The Ultimate Guide to Paint by Numbers
Everything you need to know — from choosing your first kit to advanced techniques and displaying your finished masterpiece. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced painter, this guide has you covered.
In This Guide
What Is Paint by Numbers?
Paint by numbers is a guided painting system where a canvas comes pre-printed with numbered sections. Each number corresponds to a specific paint color. You simply match the paint to the number, fill in each section, and a beautiful painting gradually takes shape — brushstroke by brushstroke.
The concept was popularized in the 1950s by Dan Robbins and the Palmer Paint Company, and it quickly became one of the most popular hobbies in America. Today, modern paint by numbers kits have evolved far beyond the simple designs of the past. You'll find everything from intricate animal portraits and sweeping cityscapes to custom kits made from your own photos. The paints are better, the canvases are sharper, and the designs are genuinely frame-worthy.
How Paint by Numbers Works
Every kit comes with everything you need to complete a painting from start to finish.
A Pre-Printed Canvas
The image is divided into numbered sections, each corresponding to a specific color. Higher-quality kits use cotton canvas stretched on a wooden frame for a professional feel.
Numbered Acrylic Paints
Small pots of pre-mixed acrylic paint, labeled to match the numbers on your canvas. Premium kits like 80-color kits offer a wider palette for richer, more realistic results.
Brushes
Most kits include 2–3 brushes in different sizes: a fine-tip brush for small details, a medium brush for most sections, and a wider brush for large background areas.
A Reference Image
A printed copy of the finished painting so you can see what you're working toward.
The process is straightforward: open a pot of paint, find the matching numbers on your canvas, and fill them in. You repeat this for each color until the entire canvas is covered. Most people spend anywhere from 5 to 20+ hours completing a kit, depending on size and complexity — and that's part of the appeal. It's a slow, meditative process that rewards patience.
Benefits of Paint by Numbers
Stress Relief & Relaxation
Painting by numbers is one of the most effective screen-free ways to decompress. The repetitive, focused motion of filling in sections creates a meditative state similar to mindfulness exercises. Your hands are busy, your mind quiets down, and the hours slip by without you noticing.
No Experience Needed
You don't need to know how to draw, mix colors, or understand composition. The kit handles all of that. All you have to do is follow the numbers, and the result will look like a painting you'd see in a gallery. It's accessible to everyone — kids, adults, seniors, and anyone who's ever said "I'm not artistic."
Build Real Painting Skills
While paint by numbers is guided, you're still learning fundamental painting skills as you go. You develop brush control, learn how colors interact, and build an intuition for layering and blending. Many people find that after a few kits, they're confident enough to try freehand painting.
A Thoughtful Gift
Paint by numbers kits make memorable gifts because the result is a one-of-a-kind piece of art. Custom photo kits take this further — turn a family photo, a beloved pet, or a vacation snapshot into a paintable canvas. It's a gift that becomes a lasting keepsake.
How to Choose the Right Kit
Size, color count, canvas type, and design complexity all matter. Here's how to pick the perfect kit for your skill level.
Pre-Designed vs. Custom Kits
Pre-designed kits come with a professionally created design optimized for the paint-by-numbers format. These are a great starting point because the color mapping and section sizes have been carefully balanced. Paintly offers over 6,000 designs across dozens of themes — from animals and flowers to cityscapes, fantasy scenes, and abstract art.
Custom kits let you turn any photo into a paint by numbers canvas. Ideal for pet portraits, family photos, or meaningful places. Choose images with good contrast and clear subjects — busy backgrounds or low lighting can be harder to translate.
Canvas Size
Kits range from 16×20 inches up to 24×36 and larger. Smaller canvases are quicker and work well for beginners. Larger ones offer more detail and bigger wall impact. For your first kit, a medium size (16×20 or 20×24) is a solid choice.
Number of Colors
Standard kits include 24–36 colors. For richer gradients and more lifelike results, look for wider palettes. Paintly's 80-color kits offer gallery-level detail with smoother transitions — the difference is striking.
Canvas Material
Entry-level kits use rolled canvas you stretch yourself. Higher-quality kits come pre-stretched on wooden frames — easier to paint on and ready to hang. Board-mounted kits offer a flat, stable surface without needing an easel.
Design Complexity
New to paint by numbers? Start with larger sections and fewer colors. Landscapes and florals are forgiving. Detailed portraits and architectural scenes have smaller areas and need a steadier hand.
Setting Up Your Workspace
A good workspace makes a real difference in both quality and enjoyment.
Get the Lighting Right
Natural daylight is ideal — it shows paint colors accurately. For evening sessions, use a daylight-temperature LED lamp (around 5000K). Warm yellow lighting makes colors look different than they are, leading to mismatches you won't notice until the next day.
Protect Your Surface
Acrylic paint doesn't wash out of fabric or unfinished wood once dry. Cover your table with an old sheet, newspaper, or plastic tablecloth. Keep paper towels handy for wiping brushes and drips.
Keep Water Nearby
You'll need a cup of water to rinse brushes between colors. Change it when it gets murky — dirty water can tint light colors. A second cup for final rinses is a good habit.
Photograph Your Canvas
Take clear photos of your numbered canvas before painting. As you cover numbers, some will disappear before you're ready for them. A reference on your phone is much easier than squinting at a small printed guide.
Essential Tips for Beginners
Work from Dark to Light
Start with the darkest colors first. Dark paints cover printed numbers better and minor overpainting is easy to fix when you apply lighter colors on top. Save whites and pastels for last.
Do One Color at a Time
Complete all sections of one color before moving on. This keeps your workflow efficient and helps the painting come together systematically. Work top-to-bottom to avoid smudging.
Apply Thin Coats
Two or three thin, even coats beat one thick layer every time. Thick paint shows brush strokes and can obscure detail. Let each coat dry before adding the next for a smoother finish.
Cover Numbers Under Light Colors
Printed numbers show through whites, yellows, and pastels. Apply white paint first to cover the number, let it dry, then add the assigned color on top for clean coverage.
Don't Overload Your Brush
Dip just the tip into paint — you want a controlled amount, not a glob. Too much leads to drips, uneven coverage, and bleed-over into neighboring sections.
Keep Paint Pots Sealed
Acrylic paint dries fast in air. Only open the pot you're using and seal the rest tightly. If paint thickens, add a single drop of water and stir gently.
Advanced Techniques
Once you're comfortable with the basics, these techniques take your paintings from good to exceptional.
Blending & Feathering
Where two colors meet, try blending while both sections are still slightly wet. Use a clean, dry brush to gently feather the boundary. This creates soft, natural transitions — especially effective on skin tones, skies, and water reflections.
Adding Texture
Try stippling (dabbing with a dry brush tip) for foliage and grass. Use small, deliberate strokes for fur and hair. For impasto effects on clouds or petals, apply paint thicker and let the strokes show intentionally.
Highlights & Shadows
Mix a tiny amount of white into a color for highlights and a touch of dark brown for shadows. Apply sparingly to add depth beyond what the kit provides — a little goes a long way.
Edge Refinement
Go back with your finest brush and clean up edges between color sections. Sharp, clean boundaries make the difference between an amateur and a polished result. This 30–60 minute final pass is well worth it.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Painting the Wrong Number
It happens to everyone. If wet, wipe it off immediately with a damp cloth. If dry, simply paint over it with the correct color — acrylics are opaque, so a couple of thin coats will cover it completely.
Letting Paint Dry on Brushes
Acrylic is water-soluble when wet but permanent once dry. Rinse your brush immediately after switching colors. Never leave brushes sitting out or soaking in water for too long (bends the bristles).
Rushing the Process
Paint by numbers is designed to be slow and enjoyable. Rushing leads to sloppy coverage and smudges. Most kits take 8–20 hours — spread it across multiple sessions and enjoy the journey.
Skipping the Second Coat
Lighter colors over dark printed lines often need a second coat. If you can still see canvas texture or number lines after the first coat dries, add another thin layer. The difference is dramatic.
Finishing & Displaying Your Painting
Varnishing
Once fully dry (24–48 hours), apply a clear varnish to protect the surface and enhance colors. Matte varnish gives a soft, museum feel; gloss varnish makes colors pop. Spray varnishes are easiest — hold 12 inches away and apply in light, sweeping passes. Two thin coats beat one heavy one.
Framing
Pre-stretched kits can hang directly on the wall. For a polished look, add a frame that complements the painting and your room. Floating frames — where the canvas sits with a small gap — give a contemporary gallery feel.
Where to Hang
Avoid direct sunlight, which fades acrylic paint over time. A well-lit wall without direct sun exposure is ideal. Group multiple completed paintings together for a gallery wall — it's a great way to show off your growing collection and makes a striking visual statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete a paint by numbers kit?
Most kits take between 8 and 20 hours, depending on canvas size, complexity, and painting speed. Many people spread this over several weeks in 1–2 hour sessions.
Is paint by numbers good for kids?
Absolutely. It teaches patience, fine motor skills, and color recognition. For younger kids (ages 6–10), look for kits with larger sections. Older kids and teens can handle adult kits.
What kind of paint do kits use?
Most kits use acrylic paint — water-based, non-toxic, and quick-drying. Acrylics clean up with water when wet, become water-resistant once dry, and produce vivid, long-lasting colors.
Can I turn my own photo into a paint by numbers kit?
Yes — it's one of the most popular options. Paintly's custom paint by numbers kits let you upload any photo. For best results, choose photos with good lighting, clear subjects, and simple backgrounds.
What if my paint dries out?
If thickening, add a drop of water and stir. If fully hardened, add a few drops, seal the lid, and let it sit for hours before trying to reconstitute. If beyond saving, match the color at a craft store using the dried paint as a reference chip.
Do I need an easel?
Not necessarily. Many people paint on a flat table for more control. If you prefer painting upright, a tabletop easel works well. It comes down to personal preference.
Ready to Start Painting?
Browse over 6,000 designs or create a one-of-a-kind kit from your favorite photo. Every Paintly kit includes premium cotton canvas, rich acrylic paints, and free shipping on orders over $60.
