Paint by numbers guide

From blank canvas to masterpiece

No experience needed. Match the numbers, fill in the colors and watch your painting come to life, one relaxing stroke at a time.

  • No experience needed
  • Everything included
  • Relaxing & screen-free
Your kit

Everything you need, in one box

Open the box, clear a table and you're ready to paint.

  • Numbered canvas

    Numbered canvas

    Rolled or stretched
  • Numbered acrylic paints

    Numbered acrylic paints

    12 to 48 colors
  • Brush set

    Brush set

  • Your size

    Your size

    From 20x25 to 40x50 cm

Have a cup of water and a paper towel nearby to rinse and dry your brushes between colors.

Step by step

How to paint by numbers

Five simple steps from unboxing to hanging your finished painting.

  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.

    5 minutes
  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.

    One color at a time
  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 doesn't smudge wet paint.

    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 line through the paint, add a thin second coat.

    20–30 min to dry
  5. Finish, frame & hang

    Once everything is dry, check for any missed spots. A stretched canvas is ready to hang right away. A rolled canvas can be framed or stretched to display.

    Show it off
Difficulty

Choose the right level

Every kit is labeled with a difficulty level so you know what to expect.

Beginner

Perfect for your first painting or a relaxing afternoon.

  • Larger areas to fill
  • Fewer colors
  • Finished faster
Shop beginner kits

Intermediate

For painters who have finished a kit or two and want more detail.

  • Smaller areas
  • More colors and shading
  • A few evenings of painting
Shop intermediate kits

Advanced

Fine details and rich palettes for a real challenge.

  • Many small, detailed areas
  • The widest range of colors
  • A longer, rewarding project
Shop advanced kits
Pro tips

Tips for a cleaner, happier painting

  • Paint in good light

    Daylight or a bright lamp makes small numbers and fine lines much easier to see.

  • Rinse between colors

    Clean your brush in water and dry it on a paper towel before switching colors.

  • Thin coats work best

    Two thin coats cover better and look smoother than one thick coat.

  • Match brush to area

    Use wide brushes for large areas and the finest brush for edges and details.

  • Keep pots closed

    Acrylic paint dries quickly, so close each pot as soon as you're done with it.

  • Take breaks

    Step back every so often. Your painting looks different from a distance, and fresh eyes spot missed areas.

Help

Troubleshooting

My paint has thickened or dried out. 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 doesn't 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.

I can still see the numbers through the paint.

This is normal with light colors. Once the first coat is dry, add a thin second coat to cover the numbers completely.

My rolled canvas has creases or won't lie flat.

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.

I'm running out of a color.

You can order an Extra Paint Add-on, or contact us with your kit name and the color number and we'll help you.

How do I clean my brushes?

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