Guides

Acrylic Painting Techniques for Beginners: 9 Methods That Work
Why Acrylics Are the Beginner's Paint Acrylic paint has three properties that make it the default choice for new painters. It's water-based, so brushes rinse clean under a tap — no solvents, no special cleanup. It dries fast: touch-dry in 15–30 minutes, which means you can layer and correct mistakes within a single session instead of waiting days as you would with oils. And it's opaque in thicker coats, so one covering pass hides what's underneath — including printed numbers, previous errors, and sketch lines. The same speed that makes... Read more...
Who Invented Paint by Numbers? The Story of Dan Robbins
The Man Behind the Idea: Dan Robbins Paint by numbers was created by Dan Robbins (1925–2019), a commercial artist working at the Palmer Paint Company in Detroit, Michigan. In the late 1940s, Robbins was hired to make paint kits more appealing to adults. He did considerably more than that: he invented a product that sold tens of millions of units, defined an era of American home life, and is still being painted more than 70 years later. Robbins was 24 when he sketched the first numbered design. He wasn't trying... Read more...
What Is Paint by Numbers? The Complete Guide
What Is Paint by Numbers? Paint by numbers is a painting system where the canvas comes pre-printed with numbered sections, and each number matches one paint pot. You fill in every section labeled 7 with pot 7, every section labeled 12 with pot 12, and when the last section is filled, you have a finished painting — no drawing skills, no color mixing, no art school required. The idea is over 70 years old, and the core promise hasn't changed: the composition, color placement, and hard parts of design are... Read more...
Paint by Numbers for Beginners: Complete Guide
What Is Paint by Numbers? Paint by numbers is a system where a canvas is pre-divided into numbered sections, each corresponding to a specific paint color. You simply match each number to its paint and fill in the sections. It's how Bob Ross started, and it's how millions of people discover the joy of painting without needing drawing skills. What's in a Paint by Numbers Kit? Every DIY Art Muse kit includes: One pre-numbered linen canvas (40 × 50 cm / 16 × 20 in) Numbered paint pots — pre-mixed... Read more...
How to Choose Your Paint by Numbers Kit
Five Factors to Consider 1. Difficulty Level Our kits come in three difficulty levels: Easy: Larger sections, fewer colors (12–24). Great for first-timers and kids 8+. Intermediate: More detail, more colors (24–36). Perfect if you've done 1–2 kits. Advanced: Fine details, many colors (36–48). A rewarding challenge for experienced painters. 2. Theme Choose a design you'll enjoy spending hours with. Our most popular themes include: Animals — from dogs to wildlife Nature & Landscapes — mountains, forests, gardens Coast & Ocean — beaches, waves, marine life Cities & Travel —... Read more...
Custom Paint by Numbers from Your Photo
What Is a Custom Paint by Numbers Kit? A custom kit transforms your photo into a numbered canvas. You paint your own memories — a beloved pet, a family portrait, a wedding moment, or a favorite landscape. The result is a one-of-a-kind artwork painted by your own hands. How It Works Upload your photo when you place your order We prepare the canvas: Our team converts your image into a numbered painting plan Receive and paint: Your custom kit arrives with everything you need, ready to paint Choosing the Perfect... Read more...
Paint by Numbers Tips and Techniques
Essential Brush Techniques Flat Wash For large numbered sections, use your largest brush and apply paint in smooth, even strokes in one direction. Don't go back over partially dried paint — it creates streaks. Detail Work For tiny sections and edges, switch to your smallest brush. Load less paint (dip only the tip) and use short, precise strokes. Blending Edges For a softer look between two adjacent colors, paint the darker color first, then while it's still wet, paint the lighter color slightly overlapping. The colors will blend naturally. Color... Read more...
Why Paint by Numbers Is Perfect for Adults
More Than Just a Hobby Paint by numbers has surged in popularity among adults — and for good reason. It's not just about creating art; it's about the process. Here's why millions of adults have made it part of their routine. The Science-Backed Benefits Stress Relief & Mindfulness The repetitive motion of matching numbers to colors is inherently meditative. Studies show that engaging in creative activities like painting can lower cortisol levels and reduce anxiety. It's like adult coloring books, but with a more satisfying result. Digital Detox Painting by... Read more...
7 Paint by Numbers Themes That Look Stunning on Your Walls
Paint by Numbers as Home Decor A finished paint by numbers canvas isn't just a craft project — it's a piece of wall art you created yourself. Unlike store-bought prints, every brushstroke carries your time and attention, making it a conversation piece that truly belongs in your space. The key to a stunning result starts with choosing the right theme. Here are seven themes that consistently produce frame-worthy artwork. 1. Coastal & Ocean Scenes Nothing opens up a room like the blues and whites of a coastal painting. The natural... Read more...
The Perfect Paint by Numbers Gift: A Guide for Every Person
Why Paint by Numbers Makes the Perfect Gift A paint by numbers kit isn't just a gift — it's an experience. The recipient gets hours of relaxing, screen-free creativity, and at the end, a piece of art they painted themselves. It's the rare gift that keeps giving long after it's opened. Here's how to match the right kit to the right person. For the Dog Mom or Dad Dog owners are passionate about their breeds. A dog paint by numbers kit featuring a specific breed — from playful labs to... Read more...
10 Calming Paint by Numbers Designs for Stress Relief
The Science of Painting and Stress Art therapy research consistently shows that structured creative activities like paint by numbers can lower cortisol levels and reduce anxiety. The repetitive motion of brushing paint onto numbered sections creates a flow state — similar to meditation — where worries fade and focus narrows to the present moment. Not all designs are equally calming, though. Here are ten themes our community finds most relaxing. 1. Misty Mountain Landscapes Soft gradients of blue and grey in landscape designs create a sense of distance and perspective... Read more...