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. The printed plan lets you practice applying paint without drawing the composition first.
What's in a Paint by Numbers Kit?
Check the chosen product's contents rather than assuming that every kit has the same size or extras. For example, Starry Night with Animals lists:
- One pre-numbered linen canvas — 40 × 50 cm, about 15.7 × 19.7 inches.
- Numbered paint pots — pre-mixed acrylic paints, with no color mixing required to follow the plan.
- Three nylon brushes in different sizes for large areas and fine details.
- A reference image — a small print to consult while painting.
- Hanging hardware — two screws and two wall hooks; No Frame still needs a suitable display solution.
The custom photo kit has its own size and color choices. Prepare a water cup, a cloth, good light and a protected work surface before opening either type.
Choosing Your First Kit
For beginners, we recommend starting with an Easy difficulty design. Check the design for larger numbered sections and fewer fine details, rather than choosing by the Easy label alone:
- Larger sections are easier to locate and reach with the brush
- Less frustration with tiny brush work
- You'll learn the flow of matching numbers to colors
Browse our complete collection and filter by difficulty.
Getting Started: Step by Step
- Set up your workspace: Find a flat surface with good lighting. Lay down newspaper or a craft mat.
- Open your paints: Arrange them in numerical order. Open one at a time to keep them fresh.
- Choose a workable area: Start somewhere your hand will not rest on wet paint. Dark-to-light is one possible sequence, not a requirement.
- Work in sections: Follow the number-to-pot match. Use one color in a manageable area, or across the canvas if that is comfortable.
- Clean brushes between colors: Rinse with water and pat dry on a paper towel.
Pro Tips for Beginners
- Don't aim for perfection: Small imperfections add character to hand-painted art.
- Take breaks: Choose a session length that feels comfortable. A planned 30-minute session is one option, not a target you must reach.
- Close paint pots: Acrylic paint dries fast. Keep pots sealed when not in use.
- Build coverage: Let a thin first coat dry. Add another controlled layer if a number remains visible.
How Long Does It Take?
There is no verified completion time for these kits. Canvas size and color count are not enough to predict your hours: small regions, repeated color changes, coverage, touch-ups and your pace all matter. A 40 × 50 cm kit with about 24 colors can still contain many tiny shapes.
For your own estimate, time a first comfortable session and note how much of the actual design you complete. Allow more time for detailed areas, drying and corrections. Treat that as a planning estimate, not a guaranteed finish date. You can close the pots and return to the same project over several sessions.
Can Paint by Numbers Teach You to Paint?
You can practice loading a brush, tracing an edge, controlling paint consistency and covering a dry layer. The numbered plan supplies the composition and color placement, so it does not teach every part of freehand drawing or color mixing. To extend the practice, try one brush exercise on a separate scrap surface after the session. Our acrylic technique guide explains optional exercises.
For questions about making art from a supplied plan, see whether paint by numbers counts as art or cheating.
Ready to Start?
Explore our paint by numbers collection and find a design that speaks to you. Check the individual contents, then add your water cup, cloth and work-surface protection.
If you are choosing a project for a wind-down routine, our calming guide helps you check detail and setup. For a first kit as a present, use the gift guide to match the recipient's interest.