Tokyo at Night

Step 1: Set Up Your Workspace

Choose a clean, well-lit area with enough space to lay the canvas flat.

Tip: Good lighting is very helpful - If the ceiling lights aren’t adequate a lamp or light pad makes symbols easier to see, especially on darker canvases.

Step 2: Unroll and Flatten the Canvas

Lay the canvas flat and let it relax.

Tip: If it’s curled, place a couple of books on the corners. Over time it will naturally relax and become flat.

Step 3: Choose an area to start in

Many people choose to start in a corner, but of course you can start wherever you feel like. In that area look at what symbols are present and choose one to start with. Then refer to the symbol key on the side of the canvas which shows which symbol matches with each diamond colour. Find the diamond number that correlates to that symbol you wish to start with. Each bag of diamonds is labelled with a number that matches a number on the symbol key. Find the bag of diamonds with that number.

Tip: I like to start in the bottom right corner since I am right-handed. That means that when I’m applying the diamonds I don’t have to avoid putting my hand down on the sticky adhesive when I am applying each diamond.

Step 4: Pour Diamonds into the Tray

Pour a small amount of diamonds of the chosen colour into the tray. Gently shake the tray so the diamonds flip right-side up into neat rows.

Tip: Don’t put in too many diamonds or they will just become a big pile rather than aligning in neat rows.

Step 5: Peel Back the Film

The clear protective film keeps the glue clean. Peel back only a small section at a time (like 5–10 cm) so the rest stays protected. Try to avoid removing the whole cover at once since dust and lint will stick. Always reapply the film to the uncompleted canvas when not in use to avoid dust and lint attaching to the glue on the canvas.

Tip: Use an object (eg: phone) to hold back the film so it doesn’t flip back while you are applying dots.

Tip: If the glue gets lint on it, dab gently with a baby wipe (very lightly) and let dry. Avoid soaking the canvas.

Step 6: Load the Pen with Wax

Peel the wax film off, then press the pen tip into the wax a few times to load it with wax until it feels “grippy.” When the diamonds are starting to feel difficult to pick up then add a little more wax.

Tip: Too much wax can leave residue - use only as much as you need. Remove any pink wax you notice on the diamonds / canvas.

Step 7: Pick Up the Diamonds

Press the pen tip onto the top of a diamond. It should stick to the pen.

Tip: If you have an area with a lot of the same colour in blocks you can change the pen tip to pick up multiple diamonds at once. This is a multi-placer tip and they allow you to pick up 3-10 diamonds at once.

Step 8: Match the Symbol and Place the Diamond

Find the symbol on the canvas matching that diamond colour and gently place the diamond on that square/circle. Lightly press to secure it.

Tip: Don’t worry about perfection - diamonds can be nudged into place before you press firmly. You can use the diamond pen or tweezers to straighten or fix diamonds.

Step 9: Apply Diamonds to that Section

Complete that colour in the small uncovered section of canvas. From there the options are to peel back more canvas to continue with that colour or choose another colour found in that area and change to that.

Tip: Many people find it easiest to do one colour at a time in each section, but you can have diamonds of multiple colours in trays at once. Just make sure you keep track of which colour matches which symbol (eg: put the numbered bag next to the tray).

Step 10: Keep Diamonds Organised

As you switch colours, return remaining diamonds to their bag and seal tightly to avoid spillage.

Tip: Diamonds can be stored in their original bags, small zip-lock bags, or containers. Make sure the storage bag / container is clearly labelled with the diamond colour number.

Step 11: Fix any Mistakes (we all make them!)

If diamonds aren’t in a straight line then use the pen tip to push them into the correct places. If a diamond is placed in an incorrect spot then use fingers or tweezers to lift gently, then move it to the correct position, and press it down again.

Tip: If a diamond needs to be moved to the space next to it then you can gently push it across using the diamond pen rather than having to completely remove it from the canvas and reapplying.

Step 12: Finish and Press the Canvas

Occasionally when applying diamonds they don’t fully push down flat onto the canvas, often because they are a little too close to the diamond next to them. This can be difficult to see but over time these diamonds may fall off the picture due to lack of adhesion. In order to make sure all the diamonds are stuck down fully, when the project is finished, place the protective film or a clean sheet of baking paper over the canvas and gently press the diamonds down. Any loose ones should click into place.

Tip: Other options for pressing the diamonds down include using a rolling pin or a diamond art roller, or pressing down with a book.

Step 13: Seal (Optional)

Sealing helps lock diamonds in place - especially if your artwork will be handled often. This is an option but not essential since the glue on good quality canvases will generally hold the diamonds in place over the long term if the diamonds have been applied well with a good connection.

Tip: Sealer slightly reduces sparkle (some sealers more than others), so many people prefer not to seal and instead frame under glass.

Step 14: Frame or Display Your Artwork

Popular display options:

• Frame behind glass
• Stretch on canvas bars
• Poster hangers
• Portfolio folder

Tip: If you send us a photo of your completed Diamond Painting Princess art then we will display it on our “Share Your Art” page. We’d love to see your beautiful creations!