Full drill, release paper, AB drills, DMC codes. Diamond painting comes with its own vocabulary, and here's exactly what each term means, in plain language.
Eight words you'll see on every kit
These terms show up on packaging, product pages, and instructions across every brand, not just DrillnDazzle.
| Term | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Full Drill | The entire canvas is covered edge to edge in diamonds, no background left blank |
| Partial Drill | Only certain areas are covered in diamonds, leaving some printed background visible |
| Release Paper | The protective film over the adhesive, peeled back gradually as you work |
| Washi Tape | Low-tack tape used to reseal peeled-back release paper and keep edges flat |
| AB Drills | Aurora Borealis diamonds with an iridescent, rainbow-like coating |
| DMC Code | A standardized color-numbering system used to identify diamond colors |
| Diamond Pen | The wax-tipped tool used to pick up and place each diamond |
| Light Pad | A backlit panel that makes printed canvas symbols easier to see |
The two terms people mix up most
Full drill vs. partial drill isn't about quality
New painters sometimes assume full drill kits are automatically "better" than partial drill, but the difference is purely about coverage and finished look, not quality. Full drill gives a denser, more textured sparkle across the whole canvas, while partial drill lets the printed background show through for contrast. Full drill simply takes longer to finish since there's more surface to cover. For a full breakdown, see our What Is 5D Diamond Painting guide.
AB drills are also frequently confused with a drill "size" rather than a coating type. AB (Aurora Borealis) refers specifically to the iridescent finish, and AB diamonds can appear in either full or partial drill designs, in either round or square shapes.
Quick questions
What does full drill mean in diamond painting?
Full drill means the entire canvas is covered edge to edge in diamonds, with no background left blank, as opposed to partial drill where only certain areas are covered.
What is release paper used for in diamond painting?
Release paper is the protective film covering the canvas adhesive, peeled back gradually, a small section at a time, to expose fresh adhesive as you work.
What is washi tape used for in diamond painting?
Washi tape is a low-tack decorative tape used to reseal peeled-back release paper between sessions and keep canvas edges flat and secure.
What does DMC mean in diamond painting?
DMC refers to a standardized color-numbering system, originally from embroidery thread, that many brands use to identify and match diamond colors.
What are AB drills in diamond painting?
AB stands for Aurora Borealis, referring to diamonds with an iridescent, rainbow-like coating that catches and reflects light differently than standard diamonds.
Related guides
Now that you speak the language
Every kit lists full drill or partial, round or square, right on the product page.