How to Paint by Numbers: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

Paint by numbers is one of the easiest ways to start painting. Every canvas is printed with numbered areas and fine outlines, and every paint pot carries a matching number, so you never have to guess a color. You do not need any experience, only a little time and a calm corner of your home. This guide walks you through everything, from opening the box to hanging your finished painting.

What is inside your kit

Each Darl'Art kit contains everything you need to paint:

• A numbered canvas, printed with numbered areas and fine outlines, delivered rolled or stretched.
• Numbered acrylic paints, with every pot matched to the areas on your canvas. Depending on the design, a kit includes from 12 to 48 colors.
• A set of brushes in different sizes, for large areas and for small details.

All you need to add is a cup of water and a paper towel.

1. Set up your space

Find a well-lit table and lay your canvas flat. Keep a cup of water and a paper towel within reach. If your canvas is rolled, lay it flat under a few books for a few hours to remove the curl. This small step makes painting much easier and helps the finished piece hang straight.

2. Match the numbers

Each number on the canvas matches a numbered paint pot. Open only the pot you are using and close it again when you move on, so the paint stays fresh. Working with one color at a time also keeps your table tidy and helps you avoid mixing up similar shades.

3. Fill in the areas

Start with the largest areas and the darkest colors, then move to smaller areas and lighter colors. Paint from top to bottom so your hand does not smudge wet paint. Use the wider brushes for big areas and keep the finest brush for edges and details. There is no need to rush: this is the relaxing part.

4. Add a second coat if needed

Let each area dry for about 20 to 30 minutes. If you can still see a number or a line through the paint, add a thin second coat. Light colors often need two coats, and thin layers always look smoother than one thick layer.

5. Finish, frame and hang

Once everything is dry, check for any missed spots. A stretched canvas is ready to hang right away, and a rolled canvas can be framed or stretched to display. Step back and look at it from a distance: this is when the picture truly comes together.

Common questions

My paint has thickened. What can I do?

Add a few drops of water and stir until the paint is smooth again. Add water little by little so the color does not become too thin.

I painted an area with the wrong color.

No problem. Let it dry completely, then paint over it with the right color. Light colors over dark ones may need two coats.

My rolled canvas has creases.

Lay the canvas face down on a clean surface and place books on it for a few hours. You can also press the back with an iron on low heat, with a cloth between the iron and the canvas.

How do I clean my brushes?

Rinse them in water right after use, gently squeeze out the water and let them dry flat. Do not leave brushes standing in water, as it can bend the bristles.

Ready to start? Browse our kits, take the 30-second quiz to find your level, or read our full painting guide.