Paint by Numbers with Frame Included
Paint by Numbers with Frame Included: Ready to Hang When You Finish
A paint by numbers with frame kit gives you everything you need to create beautiful wall art, canvas, paints, brushes, and a display frame all in one box. No trips to the framing shop, no extra costs, and no guessing which frame will fit. You paint it, frame it, and hang it.
Why Choose a Paint by Numbers Kit with Frame
You have spent hours carefully painting every numbered section, blending colours, and watching a beautiful image emerge from your canvas. The last thing you want is for that finished masterpiece to end up rolled in a corner because you never got around to framing it. That is exactly why paint by numbers with frame kits exist, they remove the final barrier between completing your painting and displaying it proudly on the wall.
Here are the key advantages of choosing a kit that includes a frame:
- No framing guesswork. The frame is designed to fit your exact canvas size. No measuring, no trips to the hardware shop, no discovering that the frame you bought is half a centimetre too small.
- Immediate display. The moment you finish painting, you can assemble the frame and hang your artwork. The satisfaction of seeing your creation on the wall right away is genuinely rewarding.
- Professional appearance. A properly framed canvas looks like gallery art. The frame adds structure, depth, and a polished finish that transforms a craft project into a genuine piece of home decor.
- Better painting surface. When your canvas is stretched over a frame or stretcher bars, you get a taut, stable surface that is easier and more enjoyable to paint on compared to a loose, floppy canvas.
Browse our full range of paint by numbers kits to find designs that come with frames included.
Types of Frames for Paint by Numbers: Wooden, DIY Stretcher Bars, and More
Not all frames are created equal, and understanding the options helps you choose the kit that best suits your style and display plans.
Wooden Stretcher Bars (DIY Frame)
The most common option included with paint by numbers kits. These are lightweight wooden bars that you assemble yourself to create a rectangular frame. You then stretch your canvas over the bars and secure it with staples or tacks on the back. The result is a clean, gallery-wrapped canvas that can be hung as-is or placed inside a decorative outer frame.
- Easy to assemble, usually takes five to ten minutes
- Lightweight and easy to hang
- Canvas wraps around the edges for a sleek, modern look
Pre-Assembled Wooden Frames
Some kits come with the canvas already mounted on a solid wooden frame, ready to paint straight out of the box. This eliminates the assembly step entirely and gives you a rigid, sturdy painting surface from the start. These frames tend to be slightly heavier but offer excellent stability.
- No assembly required
- Sturdy and rigid painting surface
- Ready to hang immediately after painting
Floating Frames
A floating frame sits slightly away from the canvas, creating a visible gap between the artwork and the frame edge. This style is popular in contemporary decor and gives your painting a high-end, gallery feel. Some kits include a floating frame, or you can purchase one separately to complement your finished piece.
- Modern, gallery-style appearance
- Adds depth and dimension
- Works beautifully with both bold and subtle paintings
For a complete guide to framing options and techniques, visit our detailed article on how to frame paint by numbers.
The Ready-to-Hang Convenience of Paint by Numbers with Frame
One of the biggest reasons completed paint by numbers canvases never make it onto the wall is the framing step. People finish their painting, feel proud of the result, and then... Nothing happens. The canvas sits on a shelf because finding and purchasing the right frame feels like a chore.
Kits that include a frame eliminate this obstacle entirely. Here is what the end-to-end experience looks like:
- Open the box. Canvas, paints, brushes, and frame components are all inside.
- Assemble the frame (if needed) and stretch the canvas over it before you start painting. This gives you a stable surface to work on.
- Paint your masterpiece. Work through the numbered sections at your own pace.
- Hang it up. Once the paint is dry, your artwork is ready for the wall. Add a picture hook, step back, and admire your work.
Some painters prefer to stretch the canvas onto the frame after painting rather than before. This can make it easier to handle the canvas during the painting process, especially for larger pieces. Either approach works, it comes down to personal preference.
The ready-to-hang factor also makes framed kits excellent gifts. The recipient does not need to source anything extra, everything they need for a complete, displayable painting is right there in the box.
Cost Savings Compared to Separate Framing
If you have ever priced custom framing at a local shop, you know it can be surprisingly expensive. A basic frame for a medium-sized canvas can easily cost $40 to $80, and more elaborate options with matting and glass can run well over $100. When you choose a paint by numbers with frame kit, the frame is bundled into the kit price, typically at a fraction of what you would pay for standalone framing.
The Real Cost of Framing Separately
- Custom framing shop: $50–$150+ depending on size and materials
- Ready-made frame from a craft store: $20–$60, but finding the exact right size can be hit or miss
- DIY stretcher bars purchased separately: $15–$35 plus staples and tools
- Frame included in your kit: Typically adds only $5–$15 to the kit price
The savings are clear, and the convenience is even more valuable than the dollar amount. You avoid the time spent shopping for frames, the frustration of wrong sizes, and the risk of a poor-quality frame that does not do justice to your artwork.
If you plan to create multiple paint by numbers paintings, for a gallery wall, for example , choosing kits with frames included ensures all your canvases have a consistent, coordinated look without the hassle of sourcing matching frames individually.
How to Frame Your Paint by Numbers Canvas
If your kit includes DIY stretcher bars, here is a simple step-by-step guide to assembling the frame and stretching your canvas.
- Lay out the bars. Arrange the four stretcher bars on a flat surface, slotting the corners together. Most bars have interlocking joints, no glue or tools required.
- Check for square. Measure diagonally from corner to corner in both directions. If the measurements match, your frame is perfectly square. Adjust if needed before proceeding.
- Position the canvas. Lay the canvas face-down on a clean surface and place the assembled frame on top, ensuring the image is centred.
- Stretch and secure. Starting from the centre of one side, fold the canvas over the bar and staple it in place. Move to the opposite side and repeat, pulling the canvas taut. Work your way outward from the centre on all four sides, alternating sides to keep the tension even.
- Fold the corners. Neatly fold the canvas at each corner, like wrapping a present , and staple flat.
- Attach hanging hardware. Add a sawtooth hanger or D-ring hooks to the back of the frame so it is ready to hang.
The entire process takes about ten to fifteen minutes. Once you have done it once, subsequent canvases go even faster. For room-by-room inspiration on where to hang your finished piece, check out our paint by numbers room ideas guide.
Gallery Display Tips for Framed Paint by Numbers Canvases
Once you have a few framed paint by numbers canvases, you can create a stunning gallery wall that showcases your growing collection. Here are some tips for arranging and displaying multiple pieces.
Keep Frame Styles Consistent
A cohesive gallery wall uses frames that share a common element, the same colour, the same material, or the same profile. If all your kits come with matching stretcher bars, you already have a head start on visual consistency.
Mix Canvas Sizes
Variety in canvas sizes adds visual interest. Combine a large centrepiece painting with smaller pieces arranged around it. The key is to maintain consistent spacing between frames, about five to eight centimetres works well for most walls.
Plan Before You Nail
Before putting any holes in the wall, lay your framed canvases on the floor and experiment with different arrangements. You can also cut paper templates to size and tape them to the wall to visualise the layout. This saves time and avoids unnecessary holes.
Consider Lighting
Gallery-style picture lights or well-placed downlights can dramatically improve the appearance of your paint by numbers display. Even affordable LED strip lights mounted above the frames add a warm, professional glow.
For detailed gallery wall inspiration, read our full guide on creating a gallery wall with paint by numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paint by Numbers with Frame
Should I stretch the canvas onto the frame before or after painting?
Both approaches work well, and it comes down to personal preference. Stretching before painting gives you a taut, stable surface that feels more like painting on a traditional canvas. Stretching after painting is easier if you find it more comfortable to work with the canvas flat on a table. Many experienced painters prefer to stretch first, but beginners often find painting on a flat, unstretched canvas simpler to manage.
Do all paint by numbers kits come with frames?
Not all kits include frames by default. Some kits ship with the canvas only, while others offer the frame as an optional add-on at checkout. At Paintly Kits, we offer both options so you can choose what suits your needs. If displaying the finished painting is important to you, and it usually is , selecting the framed option saves you time and money in the long run. Check the product listing for frame details before ordering.
Can I use a different frame than the one included in the kit?
Yes. The included frame is designed to fit your canvas perfectly, but you are free to use any frame you prefer. If you want a more decorative or ornate frame, simply stretch the canvas over the included stretcher bars first, then place it inside your chosen outer frame. This gives you the best of both worlds, a properly stretched canvas with a frame that matches your personal decor style.
How do I hang a framed paint by numbers canvas on the wall?
Most framed canvases can be hung with a simple sawtooth hanger or a pair of D-ring hooks attached to the back of the frame. For heavier canvases or plaster walls, use appropriate wall anchors to ensure a secure hold. Measure twice before drilling, and use a spirit level to keep the painting straight. If you are hanging multiple pieces for a gallery wall, painter's tape and paper templates can help you plan the layout before committing to any holes.
Are framed kits more expensive than unframed ones?
Framed kits typically cost a small amount more than their unframed equivalents, usually between five and fifteen dollars extra. This is significantly less than purchasing a frame separately from a craft store or framing shop, where costs can range from twenty to over a hundred dollars depending on the size and style. The bundled price represents excellent value, especially considering the convenience of having a perfectly sized frame ready to go.
Get Your Paint by Numbers Kit with Frame
Everything you need to paint, frame, and hang a beautiful piece of art. Canvas, paints, brushes, and frame, all in one box.
Shop Paint by Numbers