Before you begin, it helps to know exactly what you are working with. A quality paint by numbers kit from Paintly Kits includes everything you need to get started right away.

A good setup makes painting easier and more enjoyable. Choose a flat, stable surface with good lighting — natural daylight is ideal for distinguishing subtle colour differences.

Lay your canvas flat on the table. Prop up your reference image where you can easily glance at it. Have a cup of clean water and a few paper towels nearby for cleaning brushes between colours. Arrange your paint pots in numerical order so you can find them quickly.

Take a few minutes to study your canvas before picking up a brush. Notice how the image is divided into sections, each with a small printed number. Sections with the same number get the same colour paint.

Some canvases have very small sections — these need the fine detail brush and extra care. Very small numbers can sometimes be hard to read. Hold the canvas at an angle to catch the light, which makes the numbers more visible. You can also use the reference image to confirm which colour belongs where when you are unsure.

Acrylic paint in paint by numbers kits is pre-mixed — you do not need to mix colours together. However, you do need to manage the consistency.

If the paint is too thick: Add one or two drops of water and stir gently with your brush. Thick paint can obscure the canvas numbers and dry with visible brushstrokes.

If the paint is too thin/watery: Let it sit open for a minute to thicken slightly, or apply a second coat once the first dries.

Apply paint with smooth, even strokes, staying within the lines as much as possible. Load the brush lightly — you want to fill the section with colour, not pile on thick globs.

There is no single rule, but experienced painters follow a few strategies that make the process smoother and produce better results.

Start with the background. Large background areas (sky, water, foliage) are forgiving — slight imprecision is invisible. Getting them done early means you won't accidentally drag your sleeve across a freshly painted detail area.

Work dark to light. Dark colours are more opaque and will cover light ones if needed. If you accidentally paint outside the lines with a dark colour into a light area, you can paint over it once it dries.

Complete one colour at a time. Pick a single colour, find every section of that number on the canvas, and fill them all before moving to the next colour. This is faster, requires fewer brush-cleans, and helps you see the painting come together systematically.

Mistakes are part of the process — and almost all of them are fixable. The key advantage of acrylic paint is that once it dries, you can paint directly over it.

Wrong colour in the wrong section: Wait for it to dry completely (5–10 minutes), then paint over it with the correct colour. May need two coats if covering a dark colour with a light one.

Paint outside the lines: Let it dry, then carefully paint the correct colour of the adjacent section back over the mistake.

Canvas numbers still showing: Apply a second coat of the correct colour. Two thin coats always look better than one thick one.

Once every section is painted and the canvas is fully dry (allow at least 2–3 hours), your painting is ready to display. There are several options depending on how you want to present it.

Frame it. A standard frame transforms your canvas into professional-looking wall art instantly. Most Paintly Kits canvases fit standard frame sizes, or you can order a custom frame.

Seal it. Applying a clear acrylic varnish protects the painting from dust, UV damage, and moisture. Use a soft brush and work in long strokes. A satin finish is the most popular choice — it adds a slight sheen without being overly glossy.

Stretch it. Canvas stretching bars create a gallery-style display. The canvas is wrapped around a wooden frame and secured at the back, leaving the front completely unframed.