Paint by Numbers vs. Diamond Painting: An Honest Comparison
Paint by numbers and diamond painting are both relaxing hobbies to start right away, but they feel completely different: With paint by numbers with pens, you fill numbered areas with fiber-tip pens and get a painting-like result, while with diamond painting, you individually place thousands of sparkling stones onto an adhesive canvas. Neither is "better" – it depends on what brings you joy: the calm building of a real picture or the meditative, sparkling placement of stones. In this honest comparison, we contrast materials, detail, strain on eyes and hands, time, result, and price, so you can choose with confidence.
At a Glance
- Technique: Paint by numbers = pens on numbered canvas; Diamond painting = stones on adhesive canvas.
- Detail & Transitions: Pens give softer color transitions; Diamond painting sparkles but appears more granular.
- Eyes: both require focus; Diamond painting uses many small symbols and stones, paint by numbers uses larger areas.
- Hands: Pens feel like writing; placing stones is fine precision work with a pen-like tool.
- Time: a diamond painting usually takes significantly longer due to the thousands of stones.
- Clean & Pausable: Pens don't smudge; loose stones can roll or slip.
What is the difference between Paint by Numbers and Diamond Painting?
With paint by numbers with pens, you get a pre-printed canvas with numbered areas and a set of numbered fiber-tip pens. You find number 12, color all areas with a 12, and step by step, a complete picture emerges. No paint, no water, no drying time – just coloring within the lines. Why we chose pens instead of acrylic paint can be read here: Paint by numbers with pens instead of paint.
With diamond painting, you work on a canvas with an adhesive layer. Using a pen-like applicator, you pick up small faceted stones (the "diamonds") and press them onto the corresponding numbered or symbol-marked area. Each stone is a color point; together they form a mosaic that shimmers beautifully in the light. It's repetitive and calming, a bit like embroidery without a needle.
Paint by Numbers vs. Diamond Painting: the comparison
| Feature | Paint by Numbers (Pens) | Diamond Painting (Stones) |
|---|---|---|
| Material & Technique | Numbered canvas + numbered pens; you color in areas | Adhesive canvas + faceted stones; you place dot by dot with a pen tool |
| Detail & Transitions | Soft transitions possible, especially with 36 or 48 colors | Vibrant and sparkling, but more granular; transitions in small blocks |
| Eye Strain | Larger areas; comfortable with normal light | Many small symbols and stones; good light and sometimes a magnifying glass help |
| Strain on Hands & Back | Feels like writing; relaxed posture | Fine precision work; longer sitting and deliberate finger movements |
| Time per work | Manageable; an afternoon to a few evenings per canvas | Usually significantly longer due to thousands of stones |
| Result | Matte, painting-like; looks like a real painted canvas | Sparkling mosaic with texture; catches light and glitters |
| Clean & Pausable | No smudging; put on the lid and continue later immediately | Loose stones can roll; a tray and tweezers are practical when pausing |
| Price | Sets from €59.95 for two canvases; Own photo €50.95–€84.95 | Varies greatly depending on brand and format; large works add up |
| Ideal for | Those who want a real painting, fast progress, clean work | Those who love glitter, texture, and long, meditative placement |
What level of detail do you get?
With pens, you decide how neatly or loosely you color, and with us, you choose between 24, 36, or 48 colors. More colors mean more detail and softer transitions – 24 is wonderfully beginner-friendly, 48 is the finest. Diamond painting works with fixed color stones: Each area is one color, so fine transitions are created in small blocks. The result is vibrant and sparkles beautifully, but from a distance, it appears more granular than a painted surface. Are you looking for a classic, painting-like look above the sofa? Then paint by numbers is closer to that.
Which is gentler on the eyes, back, and hands?
Both hobbies require focus, and that's precisely what's relaxing: the mind comes to rest. Diamond painting uses many small symbols and tiny stones, so good light (and sometimes a magnifying glass) is welcome, and you sit for longer, concentrated, and "place." Paint by numbers uses larger areas and literally feels like writing – a relaxed posture, less strain on the eyes. Do your eyes tire quickly, or do you find fine motor skills difficult? Then paint by numbers is often a bit more accessible. If, however, you want to lose yourself in endless, meditative placement, then diamond painting is made for that.
How much time do they take?
Diamond paintings can quickly contain thousands of stones, so expect several evenings to weeks, depending on the format. Paint by numbers is more manageable: You fill in areas and see your picture grow quickly, so a canvas is often finished in an afternoon to a few evenings. Do you want a realistic estimate per size and color count? Read how long paint by numbers takes. If you're looking for something with a needle, also check out our comparison of paint by numbers and cross-stitch — or the classic cross-stitch vs. paint by numbers.
And the price?
At Stitchi Studio, a paint-by-numbers set with two canvases costs from €59.95 – and the clever thing about it: both motifs share the same color palette, so with one pen set, you paint two matching pictures. If you want something personal, our Your Own Photo – Paint by Numbers transforms your own photo into a numbered canvas with matching pens, from €50.95 to €84.95 depending on the format. Diamond painting prices vary greatly by brand and format; small works are inexpensive, large sparkling pictures add up. All our prices show a strikethrough "starting at" price, and shipping is free, worldwide, with no minimum order value.
Which suits you?
Choose Diamond Painting if you love glitter and texture, enjoy the calm, repetitive placement of stones, and don't mind that a project takes a long time. Choose Paint by Numbers with Pens if you want a real, matte painting, want to work cleanly and without drying time, want to easily pause in between, and want to see a finished result faster. Still undecided? Start small with a set and discover why so many people find it so calming. For inspiration, take a look at mountain landscapes or animal love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is paint by numbers easier than diamond painting?
For many, yes, especially for eyes and hands. You color larger areas with pens, which feels like writing, while diamond painting is fine precision work with tiny stones. However, both are equally beginner-friendly: You don't need to be able to draw or paint.
Which looks better on the wall?
That's a matter of taste. Paint by numbers results in a matte, painting-like canvas that looks like a real painting. Diamond painting results in a sparkling mosaic with texture that catches the light. If you want a classic painting, choose paint by numbers; if you love glitter and sparkle, diamond painting is your thing.
Which takes more time?
Diamond painting usually takes significantly more time because you place thousands of stones individually. With paint by numbers, you fill in areas and your picture grows faster, so a canvas is often finished in an afternoon to a few evenings.
Can I easily pause with both?
Yes, both can be easily paused. With paint by numbers, you simply put the cap on the pen and continue later – no mess. With diamond painting, you can also stop, but loose stones can roll, so a tray and tweezers are practical.
Do I need drawing talent for paint by numbers?
No. Everything is pre-printed and numbered: You simply color in area by area. Just like with diamond painting, you don't need to be able to draw or paint. If you choose more colors (36 or 48), you automatically get more detail and nicer transitions.
Can I use my own photo?
Yes. With Your Own Photo – Paint by Numbers, you upload a photo, and we turn it into a numbered canvas with matching pens. This way, you color in your own memory, from €50.95 to €84.95 depending on the format.