What Are AB (Aurora Borealis) Drills in Diamond Painting

TLDR: AB drills (Aurora Borealis drills) are special diamond painting beads with an iridescent coating that creates a rainbow sparkle effect. They add extra dimension and shine to designs, often used as accents in partial drill kits or to highlight key areas. Unlike regular drills, AB drills catch and reflect light beautifully, making them perfect for creating eye-catching details.

Learning about AB drills can help you pick the right ones for your next project and make your designs pop. Understanding the difference between regular and AB drills gives you more control over the final look of your diamond art.

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What Are AB Drills in Diamond Painting?

AB drills are small beads used in diamond painting. The "AB" stands for Aurora Borealis, named after the colorful Northern Lights. These drills have a special top layer that gives them a bright, rainbow-like effect.

You use AB drills just like regular drills, but their appearance is much more striking. They can reflect many colors, not just the base color of the diamond. This makes your finished art look more vibrant and eye-catching.

Many people use AB drills to highlight or accent specific design parts. Some kits include them or buy AB drills separately to add extra sparkle.

How AB Drills Differ from Standard Diamonds

Standard diamonds, also called drills, have a basic color and a standard shiny look. On the other hand, AB drills come with an iridescent coating that creates a shimmery, multi-colored effect.

Here are some ways they stand out:

• Shine: AB drills are usually shinier and more reflective than standard drills.
• Color effect: They can show hints of several colors at the same angle.
• Feel: Sometimes, AB drills feel slightly more slippery or more challenging to pick up using the applicator pen.
• Use: You often use them in smaller amounts on a painting, mainly as an accent.

When you put AB drills next to regular diamonds, you will notice they look brighter and more colorful.

The Significance of Aurora Borealis (AB) Coating

The AB coating gives these drills their unique look. It gets its name from the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, because it reflects many colors at once.

This thin, iridescent coating is placed on top of each diamond bead. It helps scatter light, making the drill shine in different colors depending on how you look at it.

Key features of the AB coating:

• Makes beads look more luminous and colorful
• Boosts the sparkle, especially under bright light
• Commonly used to highlight important areas in a design

The AB coating helps turn a simple diamond painting into a more brilliant and vivid artwork. The effect is subtle but noticeable and is especially popular for adding depth to your finished piece.

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How Are AB Drills in Diamond Painting Enhance Your Artwork

AB drills make diamond paintings brighter and more eye-catching. They add a special glow that stands out when placed in the right spots.

1. The Unique Shimmer of AB Drills

AB drills have a special coating called Aurora Borealis. This coating creates a rainbow-like shine that regular drills do not have. When light hits them, you see soft flashes of different colors, almost like oil on water.

This effect makes your artwork sparkle and look more lively. Regular drills reflect light in just one color. AB drills give more of a glimmer and seem to glow.

If you want certain areas to stand out or look magical, use AB drills. Their shine can also make nearby colors pop.

Quick Facts:

• Coating produces a multi-color shimmer
• Reflects light at many angles
• Extra sparkle without being too bold

2. Where to Use AB Drills in Your Design

Pick special parts of your painting to place AB drills. These spots should be places you want to highlight.

Ideal areas to use AB drills:

• Stars, fireworks, or light sources
• Jewelry or crowns
• Water, snow, or magical effects like wings
• Borders or outlines to draw attention

Using too many AB drills may make the artwork look too busy. Try adding them as accents or in small clusters, not on large blocks.

Think about the mood you want your piece to have. AB drills in the background give a soft glow, while using them on the main parts brings them into focus.

3. Mixing AB Drills with Standard Drills

Combining AB drills with regular ones makes your painting more interesting. The standard drills act as a base, while AB drills add pops of shimmer.

Tips for mixing:

• Place AB drills next to regular drills to highlight shapes
• Use AB drills to outline or shade for depth
• Try different spacing to find what looks best

Avoid mixing too many AB drills in one place, as that could diminish their effect. Even minor patches can improve your picture’s look.

Experiment on a test area. You might find a pattern that enhances your design and gives your diamond painting a polished finish.

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How to Identify and Use AB Drills in Diamond Painting

You can spot AB drills by their shimmering, rainbow-like coating. This finish makes them reflect more light and sparkle more than regular drills.

AB drills often stand out in a kit because of their shine and may look slightly lighter than standard drills of the same color.

Most kits label AB drills with "AB" next to the color code or listing. Sometimes, the bag may have a different number or a small note to help you find them.

Steps to use AB drills:

• Sort AB drills when you open your kit. Keep them in a separate tray or bag so you do not mix them up with regular drills.
• Use tweezers or the same pen tool you use for other drills. AB drills do not need special skill, but a gentle touch keeps the coating intact.
• Place AB drills in the spots marked for them on your canvas. These are usually highlighted on the chart.

Storage and organization tips:

• Store AB drills in clear containers or small zip bags to keep them separate.
• Label the containers clearly with the AB code and color.
• Avoid storing AB drills in places with too much sunlight to protect their shine.

AB drills can give your diamond painting extra sparkle when used correctly and stored with care.

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Common Challenges with AB Drills (And How to Fix Them)

AB drills can sometimes cause problems like inconsistent colors or smudged coverings. Knowing some simple solutions helps keep your diamond paintings looking bright and neat.

1. Dealing with Color Variation

It is common to notice slight changes in color or shine when working with AB drills. Some batches have a brighter or different shimmer because of how the coating is applied.

If you want your finished work to look consistent, try these steps:

• Work in natural daylight to accurately see drill colors.
• Sort AB drills by batch before starting if you have more than one pack.
• Place similar-looking AB drills next to each other on the canvas.
• If you notice a difference after you start, use them in less noticeable areas.
• Make notes about which color codes look the most different for future reference.

AB drills might also look different depending on the background color of your canvas. Test a few drills in different spots first.

2. Preventing Smudges on the Coating

AB drills have a shiny top coat that can rub off or smudge if not handled carefully. Keeping the coating perfect will make your final project sparkle the way you want.

Use these tips:

• Always wash your hands before starting.
• Handle the drills as little as possible.
• Use an Electric Diamond Painting Art Pen to pick up and place each drill.
• Avoid using oily or sticky tools, as these can smudge the coating.
• Do not press too hard on the drill when placing it on the canvas.

You can also use a soft, dry brush to gently clean off any dust before sealing your finished piece. This helps keep the AB shine clean and bright.

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Conclusion: Bring Extra Sparkle to Your Diamond Art with AB Drills

AB drills add a special touch to your diamond painting projects. Their unique Aurora Borealis coating gives each bead an extra shimmer, making areas of your artwork stand out more than regular drills.

If you want certain parts of your piece to catch the light or draw attention, using AB drills is great. They come in both round and square shapes and fit easily into most kits.

Here are a few tips for trying AB drills:

✓ Start with a small section to see the effect before using them everywhere.

✓ Mix AB drills with regular drills to highlight parts of your design.

✓ Check your kit to see which colors already have AB versions.

You don’t need to be an expert to use AB drills. Replacing a few regular beads with AB ones can change how your project looks.

Experimenting with AB drills can help you discover your favorite way to add sparkle. Try them in different areas and see how it changes your finished art.

Adding AB drills is a fun and straightforward way to bring something extra to your diamond painting.

If you love diamond painting, you might enjoy other creative tools too. 

Frequently Asked Questions

AB drills in diamond painting have a special coating that makes them shine more than regular drills. You may have questions about how to use them, where to place them, and how they compare to other types of drills.

Are AB drills better than regular drills?

AB drills are not always better, but they are different. They have an extra coating that creates a rainbow-like shine. This makes them stand out and can add sparkle to certain parts of your design. Regular drills have a more basic shine.

Can I buy AB drills separately for diamond painting?

You can buy AB drills by themselves from many online diamond painting shops. They come in different colors and sizes, so you can choose what fits your project. Some kits also include AB drills, but you can always buy extra.

How do I know where to place AB drills in my design?

Most diamond painting kits include a chart or pattern showing where to put each type of drill. If your kit includes AB drills, it will show the spots for them. Some people also like to add AB drills on their own to areas they want to highlight.

What are the best practices for beginners working with AB drills?

Use a clean tray and applicator to avoid picking up dust or oil. Work in small sections so the glue stays sticky. Place AB drills carefully, as their coating can make them a bit slippery. If needed, use tweezers for better control.

What is a drill in diamond painting?

A drill is a small bead or crystal that you stick to a canvas to make a picture. Drills can be round or square. Each color has its code, which you place according to the pattern.

What is the difference between AB and crystal drills?

AB drills have a special coating that gives them a rainbow shine, while crystal drills are made from clear, glass-like material that reflects light differently. AB drills look extra sparkly and colorful, but crystal drills catch and reflect light more directly.