What Is Paint by Numbers? Everything Beginners Need to Know Before They Start
Have you ever wished to paint something beautiful but thought you weren’t artistic enough?
Welcome to the world of Paint by Numbers, where creativity and relaxation meet to create something stunning – even if you're a complete beginner. This isn’t about mastering the intricacies of oil painting or drawing – it’s about having fun, de-stressing, and tapping into your inner artist without the overwhelming pressure.
In this guide, we’ll explore what paint-by-numbers is, how to start your journey, and some pro tips to make your first masterpiece look absolutely amazing. Whether you're looking for a new hobby, a stress-relieving activity, or just a way to spend some creative time, this is your perfect starting point!
What Is Paint by Numbers?
Paint by Numbers is like a treasure map for your inner artist. A canvas comes pre-printed with numbered sections, each number corresponding to a specific colour. The result? Anyone, yes anyone, can create a beautiful piece of art, no artistic experience required.
The beauty of it? It’s as simple as “paint by numbers”—and that’s exactly what it is. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or just looking for a fun and relaxing way to express yourself, this is an accessible method to unleash your creativity. And trust us, the joy of seeing the picture come to life with every brushstroke is both soothing and deeply rewarding.
A Brief History
Paint by Numbers was born in the 1950s in the USA, where it was created by an artist named Dan Robbins. He developed the concept for a company called Palmer Paints. This idea quickly took off, bringing the magic of painting to homes across the country. Fast forward to today, and it’s not just a nostalgic hobby—it’s a wellness trend. People use paint by numbers as a way to unwind, escape from the stresses of daily life, and engage in a fun creative process.
What’s Inside a Paint by Numbers Kit?
Alright, you’ve heard the magic, now let’s get down to the details.
So, what exactly will you get when you purchase a Paint by Numbers kit? The short answer: everything you need to begin your artistic adventure!
Paint by Numbers Canvas
The canvas, typically made of cotton or linen, comes printed with numbers that correspond to specific colours. The design can be anything from serene landscapes to intricate animals – the choice is yours. Now, there’s a small difference between rolled and pre-stretched canvases. A rolled canvas needs framing later, while a pre-stretched canvas is ready to go!
Beginner Tip: We recommend starting with a pre-stretched canvas to avoid the hassle of framing later and keep your surface smooth.
Helpful Tip: Before you begin, make sure your canvas is flat. If it’s slightly wrinkled, iron it on low heat or place it under heavy books overnight to smooth out those creases.
Acrylic Paints with Number Codes
These paints are vibrant, non-toxic, water-based acrylics, and they’re designed to make your life easy. Each pot of paint is labelled with a number, matching the areas on your canvas.
Helpful Tip: Open each paint pot before you start. If the paint is too thick, add a drop of water and stir with a toothpick. Don’t forget to test your paints on some scrap paper first!
Brushes of Different Sizes
Most paint-by-numbers kits come with three high-quality brushes of varying sizes, each designed for a specific purpose to help you achieve professional-looking results:
- Fine Brush (Small Tip) — Perfect for painting delicate lines, intricate details, and small numbered areas. It allows for precision and control, making it ideal for facial features, outlines, or tiny colour zones.
- Medium Brush — Versatile and balanced, this brush is great for filling medium-sized sections, blending between edges, and smoothing transitions between colours. It’s the brush you’ll likely use most often throughout your painting.
- Large Brush — Designed for covering large background areas or broad strokes efficiently. The soft yet sturdy bristles hold more paint, ensuring smooth and even coverage without streaks.
Cleaning brushes between colours prevents unwanted blending.
Helpful Tip: If bristles are bent, dip in warm water, reshape, and let dry naturally. They’ll return to a fine point.
Reference Sheet & Number Guide
A reference sheet is your guide to where each colour goes, helping you navigate tricky areas and those tiny, hard-to-read numbers. It’s your secret weapon for a flawless painting.
Helpful Tip: Some budget kits might not include a printed reference sheet. If that’s the case, simply take a clear photo of your blank canvas before you start. This way, it can serve as a backup guide if any numbers get covered or forgotten. For a more hands-on approach, you can also create your own reference sheet by matching colours to numbers based on the image, though this can take time and isn’t ideal for beginners.
While it might require extra effort, it’s totally manageable and can even add a personal touch to your masterpiece!
Bonus Accessories (Optional)
Many kits come with bonus extras like magnifying glasses, hooks, varnish, or even additional brushes to enhance your experience. Here at Houseart, we include all the essentials and more, so you’re fully equipped to dive right into your painting without any extra purchases.
How to Paint by Numbers: A Step-by-Step Tutorial
Alright, now that you’ve got your kit and your workspace set up, let’s dive in! Don’t worry if you’re new to this—it’s easier than it looks, and we’re here to walk you through every step of the way. Picture this: you’re about to create something beautiful with your own hands. Just take it slow, enjoy the journey, and before you know it, you’ll be hanging your first masterpiece on the wall.
Step 1 – Choose Your Favourite Kit & Prepare Your Workspace
Pick the design that makes you go "wow!" Mybe it’s a serene landscape, an adorable animal, or even a custom photo of your pet, choose something that speaks to you. But as a newbie, we recommend you pick something with larger, simpler patterns—it’ll save you a ton of stress and make the process smoother.
Creating your creative space: Find a comfy spot that makes you feel relaxed—whether it's your kitchen table, a desk, or even your favourite armchair (who says you can’t paint from the comfort of a comfy chair, right?). Gather everything you need: canvas, paints, brushes, water, tissues, and maybe a nice cup of tea if you're in the UK (or coffee, we won’t judge).
Helpful Tip: Double-check your kit before starting! Make sure your paints are all there and sealed properly, the canvas is smooth and flat, and your brushes are in good shape. No surprises here, please.
Step 2 – Understand the Numbering System
This is where the fun really begins! Take a good look at your canvas and familiarize yourself with the numbering system. Each number on the canvas corresponds to a specific colour in the paint pots. It's like a guide to your own little masterpiece.
Helpful Tip: If the numbers are tiny or hard to read (it happens!), don’t panic—just grab your phone! Take a clear photo of the canvas, zoom in, and voilà, your phone becomes the perfect painting assistant. Forget about fiddling with tiny magnifiers—this is the 21st century, after all!
Step 3 – Start Painting (Light to Dark Colours)
Now comes the fun part—painting! Start with lighter colours because, trust us, it's much easier to fix mistakes that way. You’ll also want to work in small sections to stay organised, and don’t forget to work from top to bottom. That way, you won’t risk smudging your hard work.
Helpful Tip: Stick with one colour at a time. Don’t jump ahead to the next colour until you've fully painted the area. It’ll help keep your paints fresh and your mind clear—plus, you'll feel a sense of progress with each completed section.
Step 4 – Fix Mistakes & Keep Paints Fresh
We’ve all been there. That little slip of the brush, that accidental splatter. No big deal—mistakes are part of the fun!
- For wet paint errors, gently wipe with a damp cotton swab or soft tissue.
- For dried paint, carefully touch up with the same colour to blend seamlessly.
To keep your paints in optimal condition:
- Always close lids tightly after use.
- If the paint becomes thick, add a drop of water and stir gently to restore smooth consistency.
Step 5 – Dry, Seal & Frame
Once your painting is looking fab, let it dry completely—no shortcuts here! Avoid using a hairdryer, though—heat can crack the paint and cause damage.
When it’s dry, you can apply a clear varnish to protect your creation and give it that beautiful glossy finish. After that, you’re ready to frame your work of art. If you want to go DIY, grab a wooden frame, or you can order a ready-made one for convenience.
Final Tip: Don’t forget to take a photo of your finished painting! Share it online, show it off to friends, or even gift it to someone as a personalized masterpiece. You did it!
Pro Tips for Beginners: Make Your Painting Look Amazing
- Use Small Brushes for Edges: Start by outlining the smaller sections before filling in the larger areas.
- Work in Sections: This keeps things organized and prevents smudging.
- Keep Paints Moist: Open one pot at a time, and keep the lids closed tightly when you're done.
- Good Lighting & Comfortable Posture: Reduces eye strain and helps you focus on the fun of the process.
- Add Personal Touches: Try soft blending or making small custom tweaks to make the painting your own.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Painting too fast: Slow down and let the texture form naturally. Rushing can cause uneven strokes.
- Forgetting to clean brushes: Always rinse between colours to prevent mixing.
- Mixing wrong colours or painting over numbers: Be mindful of the colour code, and be careful not to paint over the numbers.
- Tip: If you make a mistake, don’t panic! Just gently fix it with the correct colour or wipe away the excess paint with a damp cotton swab.
Start Your Creative Journey Today
Imagine holding your very own masterpiece — a painting that started as a blank canvas and came to life under your brush. Paint by numbers isn’t just easy and relaxing; it’s a little journey of creativity and joy. Anyone can do it, and the sense of achievement is priceless.
So why wait? Grab a paint by numbers kit from Houseart’s full collection today, pick up your brush, and start turning blank spaces into your very own works of art.
FAQs
How long does a Paint by Numbers take to finish?
The time to complete a paint by numbers depends on canvas size, detail, and number of colours. Small canvases (18” x 14” or 20” x 16”) usually take 2–4 hours, medium ones (24” x 18”) 3–6 hours, and large canvases (30” x 24”) 3–10 hours. More detailed designs or complex colour schemes may take longer, while simpler kits finish faster.
What age can kids do paint by numbers?
Kids of different ages can enjoy paint by numbers with our kits, designed for 5–7, 8–9, 10–11, and 12+ year old. Each kit includes everything needed to complete a painting: a numbered paint set, a high-quality numbered canvas, three premium brushes, a fastening set with screws and hooks, a magnifying glass, instructions with a preview image, a paper pattern, and a packaging box. With all supplies provided, children can easily start painting and create their own masterpiece.
What if I make a mistake?
If you make a mistake, don’t worry! You can wait for the paint to dry and simply paint over it with the correct colour. Also, if needed, adding another layer to fully cover the wrong colour is a good idea.
Do I need to mix colours?
No, you don’t need to mix colours for most paint-by-numbers kits, as they come with pre-numbered paints. However, if you want to personalize your painting, you can mix colours add depth, or create unique shades.
Should I varnish the painting afterward?
Varnishing your painting isn’t required, but it provides extra protection and enhances the colours. So, it’s especially helpful if the painting will be exposed to sunlight, smoke, or other potential damage over time.
