Just discovered paint by numbers and wondering how it works? No worries, this complete guide walks you through everything so you can start your first painting with confidence.
What exactly is paint by numbers?
Paint by numbers is a creative hobby anyone can enjoy, even if you've never held a brush in your life. The idea is simple: you get a pre-drawn, numbered canvas, and each number matches a pot of acrylic paint. Just fill in each area with the color shown, and little by little, your painting comes to life before your eyes.
What makes it so special is that it requires zero artistic skill. Whether you're 15 or 75, more of a creative or a numbers person, the result is always stunning. And best of all, the process itself is incredibly relaxing.
What's in a paint-by-numbers kit?
At Maison Artsen, every kit has everything you need to start painting right away, with nothing else to buy:
- Pre-printed, numbered canvases with exclusive designs
- 12 brushes in assorted sizes (fine for details, broad for large areas)
- Numbered pots of acrylic paint colors already mixed, ready to use
- A getting-started guide with tips to start off right
💡 Good to know Our acrylic paints are water-based: no smell, no solvents, and they clean up with just water. Perfect for painting in your living room or bedroom.
How to set up before you start
Before you dip your brush in the paint, a few minutes of prep make all the difference:
- Get comfortable in a well-lit spot, on a flat, stable surface
- Set out a glass of water to rinse your brushes between colors
- Keep a cloth or paper towel within reach to wipe your brushes
- Open your paint pots and check the numbers, they match the areas on the canvas
The 3 golden rules for a perfect result
Rule 1: One color at a time. Pick a color, fill in all the matching areas, then move on to the next. You save time and avoid accidental mixing.
Rule 2: Top to bottom. If you're right-handed, start at the top left, and the opposite if you're left-handed. That keeps your hand off the wet paint.
Rule 3: Close the pots. Acrylic paint dries fast in the air. Get into the habit of closing each pot as soon as you've loaded your brush.
💡 Pro tip If a pot has dried out a little, add 2-3 drops of warm water and let it sit for 10 minutes before stirring. The paint will loosen right back up.
How long does it take to finish a painting?
It depends on the size and complexity of the design, but on average, expect 8 to 20 hours of painting for a full piece. Most of our customers paint in 1 to 2 hour sessions, the perfect way to unwind after a busy day.
No need to do it all in one go. Acrylic paint dries fast, so you can pick up right where you left off anytime, even days later.
What to do once your painting is done
The most satisfying moment! Here are a few ways to show off your work:
- Hang it as is if you chose a framed kit, it's ready to display
- Frame it with a nice frame for a gallery look
- Apply a protective varnish (spray or brush-on) to protect the colors and add a glossy or matte finish
- Give it as a gift a hand-painted picture always makes a unique, heartfelt gift
Ready to start your first painting?
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