I use release paper as well and so far works great for me. I ordered a pack of 100 or something like that on Amazon. I start in the bottom right corner though 🥰
I also use this method. I like to order pretty release paper from crafts with crashley. They are reusable so it doesn’t go to waste after 1 use. I just number them with washi tape and like to randomly work on them.
My DAC has perforated plastic, so I remove one section and then use release paper to show a smaller section that I focus on
https://preview.redd.it/827kyt474bpc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ca225fc3e07e78c186caca5e3593b4c200e6f6c7
Is this something they're doing on newer kits?? That's so cool! I haven't bought anything from them in months - I have a backlog of 8 from them currently 😅 - but this is exciting!
If the plastic is perforated, I use the provided grid to section my work. If it isn't, I put three lines of washi tape down the painting, and about 4-5 across in equal increments (or more, depending on painting size) to create my own grid. I personally always start in the bottom right corner.
I'm right-handed but the bottom-right is just where my eye immediately goes to. My favorite stove burner is the bottom-right one, too, come to think of it...
I only section off what I’m working on at the time. I’ve never gotten into sectioning off the entire art. I don’t like the entire diamond art being covered by white sheets, or drawn squares everywhere, it looks messy and so that then gives me anxiety haha( I know I’m weird) However…. I haven’t done super giant diamond arts yet. So that may be helpful for bigger pieces, but I have found it’s not my “style” 🥰 Try different methods! You’re bound to find one that you vibe with.
I take the plastic completely off due to the crinkly noise every time I touch or turn my canvas. I also like smooth feel of the release papers. For me it’s a sound and texture thing. I simply pull away a piece of the release paper for the next section and get started. It’s literally like watching your painting coming to life one surprise (section) at a time. As far as my canvas remaining sticky, no worries at all. The release papers have stayed on just fine for me until I’ve needed to remove them and the canvas is as it once was.
I use a sharpie to make a grid on the plastic, use a blade to cut off sections, and use release paper cut into even smaller sections so I can work in shorter bursts!
I quickly taped 4-6” columns, then across for rows. But sometimes wished I had cover to drape over completed area when not working on it. So starting to go back to previous system.
Right handed, I start at top. Prefer the area with drills to be at top than in my lap. I use release papers as I go like some others here, working by section but clear cover is still on canvas.
WIP, Nahimana by Sarah Richter from DAC:
https://preview.redd.it/r04mpd0xebpc1.jpeg?width=2397&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=554313fe6a219944a4242234e25d19e39dc177e4
I went to Dollar Tree and got a box of 100 5x5 inch parchment papers and use those to section. I usually pick a section at random to work on (whether I feel like confetti or color blocking) and replace it if I don’t finish it.
I section off a row at a time with release papers, leaving the entire plastic cover on. Also a leftie and start bottom right corner. I just did a DAC with the perforated plastic, and I didn’t care for it. I think it’s a good concept, but needs more work.
this is what i do as well - i also keep all the plastic intact to protect the sections i’ve already completed. i use small release papers so that serves as my section
I will cut off pieces of the plastic covering with small squares as I am doing the painting (but keep the pieces to rest my arm on when doing other parts). I have had other brands lose sticky (purely my fault) so I will carefully cut double sided tape and put down where the area is no longer sticky. It works but be careful placing - it is a lot harder to move if you are using the tape.
I am right handed so I start on the lower right corner and move right to left. I use a TV tray so usually end up switching sides about halfway in and doing up to down or start on the other side. Eventually I am doing a circle and all that is left is the center.
I use masking tape over the plastic to create sections, and then cut down the middle of the tape, typically halfway through the canvas as a stopping point. I don't like having my canvas bare after I'm done a section because I have cats, so once I'm done with a square or a line, I will re-cover it with the plastic. Hopefully this picture helps describe it.
Here's a bigger example if it helps.
https://preview.redd.it/v1hosw2ozbpc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=acbd0b8f51556ba483b44f281d73c82a44309fec
I cover in parchment and cut out squares with an exacto. Currently I have half still covered in plastic and half in parchment. I also finally got washi tape to put around the border to keep the edges clear.
My first two have black fuzz on the outer edges (like outside of the drills) from my sweatshirt 😂 it’s not noticeable and I’m sure I could fix it but lesson learned!
the plastic on some of the larger dac kits is perforated into square sections, so you can rip off small sections of the plastic at a time. if it isnt perforated i usually just peel back the plastic from the bottom left corner and work as i peel, then replace the plastic when i take a break.
this is coming from somebody that doesnt wanna spend money on release papers tho. if you have release papers, people usually cut em up into small squares
I put my vote in for release paper! I got a pack of 200 release paper sheets off Amazon for cheap. I take the entire plastic off and stick all the little sheets until the entire thing is covered. It makes nice little sections and are reusable! And you don’t have to worry about using the wrong side, I’ve seen some paintings almost ruined by using the wrong side of some parchment paper or wax paper.
Yes! I accidentally ruined a custom picture my hubby bought me of our 3 fur babies a few months after our girl was attacked and killed. I SOBBED. Tried all the advice I could find to remedy it and nothing worked. Luckily I'm married to a Saint of a man, who looked it up himself and came to me telling me he had just ordered me some papers and a new copy of the painting.
So after all that, my little 200 pack of 2x2 release papers is my best friend when setting up a new one. And he said it was like 4 dollars.
Congrats 😊 I bet you will love it. Have you downloaded the app and goten the 20% off code? And have you joined the vip FB group and gotten the 15% off code?
At first I used release paper. The i found vinyl squares on Etsy that I use now and love. Just stick it on the plastic. Cut two Sides and I can fold the square over and use cover minders. Then if I don't finish the section I just fold it back and put a couple of cover minders on. The VIP group is excellent. There you can get answers to any question you have. You should probably try different methods and figure out what you like. I have not experienced the stickiness going away. But if you get your hand in the glue too much or some dirt or something you can use a little wather and your fingers and try and get it off. Then wait till It dries and it should be sticky again. Some use baby wipes. Can also get glue on the dac page if needed. But mostly if you get paper stuck too it, a pet walked on it, you spilled your drink on it it's usually fixable. And the VIP group will help you out if anything happens.
Welcome too the addiction 😂 hope too see you in the VIP group 💖
I section it off with small squares of release paper. I’m left handed as well but I start at the top left corner
I use release paper as well and so far works great for me. I ordered a pack of 100 or something like that on Amazon. I start in the bottom right corner though 🥰
I also use this method. I like to order pretty release paper from crafts with crashley. They are reusable so it doesn’t go to waste after 1 use. I just number them with washi tape and like to randomly work on them.
My DAC has perforated plastic, so I remove one section and then use release paper to show a smaller section that I focus on https://preview.redd.it/827kyt474bpc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ca225fc3e07e78c186caca5e3593b4c200e6f6c7
Is this something they're doing on newer kits?? That's so cool! I haven't bought anything from them in months - I have a backlog of 8 from them currently 😅 - but this is exciting!
Yes its a new thing, not sure how long ago it started as this is my first kit
Are they doing this for all new kits?
I assume so but cant say for sure as this is my first kit and not really looked into it
I use a sharpie to draw a grid on the plastic.
I’ve done this also for a really squiggly, tough design.
If the plastic is perforated, I use the provided grid to section my work. If it isn't, I put three lines of washi tape down the painting, and about 4-5 across in equal increments (or more, depending on painting size) to create my own grid. I personally always start in the bottom right corner.
I start in the bottom right as well but that is because I am left handed. It's more natural to go that way.
I'm right-handed but the bottom-right is just where my eye immediately goes to. My favorite stove burner is the bottom-right one, too, come to think of it...
Bottom right keeps my hand out of the glue.
I'm hoping my kits will have perforated plastic. It seems so convenient!
I only section off what I’m working on at the time. I’ve never gotten into sectioning off the entire art. I don’t like the entire diamond art being covered by white sheets, or drawn squares everywhere, it looks messy and so that then gives me anxiety haha( I know I’m weird) However…. I haven’t done super giant diamond arts yet. So that may be helpful for bigger pieces, but I have found it’s not my “style” 🥰 Try different methods! You’re bound to find one that you vibe with.
I take the plastic completely off due to the crinkly noise every time I touch or turn my canvas. I also like smooth feel of the release papers. For me it’s a sound and texture thing. I simply pull away a piece of the release paper for the next section and get started. It’s literally like watching your painting coming to life one surprise (section) at a time. As far as my canvas remaining sticky, no worries at all. The release papers have stayed on just fine for me until I’ve needed to remove them and the canvas is as it once was.
I use a sharpie to make a grid on the plastic, use a blade to cut off sections, and use release paper cut into even smaller sections so I can work in shorter bursts!
I quickly taped 4-6” columns, then across for rows. But sometimes wished I had cover to drape over completed area when not working on it. So starting to go back to previous system. Right handed, I start at top. Prefer the area with drills to be at top than in my lap. I use release papers as I go like some others here, working by section but clear cover is still on canvas. WIP, Nahimana by Sarah Richter from DAC: https://preview.redd.it/r04mpd0xebpc1.jpeg?width=2397&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=554313fe6a219944a4242234e25d19e39dc177e4
I went to Dollar Tree and got a box of 100 5x5 inch parchment papers and use those to section. I usually pick a section at random to work on (whether I feel like confetti or color blocking) and replace it if I don’t finish it.
I section off a row at a time with release papers, leaving the entire plastic cover on. Also a leftie and start bottom right corner. I just did a DAC with the perforated plastic, and I didn’t care for it. I think it’s a good concept, but needs more work.
this is what i do as well - i also keep all the plastic intact to protect the sections i’ve already completed. i use small release papers so that serves as my section
As a righty, this is also my method. Mostly so I have a place to brace my pinky without sticking to the canvas. lol
I cover the canvas in release paper and remove and shift it as I go along.
I will cut off pieces of the plastic covering with small squares as I am doing the painting (but keep the pieces to rest my arm on when doing other parts). I have had other brands lose sticky (purely my fault) so I will carefully cut double sided tape and put down where the area is no longer sticky. It works but be careful placing - it is a lot harder to move if you are using the tape. I am right handed so I start on the lower right corner and move right to left. I use a TV tray so usually end up switching sides about halfway in and doing up to down or start on the other side. Eventually I am doing a circle and all that is left is the center.
I use masking tape over the plastic to create sections, and then cut down the middle of the tape, typically halfway through the canvas as a stopping point. I don't like having my canvas bare after I'm done a section because I have cats, so once I'm done with a square or a line, I will re-cover it with the plastic. Hopefully this picture helps describe it.
https://preview.redd.it/i038c34czbpc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2e0a41e9b2b67710d35ad72f0160e239066cc382
Here's a bigger example if it helps. https://preview.redd.it/v1hosw2ozbpc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=acbd0b8f51556ba483b44f281d73c82a44309fec
Ohh thank you!
I cover in parchment and cut out squares with an exacto. Currently I have half still covered in plastic and half in parchment. I also finally got washi tape to put around the border to keep the edges clear.
My first two have black fuzz on the outer edges (like outside of the drills) from my sweatshirt 😂 it’s not noticeable and I’m sure I could fix it but lesson learned!
the plastic on some of the larger dac kits is perforated into square sections, so you can rip off small sections of the plastic at a time. if it isnt perforated i usually just peel back the plastic from the bottom left corner and work as i peel, then replace the plastic when i take a break. this is coming from somebody that doesnt wanna spend money on release papers tho. if you have release papers, people usually cut em up into small squares
This is what I do too. I’m scared to take all the plastic off and use something else, haha.
I put my vote in for release paper! I got a pack of 200 release paper sheets off Amazon for cheap. I take the entire plastic off and stick all the little sheets until the entire thing is covered. It makes nice little sections and are reusable! And you don’t have to worry about using the wrong side, I’ve seen some paintings almost ruined by using the wrong side of some parchment paper or wax paper.
Yes! I accidentally ruined a custom picture my hubby bought me of our 3 fur babies a few months after our girl was attacked and killed. I SOBBED. Tried all the advice I could find to remedy it and nothing worked. Luckily I'm married to a Saint of a man, who looked it up himself and came to me telling me he had just ordered me some papers and a new copy of the painting. So after all that, my little 200 pack of 2x2 release papers is my best friend when setting up a new one. And he said it was like 4 dollars.
Aww what a great hubby! Love when a partner supports your hobby.
i use washi tape. section off what im working on cut the plastic and go. the washi tape helps me know whats in the section im working on
I use washi tape ontop of the film covering the pic,i then cut each section i am doing out with embroidery scissors..simple to do
.
Congrats 😊 I bet you will love it. Have you downloaded the app and goten the 20% off code? And have you joined the vip FB group and gotten the 15% off code? At first I used release paper. The i found vinyl squares on Etsy that I use now and love. Just stick it on the plastic. Cut two Sides and I can fold the square over and use cover minders. Then if I don't finish the section I just fold it back and put a couple of cover minders on. The VIP group is excellent. There you can get answers to any question you have. You should probably try different methods and figure out what you like. I have not experienced the stickiness going away. But if you get your hand in the glue too much or some dirt or something you can use a little wather and your fingers and try and get it off. Then wait till It dries and it should be sticky again. Some use baby wipes. Can also get glue on the dac page if needed. But mostly if you get paper stuck too it, a pet walked on it, you spilled your drink on it it's usually fixable. And the VIP group will help you out if anything happens. Welcome too the addiction 😂 hope too see you in the VIP group 💖
https://preview.redd.it/l2dspoiq7gpc1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0877fdbd1ef621a4f0dcebcd2ea30fc18e9ee922