How Long Does It Take to Do a Diamond Painting? Full Guide

If you're new to diamond painting or considering starting this sparkly craft, one of your first questions is likely how long does it take to do a diamond painting? 

It's a practical concern, you want to know what you're getting into before investing in a kit. The answer isn't as straightforward as you might hope, but this guide will help you understand exactly what affects your timeline and what to expect.

How Long Does It Take to Do a Diamond Painting?

The time to complete a diamond painting can range anywhere from a single afternoon to several months. Small, simple paintings might take just 5-10 hours total, while large, complex masterpieces can require 100+ hours of work.

Understanding Why Completion Time Varies So Much

Diamond painting completion times vary dramatically because of multiple factors working together. The size of your canvas, the complexity of your design, the type of drills you're using, your experience level, and how much time you can dedicate all play crucial roles in determining your timeline.

It's a Journey Not a Race

Before diving into specific time estimates, remember that diamond painting is meant to be a relaxing, enjoyable activity. While it's natural to wonder about completion times, many experienced diamond painters will tell you that focusing too much on speed can diminish the meditative benefits of the craft.

 

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Key Factors Affecting Your Diamond Painting Time

Painting Size The Biggest Factor

The canvas size is the single most important factor determining how long your project will take. Larger canvases have more drills to place often exponentially more.

Small Paintings Quick Projects (e.g., 20x30cm to 30x40cm)

Small diamond paintings typically contain about 6,000-15,000 drills. These projects are perfect for beginners or when you want relatively quick satisfaction. You can usually complete them in:

• 5-15 total hours for most painters
• 1-3 days if you're dedicating several hours each day
• 1-2 weeks if you work on it for an hour or so daily

Medium Paintings A Few Weeks (e.g., 40x50cm to 50x70cm)

Medium-sized projects contain approximately 15,000-40,000 drills. These offer more detail and a more impressive finished product, but require:

• 20-50 total hours of work
• 2-6 weeks for most hobbyists painting a few hours daily
• 1-3 weeks for dedicated crafters who paint several hours each day

Large Paintings Long Term Projects (e.g., 70x90cm and up)

Large diamond paintings can contain 50,000-100,000+ drills and deliver stunning detail. These are serious commitments:

• 50-150+ total hours
• 2-6+ months for the average person working on it regularly
• Often become long-term projects that crafters work on when time allows

Custom Diamond Paintings Extra Time for Detail

Custom paintings, especially photos converted to diamond art:

• Often have more confetti areas for detail
• Typically take 25-50% longer than standard designs of the same size
• Require more attention to detail and precision
• May involve more challenging color distinctions

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Design Complexity Confetti Versus Color Blocking

The pattern of colors in your design dramatically affects completion time, regardless of size.

Confetti Rich Designs (many color changes)

Confetti refers to areas where many different colored drills are placed next to each other, requiring frequent color changes. These designs:

• Take significantly longer to complete
• Require more concentration and precision
• Often produce more detailed, realistic images
• Can double the time compared to simpler designs of the same size

Color Block Designs (large areas of one color)

Designs with large sections of a single color allow you to work efficiently without constantly switching drill colors:

• Can be completed much faster (sometimes 2-3x faster than confetti)
• Allow you to use multi-placers more effectively
• Often feature simpler, more abstract or cartoon-style images
• Are ideal for beginners or those wanting quicker completion

Drill Type Round Versus Square Diamonds

The shape of the drills (diamonds) in your kit significantly impacts your speed.

Round Drills Faster and Easier

Round drills are more forgiving in placement and easier to pick up:

• Can be placed 20-40% faster than square drills
• Don't require perfect alignment
• Are better for beginners or speed-focused crafters
• May leave tiny gaps between drills when placed

Square Drills Precise and Slower

Square drills create a seamless, mosaic-like finish but require more precision:

• Take longer to place correctly
• Need to be aligned properly with neighboring drills
• Produce a gap-free finished product many crafters prefer
• Require more patience and precision

Your Personal Painting Speed and Experience

Like any skill, diamond painting gets faster with practice.

Beginner Speeds

When you're new to diamond painting:

• You might place 100-300 drills per hour
• You'll spend time learning techniques and getting comfortable
• Each color change takes longer as you develop your system
• Setting up and organizing materials takes extra time

Experienced Painter Efficiency

With experience, your speed improves dramatically:

• Skilled painters can place 500-1,000+ drills per hour
• Color changes become quick and efficient
• Tool handling becomes second nature
• Organization systems reduce wasted time

Tools You Use Multi Placers and Beyond

The tools you choose can dramatically affect your completion time.

Single Placer Pen Impact

The standard tool included in most kits:

• Places one drill at a time
• Works for all areas of your painting
• Is precise but relatively slow
• Is best for detailed, confetti areas

Multi Placer Pen Advantages

Multi-placers allow you to pick up and place multiple drills simultaneously:

• Can increase speed by 2-3x in large, single-color areas
• Common sizes include 3, 5, 7, and even 10+ drills at once
• May not work well for confetti sections
• Require some practice to use effectively

Use of Electric Diamond Painting Art Pen 

Electric Diamond Painting Art Pen– Vacuum Suction & Rechargeable

Electric diamond painting pens represent one of the newest innovations in the craft, potentially transforming your speed and comfort:

Precision Without Wax or Mess: These first wind-powered vacuum diamond painting pens eliminate the need for wax or pressing drills. With just one click, they provide strong instant suction to pick up drills quickly and cleanly, without sticky residue or dropped gems.

Clutter-Free Setup, Focused Creativity: Unlike traditional vacuum systems, these pens eliminate bulky equipment and messy hoses, allowing you to focus entirely on your painting without distractions or complicated setup.

Designed for Comfort: The ergonomic design (typically with a 15° angle and textured grip) reduces hand fatigue significantly. This allows you to paint comfortably for hours, whether you're working with round or square drills of any size.

4-in-1 Tip System for Speed & Precision: Most electric pens include multiple tips (straight, angled, dual, and quad) that snap in without extra tools. This versatility lets you switch between fine detail work and covering large areas without changing tools.

Works with All Drill Types: Electric diamond painting pens are compatible with all diamond shapes and sizes, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced diamond painters.

Time impact: Diamond painters report 30-50% faster completion times when using electric pens compared to traditional wax-based applicators, particularly for large projects where hand fatigue would normally slow progress.

Other Tools (straighteners, light pads, wax type)

Additional tools can enhance efficiency:

• Light pads illuminate your canvas, making symbols easier to see
• Drill straighteners quickly align multiple drills
• Different wax types can improve drill pickup
• Storage systems reduce time spent searching for colors

Time You Can Dedicate Per Day

Your available crafting time is perhaps the most personal factor in your completion timeline.

Daily Sessions vs Weekend Marathons

Your painting schedule affects overall completion time:

• Regular 1-2 hour daily sessions provide steady progress
• Weekend-only marathon sessions may be less efficient due to fatigue
• Short, consistent sessions often result in better quality work

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Practical Tips to Speed Up Your Diamond Painting

If you're looking to complete your diamond painting more quickly without sacrificing quality, try these proven strategies.

Prepare Your Drills Before You Start (kitting up)

"Kitting up" refers to organizing all your materials before beginning:

• Sort drills into labeled containers for easy access
• Check inventory to avoid mid-project delays
• Pre-open packaging to eliminate fumbling time
• Arrange colors in a logical order (by section or frequency)

Work in Sections for Focus

Working methodically in sections is faster than random placement:

• Complete one defined area before moving to the next
• Cover and uncover only the section you're working on
• Reduces lost time from searching the canvas
• Creates a sense of accomplishment with each completed section

Use the Right Tools for Efficiency

Strategic tool use can dramatically improve speed:

• Use single placers for detailed areas
• Switch to multi-placers for large color blocks
• Invest in quality tools that feel comfortable for long sessions
• Consider specialized tools like straighteners for square drills

Optimize Your Workspace Lighting and Setup

Your physical setup makes a big difference:

• Ensure bright, direct lighting to clearly see symbols
• Use a comfortable chair at the right height
• Arrange all tools within easy reach
• Consider a tilted work surface or easel for less strain

Consistent Daily Progress Even Small Steps

Consistency trumps marathon sessions:

• 30 minutes daily is better than 3 hours once a week
• Set achievable daily goals (e.g., "complete this 10x10cm section")
• Track progress to stay motivated
• Maintain momentum with regular sessions

The Most Important Thing Enjoy the Process

While this guide focuses on time, remember that diamond painting is primarily about enjoyment.

Diamond Painting as a Relaxing Hobby

Many crafters choose diamond painting specifically for its relaxing benefits:

• The repetitive motion is meditative
• The focus required helps clear the mind
• The tactile experience is satisfying
• The progress is visible and rewarding

Focusing on the Journey Not Just the Destination

The most satisfied diamond painters appreciate the process:

• Enjoy each session rather than rushing to finish
• Appreciate the evolving image as you work
• Balance efficiency with enjoyment
• Remember that the time spent is part of the value

Conclusion

Understanding how long your diamond painting will take helps you choose the right project and set realistic expectations. 

Whether you're looking for a quick weekend project or a long-term creative journey, there's a diamond painting that fits your timeline. 

Remember that the most important factor isn't speed but enjoyment. Diamond painting has become a beloved hobby precisely because it offers a perfect balance of challenge, relaxation, and beautiful results, regardless of how long it takes to complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average time to complete a diamond painting?

The average time to complete a diamond painting varies significantly based on size. A small 30x40cm painting typically takes 8-20 total hours spread over days or weeks. 

Medium paintings (40x50cm) usually take 20-50 total hours over several weeks, while large paintings (60x80cm+) can take 50-150+ hours over months. 

Your personal speed, the complexity of the design, and how often you work on it will affect these averages.

Which diamond painting size is best for beginners?

Beginners should start with a small diamond painting, ideally 20x20cm to 30x40cm. These sizes are large enough to enjoy the process and create an attractive finished piece, but small enough to complete within a reasonable timeframe (typically 1-2 weeks with regular sessions). 

Starting too large can lead to frustration or abandoned projects. Look for designs with some color blocking rather than all confetti for your first project.

Does square diamond painting take longer than round?

Yes, square diamond painting typically takes 20-40% longer than round diamond painting of the same size and complexity. Square drills require more precise alignment with neighboring drills to create the seamless mosaic effect. 

Each drill must be carefully positioned, while round drills are more forgiving in placement. However, many crafters feel the extra time is worthwhile for the gap-free finished appearance that square drills provide.

How many hours does it take to do a 30x40 diamond painting?

A 30x40cm diamond painting typically takes between 8-20 total hours to complete. Beginners might need closer to 15-25 hours, while experienced crafters might finish in 8-15 hours.

The actual calendar time depends on your schedule. If you work on it for an hour daily, you might complete it in 2-3 weeks. 

Factors like design complexity and drill type will influence this estimate; a simple round drill design might take half the time of a detailed square drill project.