Centimetres are hard to picture. Drag through the sizes and see the canvas held
at true scale by an average adult, so you know what is arriving before you order it.
The picture on the canvas is only an example. Your own photo goes there.
Drag to resize
Drawn to true scale against an average adult, 170cm / 5ft 7in.
Add your photoRequired
This is the photo we turn into your paint by numbers kit.
Cover the table, set good lighting, keep water and a paper towel nearby. Lightly iron the canvas on low (no steam) or tape it flat to a board.
2
Organize paints & match numbers
Open one color at a time to prevent drying. If thick, add a drop of water and mix. Keep lids closed when not in use.
3
Start smart
Work from top-to-bottom (or left-to-right if right-handed) to avoid smudges. Many painters begin with the background or darker areas for easy progress.
4
Use the right brush for the area
Small brush for tiny cells; larger brush for big areas. Glide the tip—don’t press or splay bristles. Cover numbers fully; add a second coat after drying if needed.
5
Rinse & dry between colors
Swirl in water, wipe on a towel until clean, then paint the next color. A barely damp brush gives cleaner edges.
6
Let sections dry
Acrylic dries fast—about 10–20 minutes depending on thickness. Touch up gaps or streaks once dry.
7
Store in-progress work
Close paint pots firmly; wipe rims so they reseal. Keep paints upright and the canvas flat.
8
Finish & frame
After 24 hours, optionally seal with a clear acrylic varnish (matte or gloss). Then frame and enjoy!
Pro tips
If a paint is too thick, add a single drop of water and mix. If too thin, use two light coats.
Mist closed paint pots lightly with water if you’re painting for a long session to slow drying.
For tiny areas, a toothpick or fine liner brush can help hit small corners cleanly.
Use daylight or a neutral white lamp so colors look true.
Almost done! I've bought kits from a few different companies and Paintly has the best paint, best canvas, and in my opinion - the best art. I want to try a 80 color painting next.
I did not realize how difficult painting a small picture is. This is my first try at numbers. Im enjoying the project however it is extremely tedious and tiring. Im using 4X eye glasses and painting at 4in. away from the canvas.
Not quite finished yet but love it. Quality canvas and paints. Does take awhile to arrive but worth the wait for the overall quality and by far the best that I have brought. Highly recommend
paint‑by‑numbers work is a meditation on patience and transformation. Each numbered space begins as a fragment of order, yet through careful attention and time, those fragments merge into something unexpectedly alive. Working with 80 colours demands discipline and calm — a rhythm that slows the day and lets me lose myself in the evolving image.This is my third painting, part of a progression that began with 14 colours, then 24, then 48. Each stage has deepened my understanding of tone, texture, and the quiet satisfaction of precision. The process is intricate and relaxing, a way to watch time pass while creating something lasting.When my previous painting was admired by a framer who doubted it was a number kit, I realised how far I’d come. That disbelief was a compliment — proof that patience and persistence can elevate a structured method into genuine artistry.For me, paint‑by‑numbers is not about following instructions; it’s about discovering how structure can lead to freedom. Every completed section reveals more of the story, and every colour adds emotion. It’s a reminder that creativity doesn’t always begin with chaos — sometimes it starts with numbers, and ends with beauty
Chris
This was my first 80 colour PBN and my first from Paintly.
I love it and I'm so pleased with result.
The paints were great quality.
It took me about 7 weeks
Beautiful picture! I like the square drills , because I feel it fills it out more. I bought a framed one and wouldn’t do that again, because when you place the drills the canvas dips and it’s hard to work with but the flat canvases from this company are awesome!
Love the quality of the drills from this company! This canvas has beautiful image! I just personally, would not buy already framed again because placing the drills anywhere toward the middle is tough because it dips too much.
I love the picture. The details are small but just makes it exciting to see how it will come together!
It can really grab your time and is truly
a great new hobby.