Diamond painting has its own vocabulary, and most of it is simple once someone explains it. A "drill" is a single diamond, "full drill" means the whole canvas gets covered, and "5D" describes the faceted top of each diamond rather than anything three-dimensional.
This glossary covers the diamond painting terms you will see on product pages, in instructions and in online groups. Terms are grouped into diamonds, canvas, tools and techniques, so you can jump to the one you need.
Diamond and drill terms
Drills
Drills are the small resin pieces you stick onto the canvas. "Drills", "diamonds", "beads" and "gems" all mean the same thing. Ours are made of resin, which the store describes as 100% eco-friendly.
Square drills
Square drills fill each cell edge to edge. They give a smooth, tiled finish with very little canvas showing between them, but they need lining up so the rows stay straight.
Round drills
Round drills are circular and quicker to place, since there are no corners to align. A little canvas shows between them, and the finished piece has a slightly softer, sparkly look. Every one of our designs comes with a choice of square or round.
AB drills
AB stands for "aurora borealis". AB drills have an iridescent coating that shifts color in the light, similar to the shimmer on a soap bubble. Designers often use them for highlights such as water, snow or stars. They usually cost more and are not included in every kit.
Special drills
"Special drills" is a catch-all term for anything beyond standard resin diamonds. Common types include fairy dust drills, which have fine glitter inside; crystal or clear drills; glow-in-the-dark drills; and shaped drills such as hearts or stars. Some kits use them for a few accent areas.
Facets
Facets are the small flat surfaces cut into the top of a drill. They catch the light and are what makes a finished diamond painting sparkle.
5D diamond painting
5D is a marketing label rather than a technical standard. It generally refers to drills with a multi-faceted top that reflects light from several angles. You may also see 3D used for drills with fewer facets. The "D" does not mean the picture is raised or three-dimensional.
DMC codes
DMC is a long-established numbering system for embroidery floss colors. Many diamond painting kits borrow these numbers to label drill colors, so "DMC 310" would mean black. Not every kit uses DMC numbers; some use their own codes or symbols.
Color inventory
The list of every color in your kit, usually with its symbol, code and the number of drills needed. Our kits include a color inventory in the step-by-step guide so you can check every bag before starting.
Canvas terms
Canvas
The fabric or film base that you stick drills onto. A diamond painting canvas is printed with the design and covered in a layer of adhesive. Ours are HD-printed so the symbols are clear.
Full drill
Full drill means every part of the canvas is covered with drills, edge to edge across the design. The result has no visible printed areas. All of our kits are full drill.
Partial drill
Partial drill kits leave some areas of the printed canvas uncovered. Only the main subject gets drills, while the background stays as print. They are quicker but have less sparkle overall.
Legend or key
The chart printed on the side of the canvas that matches each symbol to a drill color and code. You check the legend every time you start a new color.
Symbol
The small letter, number or shape printed in each cell on the canvas. Each symbol corresponds to one drill color in the legend.
Cell
One square on the canvas grid where a single drill goes.
Protective film or release paper
The clear plastic sheet covering the adhesive. You peel it back a section at a time, then lay it down again between sessions to keep the glue clean and tacky. Some people call it release paper.
Border
The blank strip around the edge of the canvas with no design on it. It gives you room to frame or stretch the finished piece without losing any of the image.
Framed or stretched canvas
A canvas that has been pulled tight around a wooden frame, like an artist's painting, so it can hang without a separate picture frame. Our framed option arrives this way, pre-stretched with plain white sides and hanging hardware included.
Tool terms
Drill pen
The pen used to pick up and place drills. Most use wax in the tip. Our kits include a dual-ended pen: one end picks up a single drill, the other several at once. Read more in our guide to diamond painting tools and accessories.
Wax
A small block or strip of tacky wax. You press the pen tip into it so the tip grips each drill. When the pen stops picking up well, it is time to reload.
Multi-placer
A wide pen tip that picks up a row of drills, often 3, 5 or more, in one touch. It speeds up large areas of a single color.
Electric pen
A battery-powered pen that uses suction to pick up drills with no wax. The electric diamond painting pen we sell is rechargeable and works with square and round drills.
Tray
A shallow dish with ridges. When you shake it gently, the drills flip facet side down into the grooves so they are easy to pick up.
Tweezers
Used to lift out a drill placed in the wrong cell, straighten crooked square drills or remove lint from the adhesive.
Light pad
A thin LED panel placed under the canvas so light shines through and the symbols are easier to read. Handy for evening sessions or dark designs.
Roller or brayer
A small roller used to press drills firmly into the adhesive once a section is done. A rolling pin or a stack of books does the same job.
Technique terms
Kitting
Kitting means pouring each color into its own labeled container before starting, instead of working from the bags. Some painters enjoy the setup; others skip it and use the bags as they come.
Checkerboarding
Placing drills in every other cell first, like a checkerboard, then filling in the gaps. It helps square drills sit straight and evenly spaced.
Gridding
Drawing a light grid on the protective film or using tape to divide the canvas into small blocks. It makes a large canvas feel manageable and helps you keep track of where you are.
Color by color
Finishing every cell of one symbol in the open area before moving on to the next. It cuts down on switching pens and trays.
Sealing
Brushing or spraying a clear coat over the finished canvas to hold the drills in place and protect against dust. It is optional, especially if you frame under glass. See how to seal a diamond painting for the options.
Spill
When a bag or tray of drills tips over, often mixing colors. Our spill insurance replaces up to 8 packs per claim for free.
Popping
When drills lift off the canvas, usually because they were not pressed down firmly or the canvas curled. Pressing each section as you finish is the fix.
What our kits include
Now that you know the terms, here is how our kits line up: full drill canvases, square or round resin drills, an HD-printed canvas with a legend and protective film, a dual-ended pen with wax, a tray, tweezers and a guide with a color inventory. You also get about 30% extra drills.
If you are just starting, our diamond painting tips for beginners put these terms into practice, and what is diamond painting covers the basics.
Keep reading
- How to Choose Diamond Painting Kits for Adults and Beginners
- How to Do Diamond Painting: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Diamond Painting Tools: What You Need and What to Add Later
Frequently asked questions
What does full drill mean in diamond painting
Full drill means the entire design is covered with drills, with no printed areas left bare. It takes longer than partial drill but gives the most sparkle.
What is 5D diamond painting
5D is a label for drills with a multi-faceted top that catches the light from many angles. It does not mean the picture is raised off the canvas.
What are AB drills in diamond painting
AB drills have an iridescent "aurora borealis" coating that shimmers with shifting colors. They are often used for highlights.
What is the difference between square and round drills
Square drills fit edge to edge for a smooth, tiled look but need aligning. Round drills are quicker to place and leave a little canvas visible between them.
What is kitting in diamond painting
Kitting is sorting each drill color into its own labeled container before you start painting.
With the jargon sorted, picking a kit gets much easier. Browse our diamond painting kits for adults, all full drill and available in square or round.
