In the world of DIY crafts and relaxation hobbies, two contenders have risen to the top of the popularity charts: Paint by Numbers and Diamond Painting. At first glance, they seem remarkably similar. Both involve a pre-printed canvas, a coded guide, and the process of filling in a mosaic to reveal a larger image. Both are praised for their ability to reduce stress and improve mindfulness.
However, the experience of creating them and the final visual results are quite different. If you are trying to decide which hobby to pick up next, understanding these distinctions is key to finding the project that suits your style.
What is Paint by Numbers?
Paint by Numbers is the more traditional of the two art forms. It dates back to the 1950s but has seen a massive resurgence in recent years. The concept is straightforward: you receive a canvas printed with light outlines and numbers. Each number corresponds to a specific pot of acrylic paint. Using brushes, you fill in the zones to create a painting.
The primary appeal here is the feeling of being a true artist. You are working with wet media, mixing the paint on the canvas (if you choose to blend), and learning brush control. The modern market for paint by numbers for adults has evolved far beyond simple children’s designs. You can now find complex landscapes, reproductions of famous masterpieces like Van Gogh’s Starry Night, and even custom kits made from your own photos.
The result is a flat, matte image that resembles a genuine oil or acrylic painting. From a distance, it can be hard to tell that it was created using a numbered guide.
What is Diamond Painting?
Diamond Painting is a newer phenomenon that is often described as a mix between Paint by Numbers and cross-stitch. Instead of paint, you use tiny resin rhinestones, often called “drills” or “diamonds.”
The canvas in a Diamond Painting kit comes covered in a special adhesive glue layer. You use a stylus pen (often with a bit of wax on the tip) to pick up the plastic diamonds and place them onto their corresponding symbols on the sticky canvas.
The result is a textured, three-dimensional piece of art that shimmers and sparkles when it catches the light. It has a pixelated, mosaic aesthetic rather than the fluid look of a painting.
The Key Differences
While both hobbies are relaxing, the actual process differs significantly in a few areas:
1. The Materials and Mess Paint by Numbers involves liquid acrylics and water. You need to wash your brushes between colours, and there is a drying time involved. It feels like an art studio session. Diamond Painting is a “dry” craft. There is no water or drying time needed. However, you do have to manage hundreds of tiny beads, which can be prone to spilling if you aren’t careful.
2. The Technique Painting requires a certain level of finesse with your hands. You are controlling the brush strokes and staying within the lines. It engages your fine motor skills in a fluid motion. Diamond Painting is more about precision placement. It is a repetitive “pick and stick” motion that many find hypnotic and easier to do whilst watching television or listening to an audiobook.
3. The Visual Style This is usually the deciding factor. Do you want something that looks like a classic painting? Then Paint by Numbers is the correct choice. Do you prefer something with a bit of “bling,” texture, and a modern pop-art feel? Then Diamond Painting is likely for you.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you are looking to learn about colour theory, brush control, and want a classic piece of wall decor, Paint by Numbers is the ideal starting point. It offers a creative challenge that feels rewarding upon completion.
On the other hand, if you want a craft that requires less concentration on technique and offers immediate, sparkly gratification, Diamond Painting is a fantastic alternative.
Ultimately, both hobbies offer a wonderful escape from the digital world, allowing you to create something beautiful with your own hands. Why not try a small kit of each and see which process speaks to you?
Image source freepik
