Congratulations! You've completed your first diamond painting project.Now, you're probably wondering what to do next. Since you've invested time and effort into creating something beautiful, it's important to know how to preserve it properly. Here are some steps to follow to ensure your masterpiece is ready for display.
Clean Your Work of Art
After spending countless hours on your project, it's crucial to ensure it's free from dust and dirt. Even if you were meticulous during the crafting process, tiny particles like dust, dirt, or pet hair can accumulate on the adhesive canvas. Before framing, inspect your diamond painting under natural light or a lamp to catch any foreign elements. Gently brush away these particles with a soft brush or a toothbrush. Cover and store your finished painting carefully to prevent future dust accumulation.
Inspect for Missing Spots
One of the most common issues with finished diamond painting is overlooked spaces. It's easy to miss a spot when working with such tiny drills. Hold your painting up to light board or expose it to a strong light source, such as direct sunlight or a lamp, to reveal ant gaps or missed areas. Fill in any empty spots before proceeding to the next steps.
Ensure Diamonds Are Secure
The adhesive surface of the canvas is what keeps your diamonds in place. Sometimes, especially if a drill wasn't pressed down firmly enough, it can come loose. To prevent this, use a brayer or a rolling pin to apply gentle pressure across the entire painting. This ensures that each drill adheres completely to the canvas. Additionally, applying a sealer can help keep everything in place, especially if you're using a lower-quality kit. Make sure the sealer is appropriate and won't cause discoloration or diminish the shine of your artwork.
Learn How to Frame Your Diamond Painting
Framing your diamond painting not only protects it but also enhances its appearance. You can choose from standard frames available at craft stores or opt for a custom frame that fits your painting precisely. An easy and affordable framing option is a poster hanger frame, which uses magnets to secure the canvas and string for hanging. Remember, diamond paintings usually have extra trim around the image, so you may need to trim this excess to fit the frame better, focusing more on the central image.
Store Your Finished Painting
If you're not ready to frame and display your diamond painting immediately, proper storage is key. One simple DIY method is to sandwich the finished art between two pieces of foam board and secure them with binder clips or masking tape. This protects your painting from dust and damage, keeping the diamonds securely in place.
Organize Your Leftover Supplies
Besides storing your completed artwork, don't forget about the remaining tools and supplies. Keep leftover diamonds in labeled containers according to their DMC codes. Store your tools in a box or designate a specific area in your craft room for them. These supplies can be useful for future projects or as replacements if you lose any parts.
Find a Home for Your Fully Finished Diamond Painting
Now that your diamond painting is complete, decide what to do with it. You can keep it for yourself and display it in your home, gift it to someone special, sell it, or even donate it to a local community center or charity. Giving it away can also be a meaningful gesture, perhaps donating it to be auctioned off or used as a raffle prize for a cause you care about.
Enjoy Your New Masterpiece
Take a moment to appreciate your hard work. Your diamond painting is now ready to be admired. Follow these tips to ensure your painting is prepared for framing and use ur recommended methods to add a polished finish to your creation. Whether you keep it or give it away, you've created something to be proud of.
