You have placed the last diamond, stepped back and admired your sparkling picture. Now what? A finished diamond painting deserves to be seen, and a little care at this stage will keep it looking beautiful for years.
In this guide we cover everything that happens after the final diamond: checking and pressing your canvas, deciding whether to seal it, choosing a frame and finding the perfect spot to display it. We also share a few creative ideas for canvases that do not end up on a wall.
Step 1: Check your canvas
Before you do anything else, give your picture a careful once-over.
- Look for missed symbols. Scan the canvas in good light, row by row. A light pad or a bright lamp makes any empty spots easier to see. Your spare diamonds come in handy here.
- Check for stray diamonds. Sometimes a diamond lands in the wrong place or sits on its side. Lift it out gently with tweezers and replace it.
- Straighten square diamonds. On square kits, look along each row and nudge any crooked diamonds back into line. Neat rows reflect light more evenly.
- Clean the surface. Remove any dust, hair or loose fibres. A soft, dry brush or a mini vacuum designed for diamond painting is useful here.
Step 2: Press everything down
Once you are happy, it is time to make sure every diamond is firmly bedded into the adhesive.
Lay the protective film or a clean sheet of baking paper over the canvas, then press down with gentle, even pressure. A rolling pin works well: roll slowly in one direction, then the other. Avoid dragging anything sharp or rough directly across the diamonds.
If your canvas came rolled, it may have a slight curl. Lay it flat under a few heavy books (with a clean sheet on top to protect the diamonds) for a day or so. Never iron a diamond painting.
Step 3: Decide whether to seal it
Sealing means applying a clear liquid over the finished canvas to help hold the diamonds in place and protect the surface. It is optional, and crafters have different opinions about it.
Reasons to seal
- Your picture will hang somewhere without glass, so the diamonds are exposed.
- The canvas will be handled, rolled or moved often.
- You want extra reassurance that the diamonds stay put.
Reasons not to seal
- You plan to frame the canvas behind glass, which already protects it.
- You like the option of fixing or replacing diamonds later.
- You are worried about changing the look of the sparkle.
How to seal, if you choose to
We stock a dedicated Diamond Painting Sealer (120 ml), designed for finished diamond paintings. Always follow the instructions on the product, and keep these general tips in mind:
- Test first. Try the sealer on a small area, or on a few spare diamonds stuck to a scrap of canvas, so you can see the finish before you commit.
- Make sure the canvas is clean and pressed. Any dust under the sealer will be stuck there for good.
- Apply thin, even coats. Work in small sections with a soft brush or sponge, following the direction of the rows on square kits.
- Let it dry completely. Leave the canvas flat, somewhere clean and dust-free, for the drying time given on the product.
- Ventilate the room. Work somewhere with good airflow and keep the sealer away from children and pets.
Step 4: Choose a frame
Framing is the most popular way to display a diamond painting, and it protects your work from dust and knocks.
Measure the design, not the canvas
Most canvases have a border around the design area, and sometimes a printed colour key. Measure the area you want to show, then decide whether to fold the border behind the backing board or trim it. Many of our canvases also have a decorative wavy edge, which you might prefer to show off inside a larger frame.
Allow for depth
Diamonds add thickness to the canvas. If you use a frame with glass, check there is enough room between the glass and the backing so the diamonds are not squashed. A box frame or a frame with a spacer gives extra depth. Some crafters prefer to remove the glass entirely so nothing dulls the sparkle; if you do, sealing becomes more useful.
Standard sizes save money
Ready-made frames are much cheaper than bespoke framing. Many of our kits are close to common UK frame sizes. For example, LT05 Sleeping Fox is 30.5 x 30.5 cm and our framed kits are 40 x 50 cm. Always measure your finished piece first, as canvases can vary slightly.
Mounting the canvas
To keep the canvas flat inside the frame, you can attach it to a piece of foam board or mount board using double-sided tape around the edges. Pull it smooth as you go, working from the centre outwards.
Or skip framing altogether
If you want a piece that is ready to hang the moment you finish, choose one of our Limited Edition framed kits. 481-012 Eyes of the Wild, 481-043 Echo of Ice and 481-036 Sleeping Beauty all arrive with a pre-framed 40 x 50 cm canvas and two picture hangers.
Step 5: Find the perfect spot
Where you hang your diamond painting makes a big difference to how it looks.
- Catch the light. Diamonds sparkle when light moves across them. A spot near a window or opposite a lamp shows off special colours like AB and fairy dust beautifully.
- Avoid strong direct sunlight. Long hours of bright sun can fade printed areas and warm the adhesive. Bright but indirect light is ideal.
- Keep away from damp and heat. Bathrooms, kitchens near the hob and spots above radiators are best avoided.
- Hang at eye level. You will want to admire the detail up close.
Creative display ideas
Not every finished piece has to go in a frame on the wall.
Canvas stretchers
Some crafters stretch their finished canvas over a wooden frame, like an artist's canvas. This gives a modern, frameless look. It works best on canvases with a generous border.
Gifts
A finished diamond painting makes a thoughtful handmade gift. Our DIY Cards are designed to be given away, with an envelope included.
Seasonal decorations
Ornament and charm kits are made to be hung. 480-800 Boo Crew Ornaments makes five 10 cm hanging ornaments with cord, while Charm Chains kits make double-sided acrylic charms you can hang on a tree or a bag.
A gallery wall
Once you have finished a few pieces, group them together. Mixing sizes and frame styles creates a lovely feature wall, especially with pieces by the same artist.
Caring for your finished piece
- Dust gently with a soft, dry brush or a clean make-up brush.
- Do not use water, cleaning sprays or wet cloths on the diamonds.
- If a diamond comes loose, pop it back in place with a dab of craft glue or a fresh press, and keep your spare diamonds labelled just in case.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to seal my diamond painting?
No. Sealing is optional. If you frame it behind glass, many crafters choose not to seal at all.
Will sealer dull the sparkle?
It depends on the product and how it is applied. Test on a small area first and apply thin coats, following the instructions on the sealer.
What frame size do I need?
Measure the design area of your finished canvas and choose a frame that fits it, allowing extra depth for the diamonds. Our framed kits are 40 x 50 cm and arrive ready to hang.
How do I get my canvas flat?
Lay it flat under heavy books, with a clean sheet over the diamonds, for a day or so. Do not iron it.
Can I roll up a finished diamond painting?
You can, but roll it loosely with the diamonds facing outwards to reduce stress on the adhesive. Sealing first gives extra protection.
Ready for the next one?
There is nothing quite like seeing your finished work on the wall. If you are already thinking about your next project, browse our Bestsellers, see what is in stock and ready to ship, or pick up a sealer and a few handy tools for the finishing touches.