding under the canvas or in a fold of the film.
- Look for wrongly placed diamonds of that colour elsewhere on the canvas.
- If something is genuinely missing from a new kit, contact us with your order number and a photo and we will help. You can reach us through our Contact page.
How to prevent it: Pour only small amounts into the tray, tip leftovers straight back into the labelled bag, and consider a storage organiser for large kits with lots of colours.
Problem 8: I spilt diamonds everywhere
How to fix it: Do not panic. Sweep them gently into a tray or onto a sheet of paper. If they have mixed colours, sort them back into their bags by matching them against the colour key in good light. A small vacuum designed for diamond painting can help collect strays, which you will find in Tools & Toolkits.
How to prevent it: Work on a tray with raised edges, use an anti-slip mat and keep bags sealed when you are not using them.
Problem 9: My hands or eyes get tired
Why it happens: Long sessions with a small pen and tiny symbols can be tiring.
How to fix it:
- Take regular breaks. Diamond painting should feel like time for you, not a race.
- Try a chunkier pen with a comfortable grip, such as our Marble Piping Diamond Art Pen.
- Work in good light, or use a light pad for evening sessions.
- Sit at a table at a comfortable height rather than hunching over your lap.
Problem 10: The finished canvas looks uneven
Why it happens: Some diamonds may not be fully pressed into the adhesive.
How to fix it: Cover the finished canvas with the protective film or a clean sheet and press down with gentle, even pressure. A rolling pin works well. Then check for any missed symbols. Our guide on how to seal, frame and display a finished diamond painting covers the finishing steps in detail.
A quick checklist before every session
- Clean, dry hands and a clear, flat surface
- Good light
- Pen tip refreshed with a small amount of wax or putty
- One colour in the tray at a time
- Only a small section of film peeled back
- Film back on and bags sealed when you finish
Frequently asked questions
Why are my diamonds not sticking to the canvas?
The adhesive may be dusty or the diamond may not be pressed down firmly. Keep unused areas covered, and press each diamond gently but firmly onto its symbol.
Can I reuse wax?
Yes. Press your pen tip back into the same wax to refresh it. Replace it when it becomes dirty or stops working well.
What should I do if my kit arrives with something missing or damaged?
Contact us straight away with your order number and a photo and we will help. See Shipping & Returns for details.
Are diamond painting kits safe for children?
Our kits are CE certified and suitable for ages 8+. They contain small parts, so keep loose diamonds away from young children and pets.
Keep calm and craft on
Every diamond painter has fixed a crooked row or hunted for a missing diamond. With these simple fixes, small problems stay small and you can enjoy the sparkle. If you are ready for your next project, browse kits that are in stock and ready to ship, or stock up on helpful accessories. In-stock orders ship from the UK by Royal Mail 48 in about 2–3 working days, with free UK delivery on orders of £40 or more.