How Paint by Numbers Works
The canvas is printed with outlined areas, each with a number. Every number matches a pot of acrylic paint. You fill each area with its colour, and a full painting appears. Kits usually include the canvas, numbered paint pots, brushes and a reference sheet; many add hanging hooks.
Choosing a Kit
| Choice | What to know |
|---|---|
| Canvas size | 40 × 50 cm is the standard size. 20 × 30 cm kits are quicker. The same design squeezed onto a smaller canvas has tinier areas, so it's harder |
| Framed or rolled | Framed canvases come stretched on a wooden frame, ready to paint and hang. Rolled canvases curl and need stretching or a frame |
| Colours | About 24 colours is beginner level, about 36 intermediate, 48 or more advanced |
| Subject | Landscapes and florals are forgiving; portraits are the hardest |
| Brushes | Most kits include 3–4; a fine 00 brush helps with tiny areas |
For a first kit: a framed canvas of 20 × 30 cm to 40 × 50 cm, a landscape or floral subject, and no more than about 24 colours.
How Long It Takes
About 20–35 hours for a 40 × 50 cm canvas, depending on detail. A small 20 × 30 cm canvas is a few evenings. Spread it over weeks — that's part of the appeal.
Tips for a Clean Finish
- Photograph the canvas before you start, so you still have the numbers once they're painted over.
- Paint the background first and work from the top down, starting on the side away from your painting hand.
- Rinse the brush between colours and close each pot when you're done with it.
- Two coats hide numbers that show through.
- Revive thick paint with a few drops of water.
Finishing and Hanging
- Wait at least a week before varnishing, or the paint may lift.
- Framed canvases hang straight away with the hooks in the kit.
- Rolled canvases need stretching over stretcher bars or a deep frame — ordinary photo frames are usually too thin for canvas.
Prefer something without paint? Try diamond painting or a crochet kit, or browse all cozy craft kits.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a paint by numbers kit take?
A standard 40 × 50 cm kit takes about 20–35 hours; detailed designs take longer. Small 20 × 30 cm kits can be done in a few evenings.
Should I buy a framed or rolled canvas?
Framed if you want to start straight away and hang it when you finish — the canvas is already stretched over a wooden frame. Rolled canvases cost less to ship and store, but curl and need stretching or framing later.
The numbers show through the paint — what do I do?
Let the first coat dry and paint a second coat over the whole area. A thin layer of white on very light areas can also help hide them.
My paint has dried out. Can I save it?
Stir in a few drops of water and keep the pot closed between uses.
Can I fix a mistake?
Yes. Acrylic paint covers well, so let the mistake dry and paint the right colour over it.
