It depends on the size and your pace. A small 20 × 17 cm kit can be finished over a few cozy evenings, while a large 60 × 45 cm canvas is a 30-hour-plus project spread over several weeks. Most painters find an hour or two at a time is the sweet spot — which is exactly what makes it such a good way to unwind.

Usually a pre-printed sticky canvas, a colour-coded pack of round or square drills, one or more applicator pens, a sorting tray, a wax or glue pad, tweezers and a paper key. If you are buying your first kit, check that the tray and wax are included — some budget kits leave them out.

No, everything essential is in the box. A few cheap upgrades do make life easier though: a light pad so the symbols are easy to read, spare wax, a drill storage case, and a rolling pin for flattening a canvas that shipped folded.

Yes, gently. Dust it with a soft dry brush. If something spills, blot — never rub — with a barely damp cloth and let it air-dry face up. Once your painting is sealed, a barely damp wipe is fine, but never soak it or put it anywhere near a washing machine.

Both, with a little common sense. Children from around six to eight can enjoy larger-drill kits with supervision. If your eyes or hands struggle with tiny drills, our guide to making diamonds easier to see covers grips, lighting and magnification that genuinely help.