How to Clean And Store Your Diamond Painting Tools

Have you noticed that your diamond painting pen isn't picking up drills like it used to? Or maybe your tray is full of dust and your drills are sticking to the sides. Messy or unorganized tools can slow you down and even make your finished piece look less polished. The good news is that keeping your supplies in top shape is a simple habit that makes the hobby much more enjoyable. This guide will detail simple ways to clean and store your diamond painting tools, allowing you to complete your next diamond painting project with ease and peace of mind.

How to Clean Your Tools: A Step-by-Step Guide

A clean tool is a happy tool! Just a few minutes of simple maintenance on your diamond painting tools can greatly enhance the progress of your next project.

The Diamond Painting Pen

Your diamond pen is probably your most important tool, so keeping the tip clean and free from dirt over time is crucial.

• Cleaning the Tip: Wax or gel in your pen tip will collect dust, lint, and tiny shreds of debris over time. Clean out filthy, old wax using tweezers or a craft knife. Clean the tip thoroughly and remove old wax before loading the tip with a fresh piece of wax.
• Wiping the Body: Use a dry microfiber cloth or a damp paper towel to wipe down the pen's body. This removes any adhesive residue or stray dust that could make the pen feel sticky.

The Trays and Shakers

 Your trays are a magnet for dust and lint, which can make your drills less shiny.

• The Basic Clean: Finish a color by making sure to drain all remaining drills from the tray. Sweep away any remaining particles with a soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush or makeup brush will do).
• A Deeper Clean: If your tray is sticky, a quick wipe with a damp cloth will do the job. For more difficult adhesive or residue, a dab of rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab will work.

Wax and Gel 

This sticky substance is crucial for picking up your drills, but it loses its stickiness over time.

• When to Replace: You'll recognize that your wax must be changed when your pen can no longer pickup drills even after a fresh load. Don't try to reuse old, dirty wax—it will only transfer grime onto your drills and canvas.

How to Store Your Tools: For Longevity and Organization

Organizing your tools not only saves time but also protects your tools from damage.

Pens and Tips 

Do not stuff your pen in a drawer. To keep your tips functioning longer, you should store your pen upright and keep dirt out of the tip.

• Dedicated Holders: Keep your pens upright and their tips clean and protected by using a pen holder, a plain cup, or a divided drawer organizer. This keeps them from rolling around and getting debris all over the tips.

Trays

• Serial Stacking: Trays are designed to stack inside a drawer or cabinet in an orderly way. If you have a lot of trays, it is smart to have a vertical tray stand to organize them, and keep them vertical for easy access.

Tweezers and Straighteners

• Tweezers and drill straighteners are critical for nice placing. You can store them in a small case or storage area of your organizer to avoid bending them and damaging them. This makes it much easier when you need to fix a crooked line.

Unfinished or extra diamonds

• This is one of the most important storage tips. You may have unfinished a color or have extra drill bits after completing a diamond painting and want to use them to create more creative works later. At this time, never store scattered drill bits in an open container. Use a sealed storage box to prevent spills, prevent color mixing, and protect the drill bits from dust and dirt. You can clearly and easily find the corresponding color when you use it next time.

A Little Care Goes a Long Way

The old adage "a little bit of maintenance goes a long way" applies to diamond painting as much as it does in all other aspects of life! Keeping your diamond painting tools clean and organized is a straightforward habit which means making a huge difference in your diamond painting enjoyment. The finished masterpieces will look that much more professional too!

Ready to start your next project off on the right foot? Take a few minutes to clean up and stow away your supplies, and set yourself up for a flawless, frustration-free session!

FAQs

Q: How should I clean my light pad or work surface after a project?

A: When you are cleaning your light pad, you simply wipe down with a dry, lint-free cloth. This will remove any stray diamonds or dust. If you have some sticky adhesive residue, you can take a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab and gently rub it off without damaging the surface of the pad. Remember to unplug your light pad prior to cleaning!

Q: Is it okay to just keep my leftover diamonds in their small plastic bags?

A: It is okay to just keep my leftover diamonds in their small plastic bags. However, we strongly recommend transferring them into a secure plastic storage container if they are not being used. Small plastic bags can tear easily and diamonds can be lost leading to spills and tangling mess. An organized storage system will keep your colors safe and available for future use!

Q: I have to put my project away for a while. What's the best way to store an unfinished canvas to protect the adhesive?

A: To protect your canvas, make sure the clear plastic film is fully placed back over the adhesive. Roll the canvas loosely with the drills facing outward to prevent them from popping off. Store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, to keep the adhesive fresh and sticky.