How to Paint By Numbers: A Complete Beginner's Guide
How to Paint By Numbers: A Complete Beginner's Guide
Paint by numbers is one of the most accessible ways to create a beautiful piece of art, even if you have never held a brush before. The concept is simple: a pre-printed canvas is divided into numbered sections, each corresponding to a specific paint colour. You fill in the sections, and gradually, a finished painting emerges as you go.
Whether you just picked up your first kit from Eazy Arts or you are still deciding whether to try one, this beginner's guide will walk you through every step from unboxing to framing your finished masterpiece.
What Is Inside a Paint By Numbers Kit?
A standard paint by numbers kit typically includes:
- A pre-printed, numbered canvas (usually linen or cotton blend)
- A set of numbered acrylic paint pots matching the canvas sections
- Two or three brushes of different sizes (small, medium, and sometimes a flat brush)
- A reference image showing the finished painting
- Hanging hardware or a frame (in some premium kits)
Before you start painting, lay everything out on a clean, flat surface. Match each paint pot number to a section on the canvas to familiarise yourself with the colour scheme. This quick check also helps you confirm that no paint pots are missing.
Setting Up Your Workspace
A good workspace makes a real difference. Here is what you need:
- A flat, well-lit table. Natural daylight is ideal, but a bright desk lamp works well too. You need to read small numbers on the canvas clearly.
- A cup of clean water. You will use this to rinse your brushes between colours.
- Paper towels or a cloth. For drying brushes after rinsing.
- Something to protect the table. Old newspaper or a plastic sheet will catch stray paint drips.
Step-by-Step: How to Paint By Numbers
Step 1: Start With One Colour at a Time
The most efficient approach is to work with one colour at a time. Open a single paint pot and fill in every section on the canvas that matches its number before moving to the next colour. This reduces constant brush washing and helps you build the painting systematically.
Step 2: Paint From Top to Bottom
If you are right-handed, work from top-left to bottom-right. Left-handed painters should go top-right to bottom-left. This prevents your hand from smudging wet paint as you move across the canvas. Alternatively, some painters prefer working from the centre outward, which also works well.
Step 3: Paint Dark Colours First
Another popular technique is to start with darker colours and finish with lighter ones. Dark paints cover the printed numbers more effectively, and if a lighter colour accidentally overlaps a dark area, it is easier to touch up. This approach also gives you a better sense of the painting's depth early on.
Step 4: Use the Right Brush Size
Use the smallest brush for tiny, detailed sections and the larger brush for filling broad areas. Trying to paint a small section with a large brush leads to messy edges, while using a tiny brush on a large area wastes time. Match the brush to the section size.
Step 5: Apply Thin, Even Layers
Acrylic paint dries quickly, which is a great advantage. Apply thin, even strokes rather than globbing on thick paint. If the printed number shows through after the first coat, let it dry for a few minutes and apply a second thin layer. Two thin coats always look better than one thick one.
Step 6: Keep Your Paints Sealed
Acrylic paint dries out fast once exposed to air. Always close paint pot lids tightly when you are not actively using that colour. If paint does start to thicken, add a single drop of water and stir gently to restore its consistency.
Paint By Numbers Tips for Better Results
Fixing Mistakes
Mistakes happen, and they are easy to fix. Since acrylic paint is opaque, you can simply wait for the wrong colour to dry and paint over it with the correct one. No scraping or scrubbing required. For best results, let the incorrect layer dry completely before applying the new colour.
Brush Care
Your brushes are your most important tool. Follow these simple habits to keep them in good shape:
- Rinse brushes in water immediately after switching colours. Never let paint dry on the bristles.
- Gently reshape the bristles with your fingers after rinsing.
- Do not leave brushes sitting in water for long periods, as this bends the bristles permanently.
- After your painting session, wash brushes with mild soap and warm water, then lay them flat to dry.
Dealing With Small Sections
Some sections on the canvas can be extremely small. Use the tip of your finest brush with minimal paint. If a section is too tiny to paint neatly, use a toothpick dipped in paint for precision. This trick is especially useful for eyes, thin lines, and small highlights.
Taking Breaks
A paint by numbers project is not a race. Most kits take anywhere from 8 to 20 hours to complete, depending on size and complexity. It is perfectly fine to spread the work over days or even weeks. Just seal your paints between sessions and rinse your brushes before stopping.
Finishing and Framing Your Painting
Once every section is filled in, step back and look at the complete picture. Touch up any spots where numbers still show through or where edges between colours look uneven. A final inspection under good lighting catches details you might have missed.
When you are satisfied with the result, let the painting dry for at least 24 hours. You can then apply a clear acrylic varnish (matte or glossy, depending on your preference) to protect the surface and give it a professional finish.
For framing, you have a few options:
- Stretch over a wooden frame. If your canvas is unframed, buy stretcher bars from an art supply store and staple the canvas edges around them.
- Use a standard picture frame. Trim the canvas to fit or fold the edges behind a backing board.
- Frame-free display. Mount the canvas directly on the wall with adhesive strips for a modern, clean look.
Choosing Your First Kit
If you are just getting started, choose a kit with a simpler design and larger numbered sections. Landscapes and floral designs tend to be more beginner-friendly than highly detailed animal portraits. As your confidence grows, you can move on to more complex designs or even try a custom paint by numbers kit made from your own photo.
For kids, Eazy Arts offers a dedicated collection designed for younger painters with simpler patterns and age-appropriate themes.
Watch the quick walkthrough
Make a transformation reel while you paint
Before you start, take a quick photo or video of the blank numbered canvas. Every time you finish a colour, snap another one. You will end up with a perfect time-lapse of the painting coming together — great for sharing on Instagram or keeping as a memento.
Done painting? Tag @eazyartsin when you share your finished piece. We love reposting customer work.
Ready to Start?
Paint by numbers is a rewarding, relaxing activity that anyone can enjoy. With the right techniques and a little patience, you will be surprised at what you can create. Browse the full range of paint by numbers kits at Eazy Arts and find the design that speaks to you.