How to Display Diamond Art: A Beginners Guide for Craft Enthusiasts and Home Decorators
Introduction to Diamond Art
Diamond art, also known as diamond painting, has taken the crafting world by storm. This engaging and visually stunning hobby involves placing tiny, sparkling resin “diamonds” onto a sticky canvas to create dazzling artwork. It’s a relaxing and rewarding activity that allows crafters to express their creativity in creative ways while producing beautiful pieces that can be proudly displayed in their homes.
Whether you’re a seasoned diamond art lover or new to this captivating craft, finding the perfect way to showcase your masterpiece can elevate your home decor and let your creativity shine. In this guide, we’ll explore various tips and techniques for displaying diamond art, ensuring your creations receive the admiration they deserve.
The Art of Displaying Diamond Painting
Before you start displaying your diamond artwork, it’s essential to choose the right frame and canvas size. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Frame Selection: Opt for a frame that complements both your diamond art and your interior décor. Simple, sleek frames work well for modern settings, while ornate frames can add a touch of elegance to more traditional rooms. Ensure the frame size matches your canvas dimensions to avoid any awkward cropping.
Canvas Size: Consider the space where you plan to display your diamond art. A large, bold piece can serve as a focal point on an accent wall, while smaller canvases are ideal for creating a gallery-style arrangement.
Matting: Adding a mat can provide a professional finish to your diamond art, creating a visual buffer between the artwork and the frame. Choose a mat color that enhances the colors in your diamond painting without overpowering the piece.
Floating Frame: A floating frame can add a modern and sophisticated touch to your diamond art. This type of frame creates the illusion that your artwork is “floating” within the frame, allowing the edges of the canvas to be fully visible. This can be particularly effective for diamond paintings with intricate or extended designs that go right to the edges. Floating frames come in various styles and finishes, so you can choose one that best complements your home decor.
Canvas Wrap: For a polished and contemporary look, consider opting for a canvas wrap. This technique involves stretching the diamond art canvas over a wooden frame, with the artwork seamlessly continuing around the edges. It’s a great way to create a three-dimensional effect, making your piece stand out without the need for additional framing. Canvas wraps are perfect for homes with a modern, minimalist style and can be easily hung directly on the wall, giving your space a gallery-like feel.
Captured in Glass: For a sleek and modern presentation, consider displaying your diamond art “captured in glass.” This method involves sandwiching your diamond painting between two panes of glass, creating a frameless look that puts the focus entirely on your artwork. It’s a wonderful way to preserve and protect your diamond art while maintaining a clean and contemporary aesthetic. Captured-in-glass displays can be mounted on walls or placed on stands, making them versatile options for any room in your home. This technique is especially effective for diamond art pieces with vibrant colors and intricate details, as the glass enhances the sparkle and depth of the diamonds.
Mounting and Hanging Your Diamond Paintings
Once you’ve chosen the perfect picture frame, it’s time to mount and hang your diamond art. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your masterpiece is displayed safely and securely:
Secure the Canvas: Use a high-quality spray adhesive or double-sided tape to attach the canvas to a sturdy backing board like foam board. This helps keep the canvas flat and prevents any sagging over time.
Attach the Frame: Place the mounted canvas into the frame, securing it with the frame’s clips or nails. Ensure the canvas is centered and held firmly in place.
Hanging Hardware: Attach hanging hardware, such as D-rings or sawtooth hangers, to the back of the frame. Make sure the hardware is level to prevent your diamond painting from hanging crookedly.
Alternative Display Options: If you prefer not to use a frame, consider other display methods such as mounting the canvas on a wooden panel, or foam board, or using a magnetic poster hanger. These options can give your diamond painting a modern, minimalist look.
Floating Frames and Canvas Wraps: This style of framing will normally show the white border around the diamond painting canvas. Printed and painted art normally wraps a portion of the colored image around the stretcher bars. This can also be done with diamond paintings if you either have a custom canvas made for you with an extra inch of colored but none diamond surface, or you don’t attach diamonds to the outer inch of the piece.
Preserving Your Diamond Art
To keep your diamond art looking vibrant and beautiful for years to come, follow these preservation tips:
Protect from Dust: Regularly dust your diamond painting with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using water or cleaning solutions, as moisture can damage the adhesive and diamonds.
Shield from Moisture: Display your diamond painting in a dry, indoor environment. Humidity and moisture can weaken the adhesive and cause diamonds to fall off.
Prevent Fading: Keep your diamond painting out of direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can cause colors to fade. Consider using UV-protective glass if your artwork is displayed in a bright room.
Sealing Your Diamond Art
Sealing your diamond art is an important step to ensure its longevity and durability. Here are some tips and techniques for sealing your masterpiece:
Choose the Right Sealer: Select a sealer that is specifically designed for diamond art. Most commonly used are brush-on or spray sealers. Opt for a clear, non-yellowing formula to preserve the true colors and sparkle of your diamonds.
Test First: Before applying the sealer to your entire artwork, test it on a small, inconspicuous area or a leftover section of canvas. This will help you ensure that the sealer does not alter the color or shine of your diamonds.
Clean the Surface: Make sure your diamond painting is clean and free of dust or debris. Use a soft brush to gently remove any particles that may have settled on the surface.
Apply Evenly: If using a brush-on sealer, apply it evenly with a clean, soft-bristled brush. Work in small sections, making sure to cover all the diamonds without leaving any gaps. For spray sealers, hold the can at a recommended distance and spray in a sweeping motion to evenly coat the surface.
Allow to Dry: Let the sealer dry completely as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid touching or moving the artwork during this time to ensure a smooth, even finish.
Reapply if Necessary: Depending on the sealer and the desired level of protection, you may need to apply multiple coats. Make sure each coat is fully dry before applying the next.
By following these steps, you can protect your diamond painting from dust, moisture, and other potential damage, ensuring it remains vibrant and beautiful for years to come. Practicing proper sealing techniques can also add a professional, polished look to your finished diamond art piece, enhancing its overall appearance and making it a true showstopper in your home decor.
Showcasing Your Masterpiece
Now that your diamond painting is framed and preserved, it’s time to showcase it in your home. Here are some creative ideas to inspire you:
Accent Walls: Create a stunning gallery wall by grouping several diamond art pieces together. Mix and match sizes and styles for an eclectic, eye-catching display.
Personalized Gifts: Diamond painting makes a thoughtful and unique gift. Frame a piece for a loved one, adding a personal touch to their home décor.
Themed Rooms: Use diamond art to enhance themed spaces in your home. For example, display floral diamond paintings in a garden-inspired room or abstract designs in a contemporary living area.
Rotating Displays: Swap out your diamond art seasonally or for special occasions. This keeps your décor fresh and allows you to hang different pieces throughout the year.
Conclusion
Displaying small or large diamond paintings is an exciting way to personalize your home and share your creative achievements. By choosing the right frame, mounting your artwork securely, and preserving it properly, you can ensure your diamond paintings remain a vibrant and cherished part of your décor. After so much time and hard work, you should take pride in your accomplishments and create a beautiful display for all to enjoy.
If framing is not your thing (remember we are picture framers) there are other creative ways to display diamond art. Search for ideas online, check your local hobby store or favorite craft store, thrift stores, or maybe even the local hardware store. However you decide to display your hard work just make sure it gets displayed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I frame my finished diamond painting without stretching it first?
Yes, you can frame diamond painting without stretching it. Simply use a sturdy backing board to secure the canvas flat within the frame. This method prevents the finished canvas from sagging while hanging and does not require additional stretching.
How do I prevent my diamond art from losing its sparkle over time?
To maintain the sparkle, regularly dust your finished diamond paintings with a soft, dry cloth, keep it out of direct sunlight, and protect it from moisture. If necessary, apply a clear, non-yellowing paint or sealer designed for diamond art.
What type of lighting is best for displaying diamond art?
Indirect lighting works best for displaying diamond art. Soft, diffused light helps highlight the sparkle without causing glare or fading. Consider positioning your artwork away from direct sunlight or harsh lighting.
Can I use a regular sealer for my diamond painting?
It’s recommended to use a sealer specifically designed for diamond art. Regular sealers might alter the color or shine of the diamonds. Always test the sealer on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t affect your artwork.
How do I handle loose diamonds on my finished piece?
If you notice loose diamonds, apply a small amount of clear glue to the back of each loose diamond. Gently press the diamond back into place and allow the glue to dry completely. Sealing your entire piece can help prevent diamonds from coming loose in the future.
Is it okay to roll my diamond art for storage?
It’s best to store diamond art flat to avoid creasing or bending the canvas, which could cause diamonds to fall off. If you need to roll it, do so carefully with the diamonds facing outward and avoid rolling it too tightly. Use a protective layer, such as cardboard or as a sheet of parchment paper, to prevent sticking.
Can I clean my diamond painting with water or cleaning solutions?
We do not recommend using water or cleaning solutions, as moisture can damage the seal of the adhesive and cause diamonds to fall off. Instead, use a soft, dry cloth to gently dust the surface.
