Diamond painting has become an increasingly popular hobby over the last few years. This relaxing craft involves using a tiny applicator tool to place colorful resin rhinestones onto an adhesive canvas following a numbered pattern. The end result is a sparkling work of art that many enthusiasts proudly display in their homes. However, these glittering creations require proper storage and care to keep them looking their best over time. So where exactly should you store completed diamond paintings? Here are some top options to consider.
Display Them in Picture Frames
One of the most popular ways to show off a finished diamond painting is to frame it. Framing not only enhances the artwork visually, but it also protects it from dust, dirt, and potential damage when hanging on the wall. To frame a diamond painting, you’ll need to select an appropriate size frame with UV protective glass. A standard frame size like 8″x10″ or 11″x14″ works well for most diamond paintings. Mini paintings may only require a 5″x7″ frame. For larger or custom-sized paintings, you can often find frames at craft stores that fit your specific artwork dimensions.
Prepare the diamond painting for framing by trimming any excess canvas around the edges of the design using sharp scissors or a utility knife. Place the painting in the frame following the frame manufacturer’s instructions, with the resin side facing forward toward the glass. You may want to tape down the edges of the canvas to the inside edges of the frame using double-sided tape or small drops of hot glue. Finally, secure the back of the frame according to its design. Hang and proudly display your framed masterpiece!
Tips for Framing Diamond Paintings
- Choose a high quality frame with UV protective glass to prevent fading
- Match the frame color and style to your room’s decor
- Look for thin frames to prevent shadows around the edges of the artwork
- Frame under glass instead of acrylic to avoid static cling on the resin drills
- Use acid-free matting and backing boards to help preserve the artwork
- Hang diamond painting frames using security hooks to prevent falls and damage
Display in Hoops or Shadow Box Frames
Another creative display option for smaller to medium sized finished paintings is to mount them in an embroidery hoop or shadow box frame. These open-style frames allow you to view the artwork without any glass while still keeping it contained and protected. Choose a hoop or shadow box a few inches larger than your diamond painting and gently stretch and insert the canvas. Many hoops and shadow boxes allow you to switch out artwork easily when you complete a new painting. These frames add a whimsical, artsy look to any room when hung on the wall or placed on a decorative easel stand.
Tips for Using Hoops and Shadow Boxes
- Look for hoops and shadow boxes with thick, sturdy frames to prevent warping
- Choose sizes approximately 2-4 inches larger than the diamond painting
- Use foam core or mat board to create a sturdy backing for the painting
- Attach canvas edges to the backing with double-sided tape or craft glue
- Hang hoop frames using removable adhesive hooks to prevent wall damage
- Clean shadow box glass with microfiber cloths to avoid lint and scratches
Keep in Protective Rolls or Folders
For diamond painters who like to switch up their artwork frequently, storing the canvases in a protective roll can be ideal. Purchase an art storage tube or reusable poster mailer type tube to hold your rolled canvas. Make sure the tube is a few inches larger in diameter than your painting width. Carefully roll up your finished diamond painting with the resin side facing inward around the tube. Secure with rubber bands or tape on the ends. This will keep the canvas from getting crushed, bent or warped. Store the protected roll standing upright or laying flat.
For smaller paintings, you can also store them flat in large envelopes or folders. Use rigid document envelopes made from materials like polypropylene to prevent bending. Add cardboard or foam sheets to both sides of the envelope to keep paintings protected. This allows you to neatly file multiple finished artworks together in drawers or storage boxes.
Tips for Storing in Rolls and Folders
- Avoid rolling excessively tight – leave a 1-2 inch diameter roll
- Wrap in acid-free tissue paper before rolling to prevent canvas damage
- Label tubes and folders clearly with painting dimensions and image
- Limit the number of paintings stored in each tube to prevent pressure damage
- Use archival poly bags or sleeves inside folder envelopes
- Keep folders and boxes containing paintings flat and evenly weighted
Display on Art Easels or Lean Against Walls
Free standing easels provide a creative way to display your finished paintings without making holes in walls. Select an easel style and size that fits your diamond artwork. Place the canvas on the easel backing and secure the top and bottom edges with removable adhesive putty or dots of museum wax. Position the easel on a tabletop, bookshelf, mantle or desk to prop up your painting. This method allows you to conveniently swap out paintings on the same easel. Just take care to keep the easel and area around it free of dust.
For very casual display, you can also simply lean your finished diamond painting against any flat wall surface. Place the painting face forward and position something non-scratching and heavy like a bookend or smooth river rock against the bottom edge to keep the canvas from sliding down. This lets you move your artwork around to different spaces easily.
Tips for Using Easels and Leaning Displays
- Select lightweight but sturdy easels to prevent tipping accidents
- Use easels with solid backing boards or add foam core for support
- Aim for easels about 4 inches wider and taller than your artwork’s dimensions
- Check adhesive putties regularly and replace as needed
- Avoid leaning canvas against rough textured walls that could scratch it
- Keep paintings out of direct sunlight to prevent fading
Store in Portfolio Books
For crafters with many finished paintings, storage books offer a space-efficient way to protect a collection. Look for heavyweight adjustable post-bound portfolio books online or at craft and art supply stores. Select a large sized book with at least 20-30 pages to accommodate multiple paintings. Cover each page with plastic sleeves made from archival polypropylene. Carefully insert your rolled or folded canvases into each sleeve, taking care not to overstuff. Portfolio books allow you to flip through and view your finished artwork collection conveniently. Keep them safely on a shelf or bookcase.
Tips for Using Portfolio Books
- Choose portfolio books with thick, rigid covers for support
- Use sleeves sized slightly larger than your paintings
- Avoid overfilling sleeves to prevent artwork damage
- Label sleeve exteriors with painting name, size, and date completed
- Insert cardboard between paintings for stabilization
- Store books vertically like books on a shelf
Use Decorative Storage Tins
Round tins provide cute storage options for protecting rolled or folded diamond paintings. Look for vintage style cake tins, hat tins, and holiday cookie tins to store your artwork. These metal tins seal tightly and prevent dust accumulation. Measure artwork dimensions before purchasing a tin to ensure it will fit without rolling or folding too tightly. Larger tins can hold multiple paintings separated by sheets of parchment paper. Place a rag or tissue paper in the bottom to pad paintings before gently placing inside. The decorative tins can then be stacked or displayed on shelves like decor items.
Tips for Storing in Tins
- Clean tins thoroughly before storage use
- Avoid tins with rough seams that could damage canvas
- Use acid-free tissue or foam sheets between layered paintings
- Wrap paintings in plastic before storing in vintage tins to prevent corrosion
- Place silica gel packs in tins to absorb excess moisture
- Label or decorate exterior of tins to easily ID contents
Display in Multi-Panel Screens
Turn your diamond paintings into a sparkling art installation using a decorative room divider screen. These adjustable hinged screens allow you to hang multiple canvas paintings in a row or arrange them in unique geometric designs. The screens come in various shapes like circles, squares, and asterisks. Look for screen frames finished in metals like gold or copper that complement resin rhinestones. Use small removable adhesive hooks to hang canvases on the screen while leaving a little space between paintings. Place the screen on the floor and angle in a corner, hang on the wall, or use as a tabletop display piece.
Tips for Using Room Divider Screens
- Select screens with sturdy weighted bases for stability
- Consider mixing canvas sizes and shapes for interest
- Angle canvases away from window light to avoid fading
- Rearrange paintings periodically for a fresh look
- Use wire hooks on ceiling mount screens for added security
- Keep screens away from heating and cooling vents
Store Vertically in Slots or Racks
For those short on wall or tabletop space, vertical storage systems provide smart options for neatly organizing unfinished paintings and finished canvases. Many have individual slots sized to hold A4, Letter size, or 12″x12″ paintings vertically with dividers to separate them. This prevents canvases from bending while allowing you to easily thumb through to the one you want. For larger paintings, look for slotted racks that neatly roll up the canvases. Place the storage unit inside a closet or unused corner. Label slots clearly so it’s easy to replace paintings into their designated spaces.
Tips for Vertical Storage
- Look for racks and slots constructed from sturdy materials like wood
- Felt covered dividers prevent damaging canvas edges
- Avoid overstuffing slots which can warp paintings
- Use shelf racks for convenient access to rolled up canvases
- Store any tools or kits in slots not housing paintings
- Keep storage unit free of dust, moisture and direct sunlight
Create a Display Wall Gallery
For the ultimate diamond painting showcase, create an entire wall gallery display. Arrange multiple framed and hoop-mounted paintings across a large blank wall space in any room. Mix up canvas sizes and shapes for visual interest. Keep similar framed pieces grouped together and use largest pieces as focal points. Space paintings a few inches apart and play with asymmetric or grid layouts. Hang all pieces at the same height for a professional look. A gallery wall lets you display your entire finished collection at once while creating a dazzling art mosaic!
Tips for a Display Wall Gallery
- Map out arrangements on the floor before hanging
- Print photos of paintings to experiment with layouts
- Use removable adhesive hooks for easy rearranging
- Aim for around 1-3 inches between hanging pieces
- Group only visually cohesive paintings together
- Illuminate with targeted picture lights or wall sconces
Keep in Cool, Dry Storage Space
For paintings you want to keep but aren’t actively displaying, choose a suitable long-term storage space. Finished diamond paintings can be stored safely for many years if properly protected from dust, chemicals, direct sunlight, heat, humidity and potential water damage or pests. Store horizontally in a sturdy storage box on a closet shelf, under the bed, or in the basement. Keep storage temperatures ideally between 60-75°F and humidity around 40-60%. Avoid attics, garages and sheds with extreme temperature and moisture fluctuation.
Wrap paintings individually in plastic or acid-free tissue paper before boxing to prevent scratches. Place paintings face up in the storage box and cushion between layers with foam sheets. Label boxes clearly as “Framed Painting,” “Rolled Canvases,” etc. Inspect storage spaces monthly and watch for any pest or mildew issues. Proper preparation prevents damage for long-term diamond painting storage.
Tips for Safe Diamond Painting Storage
- Avoid storage spots with direct sun, heat sources, or high humidity
- Keep paintings laying horizontally, not standing on edges
- Use sturdy storage boxes with lids to prevent dust buildup
- Wrap and cushion paintings between layers
- Do not stack boxes or overload shelves to prevent damage
- Check stored paintings every 1-2 months
Conclusion
Diamond paintings make dazzling home decor pieces, but require some special care and storage when not on display. Framed, hoop-mounted, rolled, or portfolio-stored paintings will maintain their brilliance for many years if kept cool, clean and dry. Avoid overfolding, tightly rolling, or stacking unprotected canvases. With the right storage methods, your completed artworks will sparkle indefinitely, ready to be rotated into your home displays. Experiment with different options to find the ideal storage and organization solutions for preserving your growing painting collection.
