Diamond Painting Tools You Actually Need (And Which Ones You Don’t)

If you are starting diamond painting, you may feel overwhelmed by the number of tools available. Trays, pens, wax, light pads, storage boxes—do you really need all of them?

The truth is, you only need a few essential tools to get started. Other tools are optional upgrades that improve comfort, speed, or organization as you gain experience.

If you are still learning what diamond painting is, understanding the right tools will make your first project much smoother and more enjoyable.

In this guide, we’ll break down the diamond painting tools you actually need, which ones are optional, and which are best avoided as a beginner.

Essential Diamond Painting Tools (Must-Have)

These tools are absolutely necessary to complete a diamond painting. Fortunately, they are usually included in most beginner kits.

Diamond Painting Canvas

The canvas is the foundation of your project. It is printed with symbols and coated with adhesive to hold the diamonds in place.

Canvas size directly affects how long a project takes. Larger canvases mean more diamonds and more time. If time is a concern, our guide on how long diamond painting takes explains this in detail.

Diamonds (Drills)

Diamonds are the small resin pieces you place on the canvas. Their shape and type influence both difficulty and visual effect.

• Round diamonds are easier and more forgiving

• Square diamonds offer sharper detail but require precision

If you’re unsure which to choose, our comparison of round vs square diamonds can help you decide based on skill level and preference.

Diamond facets also matter. For sparkle and depth, see our guide on 5D vs 3D diamonds.

Diamond Painting Pen

The pen is used to pick up and place diamonds. A basic single-placer pen is enough for beginners.

Multi-placer pens allow you to place several diamonds at once, but they are best used after you gain some experience and confidence.

Wax or Glue

Wax is placed inside the pen tip to help pick up diamonds. This is a small but essential tool—without it, placing diamonds becomes frustrating.

Most kits include enough wax to complete the project.

Diamond Tray

The tray holds diamonds and helps align them with the flat side down. A simple tray with grooves is all you need to get started.

Optional Diamond Painting Tools (Nice to Have)

These tools are not required, but they can improve speed, comfort, and organization—especially for larger or full drill projects.

Light Pad

A light pad sits under the canvas and illuminates the symbols, making them easier to see. This is especially helpful for detailed designs or darker canvases.

Light pads are particularly useful for full drill projects, which take longer to complete. If you’re still deciding between coverage styles, our guide on full drill vs partial drill diamond painting can help.

Diamond Storage Containers

Storage boxes help organize diamonds by color and prevent spills. While not essential, they become very useful once you start working on larger kits or multiple projects.

Comfort Grips

Foam or silicone grips slide onto the pen to reduce hand fatigue. These are great for long crafting sessions but not necessary for short projects.

Tools Beginners Often Don’t Need Right Away

Some tools are heavily marketed but offer little benefit for beginners.

Extra-large multi-placer pens, electric pens, or overly complex tool sets can actually slow learning and increase frustration. It’s better to master the basics before investing in advanced accessories.

How Tool Choice Affects Your Experience

Using the right tools makes diamond painting smoother and more relaxing. Beginners often enjoy faster progress and fewer mistakes when they keep things simple.

Tool needs also change based on your project type. Smaller or partial drill kits require fewer accessories, while large or detailed projects benefit from upgrades like light pads and storage systems.

What Tools Come in a Beginner Diamond Painting Kit?

Most beginner-friendly kits include everything you need to start: canvas, diamonds, pen, wax, and tray.

If you’re not sure which kit offers the best value, the next step is choosing a kit designed specifically for beginners. Our upcoming guide on best diamond painting kits for beginners will help you make that decision with confidence.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a large collection of tools to enjoy diamond painting. Start with the essentials, learn the process, and upgrade only when you feel the need.

The right tools should make diamond painting easier, not more complicated.

If you’re ready to begin, explore our best-selling diamond painting kits, which include all the essential tools needed for a smooth and enjoyable start.