Paint by Numbers Starting Guide

A detailed guide crafted to transform novices into confident artists, guiding them through each numbered section and color selection.

1 - What's paint by numbers?

Paint by numbers is an innovative artistic method where your canvas features pre-marked sections, each labeled with a specific number. These numbers correspond to matching paint colors in your kit. For instance, when you see a paint pot labeled "1" containing blue paint, you'll apply that specific blue to every section marked "1" on your canvas. This systematic approach allows anyone to create stunning artwork that might otherwise seem beyond their capabilities. The beauty of this method lies in its simplicity – no artistic background needed, just your enthusiasm and willingness to explore your creative potential!

2 - Your paint by numbers kit

Your Canvas by Numbers package comes complete with all essential components for creating your masterpiece:

✅ Premium quality 100% finely woven cotton blend canvas—great for paint absorption and smooth color application.
✅ Numbered acrylic-based paint set. Ready to use straight from the pot. Eco-friendly and non-toxic formulation, making it safe for children and expectant mothers.
✅ Set of 3x standard paint brushes (1x small, 1x medium, 1x large).
✅ Hanging kit, featuring 2x screws and 2x non-track hooks.
✅ Reference print containing color key and black and white outline of canvas numbers and lines.
✅ Comprehensive instruction sheet.

3 - Before starting to paint

Find the right space

Create your perfect painting environment with a comfortable chair and stable work surface – these elements are crucial for an enjoyable creative session. Given that many designs feature intricate details in smaller sections, proper lighting becomes essential. While natural light is ideal, consider supplementing with a desk lamp or adjustable lighting fixture. Don't hesitate to keep a magnifying glass nearby for those particularly detailed areas.

Remember to take breaks

Your creative journey shouldn't come at the expense of your well-being! Use your phone's timer to schedule hourly break reminders – it's crucial to pause and stretch periodically. Your body will thank you for paying attention to your neck and back health. These short movement breaks become especially important during extended painting sessions, helping maintain both comfort and focus. Remember, regular pauses enhance your overall painting experience!

Clear your workspace.

Paint has a remarkable ability to find its way into unexpected nooks and crannies! To protect your workspace, consider laying down some old newspaper sheets or a durable plastic tablecloth. This simple preventive measure can protect your furniture from unexpected drips and splashes that inevitably occur during painting sessions. As for your attire, opt for comfortable, well-worn clothing that you won't mind getting a bit messy. This way, you can fully immerse yourself in the creative process without worrying about paint stains!

4 - Canvas preparation

Q: What is gesso? Should I use it with my Canvas by Numbers canvas?

Gesso, a specialized priming material, enhances paint adhesion and creates superior contrast by adding preliminary layers to your canvas before beginning your artwork. While gesso application isn't mandatory for acrylic-based paints – it's more commonly associated with oil painting techniques. Artists are divided on its necessity – some swear by its benefits, while others find the untreated canvas perfectly suitable! If you choose to incorporate gesso, select a neutral shade to ensure the numbers and guidelines remain clearly visible throughout your painting process.

Q: I bought a frame to mount. Should I stretch the canvas before or after painting?

Pre-painting canvas mounting is our standard recommendation, though your decision may depend on easel availability. Table-top painting with a stretched canvas can present challenges, as applying pressure might compromise the canvas tension. This issue doesn't arise when using an easel. For those without an easel, we suggest completing your painting as outlined in section 5, allowing it to dry thoroughly, and then proceeding with frame mounting, which we'll detail later.

5 - Using the DIY frame

The DIY frame offers an economical solution for displaying your artwork while maintaining professional quality. The key to successful mounting lies in precisely aligning your painting area with the stretcher bar edges.

6 - Paint by Numbers recommendations

✅ For unframed kits, secure your canvas using masking tape either directly to your work surface or onto a sturdy cardboard backing for enhanced stability. If your canvas arrives pre-stretched, optimal results are achieved by painting with an easel.

✅ We suggest working with one color at a time, keeping unused paint pots sealed. Remember that acrylic paints dry rapidly. Always secure pot lids when not in active use to prevent premature drying!

✅ Maintain brush cleanliness between colors. Submerge your brush in water, agitate gently, then blot against paper toweling. Continue this process until minimal color remains (leaving barely visible traces on the paper towel).

✅ Optimize your brush control by utilizing the tip of your brush for precise strokes, efficient paint usage, and prolonged brush life!

✅ Adapt your painting direction to your dominant hand - right-handed painters should work left to right, while left-handed artists should proceed right to left. This technique prevents accidental smudging of wet paint areas!

✅ Encountered an error? When you've used an incorrect color, exercise patience and allow it to dry completely. Then simply paint over the area with your intended shade.

✅ Preserve surplus paint from your kit for future touch-ups or to create your own unique artistic pieces!

✅ Should you discover a paint pod has thickened or dried, introduce a couple drops of warm water to restore its optimal consistency!

7 - Advanced techniques

Your Paint by Numbers journey extends far beyond completing your initial masterpiece - there's an exciting world of advanced techniques and hidden tips waiting to be discovered! YouTube serves as an exceptional educational platform, offering comprehensive tutorials that explore sophisticated painting methods, enabling you to maximize your Paint by Numbers experience. The platform hosts countless videos that prove invaluable for artists seeking to refine their painting expertise.

How to improve paint coverage

What's Flow Aid?

Blending colors for a smoother transition

Also Good to Know

Most common questions painting by numbers

Q: Can I frame my paint by numbers canvas without stretcher bars?
A: Yes, mounting your canvas directly onto a solid backing material, such as foam board or wooden panel, is possible without stretcher bars. However, incorporating stretcher bars delivers a more refined, gallery-worthy appearance while providing superior artwork protection.

Q: What if my canvas is wrinkled or creased before framing?
A: For wrinkled or creased canvases, carefully iron the surface using a low heat setting. Always protect the painted surface by placing a clean, white cotton cloth between the iron and the canvas's reverse side.

Q: Can I use a ready-made frame for my paint by numbers canvas?
A: Ready-made frames are suitable provided they match your canvas dimensions. Ensure accurate canvas measurements before frame selection. Remember that canvas stretching, either using stretcher bars or alternative methods, may still be necessary prior to framing.

Q: How can I prevent my canvas from sagging or loosening after framing?

A: Ensure your canvas maintains proper tension by stretching it firmly and uniformly across the stretcher bars before securing it with staples. Should you notice any loosening over time, you can carefully tap the stretcher bar corners using a hammer to increase tension, or alternatively, insert canvas keys (small wooden wedges) into the corner slots to enhance the canvas's tautness.

Q: Is it advisable to protect my framed paint by numbers canvas with glass or acrylic?

A: Adding glass or acrylic protection to a framed canvas is typically not recommended, as these materials can create a moisture-trapping environment that potentially damages your artwork. Additionally, the natural texture and dimensional qualities of both canvas and paint are best appreciated without the barrier of a glass or acrylic covering.

Q: What are the best practices for cleaning and preserving my framed paint by numbers canvas?

A: Maintain your framed canvas by regularly dusting it with a gentle, dry cloth or soft-bristled brush. Avoid using any water-based solutions, chemical cleaners, or abrasive materials, as these can potentially harm the paint surface. For optimal preservation, display your artwork in an environment away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations, which can lead to color fading or paint cracking over time.

Begin Your Creative Adventure!

Choose your perfect masterpiece and start your artistic journey today!