
Can't-Miss Tips on How to Paint by Number
- Make sure to work in a brightly lit area and keep a magnifying glass on hand for the smallest areas of the canvas.
- Start by painting the smallest areas of the canvas and gradually move to the largest areas.
- If possible, let each painted area dry completely (around 10-15 minutes, depending on thickness of application) before moving on to the next one.
- Remember to wash your brush completely before moving to a different color. For Plaid kits, warm water and mild soap work best.
- For kits that require simple blending, paint mixed light colors next. Then, finish with darker mixed colors.
- When blending colors, always leave a small amount of the original colors for any places you might have missed.
- Toothpicks work well for mixing colors as well as filling in the very small areas of the canvas.
- Use enough paint to cover the numbers, but not so much that the paint runs into other areas.
- With each color, start in the middle of the picture working your way out and around so as not to miss a spot.
- Prevent smudges by starting at the top of the canvas so that the drying paint stays above your hand.
- Close the paint pots when not in use to prevent them from drying out.
- While not necessary, you can seal your completed Paint by Number with a light coat of clear acrylic sealer.
- Be patient and take your time!
What is the best way to paint over paint by number?
Clear gesso is ideal for painting over paint by number kits because it makes the canvas surface better to paint on, but still allows you to see all the numbers and areas to paint between! Tip 8 - Flow Improver - How to make the paint less thick or revive dry paint
How do I Clean my Paint by number kit?
Unpack your paint by number kit and lay out the canvas, paints, and brushes on a flat surface. Unroll the canvas and carefully iron it on high to remove any wrinkles or creases. Tape the canvas to the flat surface. We recommend masking tape to mitigate any residue that may be left on the flat surface or canvas.
How to cover the numbers on a painting?
To cover the numbers on a painting is important because it gives neatness to your painting. To do so coat the second layer of paint and let it dry. Do not rush your painting, and give plenty of drying time between colors.
Where can I find paint by numbers for beginners?
“I Love Diy Art” has over 1000 paint by number kits and we have categorized for viewers ease. You can go to homepage and browse paint by numbers for adults. We also have paintings for kids in kids’ collection. If you have done a few PBN’s or cross stitch kits you should also check diamond painting kits we have recently launched.

What is the best way to do a paint by numbers?
19 Problem-Solving Paint by Numbers Tips [UPDATED]Buy a Kit with Frame.Keep the work area clean.Start from the Top.Start from the Background.Close the paint pot lid after using.Don't be afraid to make mistakes.Use water for better flow.Take breaks - Enjoy Art.More items...•
Should I add water to paint by numbers?
Don't add water at all! Keep your canvas dry at all times. Make sure that you do not add water at all into those paint wells. Always dip a dry paintbrush to pick up your paint.
How do you cover lines in paint by numbers?
Cover the Numbers You can make this go away in a jiffy by using a white paint marker. A white paint marker will completely cover the numbers or lines on the canvas but make sure you use the white paint marker before you start to paint on the numbers.
Do you need an easel for paint by numbers?
If you bought your kit without a frame, you could use masking tape to fix it to the surface (table) or to a piece of cardboard (cut-out box), which will provide us with a more solid base. If you bought your painting already pre-stretched, it is best to use an easel to paint it.
Do you paint light or dark colors first?
1. Always Paint from Dark to Light. A common strategy for approaching a painting, is to begin with the darkest darks, and gradually progress through the midtones to the lights, adding your highlights right at the end.
How do you make a paint by number more realistic?
Start from the bigger areas and work your way to the smaller areas. To avoid smudging, move from left to right, working your way from top to bottom. For a more seamless and blended finish, paint the darker areas first before the lighter ones.
Where do I start when painting by numbers?
Start by painting the smallest areas of the canvas and gradually move to the largest areas. If possible, let each painted area dry completely (around 10-15 minutes, depending on thickness of application) before moving on to the next one. Remember to wash your brush completely before moving to a different color.
Should you stretch paint by number canvas before painting?
Before you paint a masterpiece, the Paint by Numbers canvas template needs to be stretched just right for it to work and hold paint properly. Quite some customers however choose to first finish the paintings and then stretch the canvas painting on the wooden frames.
How do you blend in numbers by paint?
3:147:03How to Blend Paint by Numbers: Paint Plot + Melanie B's Creative StudioYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd i'm going to dip half of my paint brush into the number 24. And half of my paint brush into theMoreAnd i'm going to dip half of my paint brush into the number 24. And half of my paint brush into the number 21. So i've loaded my paint brush with both colors.
How long does it take to complete a paint by numbers?
The length of time it takes to complete a Paint by Number kit will vary depending on the size of the artwork, and the hours or time applied to working on it. Paint by Number is a relaxing art form which can be completed quickly over a couple days or enjoyed a little at a time over a series of weeks/months.
What can I use instead of an easel?
The back of a straight-backed dining room chair. This is an old trick for the starving artist. The seat of the chair is where you lay your paints and such, the back holds the easel up. Put the painting on the seat of the chair, and lean it into the back.
How do you get the wrinkles out of a paint by number canvas?
0:092:11Remove wrinkles from your paint by numbers canvas (how to iron canvas)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThat you can use by simply lightly ironing your canvas. Let's get started here's a canvas that has aMoreThat you can use by simply lightly ironing your canvas. Let's get started here's a canvas that has a couple wrinkles down the middle and the sides.
How do you thin out paint by number paint?
Water should be your go-to fixer when you are dealing with acrylic paints. They dissolve in water very easily. Add a drop or two of warm water to your hardened paint to soften it. Warm water mixes better with paint without thinning it.
Should I add water to my paint?
Adding water to paint dilutes the paint and thus lightens its color, so additional coats may be necessary to improve the color quality. Also, keep this fact in mind when using multiple cans of the same-colored paint for a project.
Should you add water to acrylic paint?
The answer is no, you do not need to add water to acrylic paint. In fact, you don't “need” to any anything to acrylic paint. The only reason people add water or other mediums is to change the consistency of the paint or to alter the paint's characteristics in some way.
Should you mix water with acrylic paint?
Adding up to 30 percent water to acrylic paint thins it but still allows it to coat a surface. Adding 60 percent or more water creates a watery paint application called a wash. Rubbing a wash into an absorbent surface so that only a hint of the color remains is called a stain.
How to paint by number?
Easy Paint by Number Instructions. Unpack your paint by number kit and lay out the canvas, paints, and brushes on a flat surface. Unroll the canvas and carefully iron it on high to remove any wrinkles or creases. Tape the canvas to the flat surface.
What color pencil do you use to paint numbers?
Use white out or a white colored pencil to cover the numbers and spaces and ensure they do no show through the paint.
How to keep acrylic paint from drying out?
Acrylic paints dry quickly. Make sure to paint 1 number at a time and close the lids whenever you are not painting to prevent them from drying out! Only open 1 paint pot at a time! Check out our guide for fixing dry paints here!
How to match paint pots?
Match each of the numbered paint pots with the pre-numbered area on the canvas. We highly recommend going one number at a time to prevent the paints from drying.
How to keep paint brushes clean?
We highly recommend going 1 color/number at a time as it will ensure your paints stay moist and fresh for the entire kit!. To keep your brush moist and clean, dip the brush in water and dry off any excess with your paper towel. Make sure to clean it well when switching colors/numbers!
What does a paint pod with no number or a gray dot mean?
A paint pod with no number or a gray dot will correspond with the gray or blank area on the canvas.
How to clean brushes when changing colors?
Fill up a small cup of water and lay out a few paper towels. (Do not forget the paper towels, they are very important for cleaning your brushes when changing colors!)
Can you see numbers through paint?
Most of the time the numbers underneath don't show through, but once in a while our customers say they can see the numbers through some of the lighter paint when they're close. That's when someone suggested using white out pen or our white paint markerto cover the numbers, which works phenomenally!
Is painting by numbers cheating?
The short answer is "No". The long answer is " No, absolutely not, painting by numbers is NOT cheating. Give two people the same paint by number and see what happens.".
Is it normal for a painting to wrinkle when shipping?
Wrinkling is very normal for shipping canvases like this. Fortunately, just like wrinkly clothes from a dryer, you can use an iron to get them out! Check out this video below or our helpful blog post here
Can you use water to make acrylic paint thinner?
Since these are acrylic paints and water soluble, you can usually get away with just a few drops of water. For the more challenging paints, you can splurge for a few drops of Flow Improver to make the paint easier to work with.
What is a paint by number kit?
Paint by number kits allow everyone to explore an artist in themselves. These kits allow you to paint professional paintings, artworks of great artists like Van Gogh, Da Vinci and Picasso yourself. If you want to be an artist, believe me it’s never too late, you can start with these DIY painting kits. From the experience aka feedback of thousands ...
Why is it important to cover the numbers on a painting?
To cover the numbers on a painting is important because it gives neatness to your painting. To do so coat the second layer of paint and let it dry. Do not rush your painting, and give plenty of drying time between colors.
How to avoid smudges when painting?
Your effort can be ruin due to small negligence. To avoid it first paint the topmost area of the canvas and then paint the lower area. Due to this precaution, chances of smudges reduce.
What is the best place to paint?
The peaceful place is the best place to paint. In peace, we can concentrate in a better way and it helps to focus on the theme of the painting. Together with peaceful environment, the place should be bright and you should have the magnifying glass with you with painting so small area cannot neglect.
How to start painting?
Start in Descending Order. The main point, while you are going to start painting, is that start your work in descending order. Descending order means to start work from a larger area and then move towards smaller areas. It will consume less time and it helps to prevent any accidental smudging.
Can you cover paint by number with clear sealer?
Close the paint cup when not in use to prevent them from drying. Otherwise, with open lid, the paint can be dry and it will be useless for you. While not necessary, you can cover your paint by number with the light coat of clear acrylic sealer.
Do you wash the brushes before painting?
If you have completed one, part and going to paint the other one then please wash the brushes first. After washing brush start a new part. It will help to give your canvas a fresh texture because no color is mixing with it. It is the original one.
What is a paint by numbers kit?
In short, you should try a Paint by Numbers kit if you are looking for a creative break. The kits are convenient as they come with everything you need. Filling in the canvas with color is very satisfying. It’s a mindless repetitive task that helps calm you down and relax. A great way to play with paint without the design decision making.
How to get a printed number on a canvas?
Lay the paint thick especially light colors: If you apply a thin coat of paint for those lighter colors, you will be able to see the printed number on the canvas once it dries. So apply a thick layer of color from the get-go. Don’t worry about running out of paint, I had lots of paint left over after I was done.
What kind of paint does the Kits come with?
The kits come with Acrylic paints. I was very impressed with the paint quality that comes in the kit. At first, I was scared that the paint might splash or drip onto the canvas, but that was not the case at all. It is super thick acrylic paint- a joy to paint with.
How to paint a small area?
Start with a small area first: On your first day, paint a small area, and let it dry. Come back and see how the paint dried- and whether you applied too much or too little paint. Adjust accordingly.
What to do if canvas comes folded?
If your canvas comes folded instead of rolled, it will have some hard creases. You can try ironing the canvas gently from the back side. You could also maybe use a steamer?
Can I use a paintbrush with a paint kit?
Yes, I only used the paintbrushes that came with the kit. There were a few sizes of paintbrushes, but I used the medium-sized one the most. The key is to wash your brush thoroughly after each use and maintaining the fine tip of the paintbrush. Preserve your paintbrush well.
Do you need a reference sheet for a paint kit?
Keep your reference sheet: If your kit comes with a reference sheet, keep it safe. I thought I wouldn’t need it but ended up pulling it out a few times to check orphan areas that were missing numbers. Sometimes, you paint just a partial area, and later realize there is a blank area with no number!
Why is painting by numbers so popular?
Paint by numbers is gaining popularity among the masses due to its amazing properties. It is engaging, turns out beautiful every time and anyone can indulge in this activity, from children to adults to older people. Painting is fun, entertaining and pleasing but not everyone is fortunate enough to have an expertise in it. Often people struggle to paint their imagination, emotions and feelings on the canvas. What they bring on the canvas is a mess that they’re unappreciated and even embarrassed of. This makes them doubt their skills, leaving them disheartened enough that they never want to pick up the brush again.
Can acrylic paint be used as a flow improver?
Some painters like to have a thinner consistency of the paints, adding water is fine but it can lessen the intensity of the color, adding flow improver restores the vividness and also make the paint thinner and easier to apply and manipulate.
Why do we need a magnifying glass in our painting kits?
Having tiny spaces helps make the final paintings more detailed, so it’s hard to strike the perfect balance.
Is there a better explanation for painting technique than by watching it yourself?
There is no better explanation for the technique than by watching it yourself. Check out this video on the nifty way to make your painting look amazing!
Can you see numbers through paint?
Most of the time the numbers underneath don’t show through, but once in a while our customers say they can see the numbers through some of the lighter paint when they’re close. That’s when someone suggested using white out pen or white colored pencils to cover the numbers, which works phenomenally!
Can you take a picture of a canvas before starting a kit?
Our customers have also found a very clever and innovative solution to the problem! Before starting your kit take a picture of the canvas! As you are painting, you can go back and reference the digital photo in your smartphone or camera and zoom in on any of those hard to see numbers!
Is it normal for a painting to wrinkle when shipping?
Wrinkling is very normal for shipping canvases like this. Fortunately, just like wrinkly clothes from a dryer, you can use an iron to get them out! Check out this video below or our helpful blog post here
