How to Paint by Numbers: A Beginner's Guide

Paint by Numbers Supplies Needed for Beginners

Before starting your paint by numbers journey, ensure you have all essential supplies. Most quality kits include everything needed, but understanding each component helps you make informed purchasing decisions.

Standard Kit Components:

Additional Supplies to Consider:

• Paper towels or lint-free cloth for brush cleaning
• Two water cups (one for rinsing, one for clean water)
• Masking tape for canvas mounting
• Good lighting source (daylight lamp recommended)
• Palette or small plate for mixing (if needed)

What Are the Best Paint by Numbers Kits for Beginners?

Choosing your first kit significantly impacts your experience. Consider these factors when making your purchase:

Difficulty Levels Explained:

What Makes a Quality Beginner Kit:

1. Clear numbering system – Numbers should be legible even in small areas
2. Sufficient paint quantity – At least 20-30% more than needed for coverage
3. Canvas quality – Pre-stretched on wooden frame or rolled with texture
4. Color accuracy – Paint colors should closely match the reference image
5. Comprehensive instructions – Step-by-step guide in your language

Recommended Subject Types for Beginners:

• Sunset landscapes (natural color transitions)
• Simple florals (distinct petals and backgrounds)
• Geometric abstracts (clear boundaries)
• Single-animal portraits (fewer color changes)

User Instructions

Paint the numbered areas with the numbered colors.

Getting Started

Start strategically: Begin with light colors to avoid accidental smudging. Work on bigger areas first to build confidence. Paint from top to bottom and left to right if you're right-handed (reverse for left-handed painters) to prevent hand contact with wet paint.

The Brush

1. The flat brush is for big areas, and the tip brush for fine and corner spaces.
2. Always use a dry brush to paint for optimal color coverage and consistency.
3. When changing colors, wash the brush cleanly in water and dry it thoroughly with a paper towel.
4. If not painting for a long time, please wash the brushes thoroughly to maintain bristle quality.

The Color

1. Paint the numbered color to the same numbered area on the canvas.
2. Basically the colors are ready to use. Use the dry brush to fetch the colors and paint them on the canvas. Sometimes, if the colors are a little dry, you could use very little water to make them workable again. Remember to stir it to achieve even color consistency.
3. For light colors, the coverage may not be sufficient with a single layer—please apply a second or even third layer. Multiple layers of slightly dry paint work perfectly for repeated coloring. For thick and bigger black digits, it makes painting much easier and achieves more even color for bigger areas.

Tips for Improving Paint by Numbers Technique

Mastering a few professional techniques transforms your results from good to gallery-worthy.

Brush Control Techniques:

Professional Finishing Techniques:

1. Paint consistency matters – If paint is too thick, add 1-2 drops of water maximum. Test on scrap paper before applying to canvas.
2. Coverage check – Hold your canvas at arm's length under good lighting to spot thin areas requiring additional layers.
3. Number coverage – For stubborn visible numbers, apply 2-3 thin coats rather than one thick coat. Allow 15-20 minutes drying between layers.
4. Blending adjacent colors – While paint is still slightly wet, gently blur edges between similar tones for a more painterly effect.

Time Management Strategy:

• Work in 30-60 minute sessions to maintain focus
• Complete one color across the entire canvas before moving to the next
• Save the smallest, most detailed areas for when you're most alert
• Allow proper drying time (20-30 minutes) between layers

Advantages

1. Paint following the number – Get your masterwork with easy steps. No special skill needed.
2. Paint with your free time – No time limit, work at your own pace.
3. Use the painting to decorate your room or send as a gift – Personalized, handmade presents carry special meaning.
4. No age limit – Teenage, adult, elder—it's a relaxing activity, training project, and joyful experience that improves focus and reduces stress.

Precautions

When the painting is not finished, ensure that the paint and canvas are stored in a place away from direct light, and the paint pots are completely closed to prevent the paint from drying out. Please finish the painting as soon as possible—typically, properly sealed paint will remain usable for up to one year.

Storage Best Practices:

• Store paints in a cool, dry place (15-25°C / 59-77°F)
• Tighten lids firmly after each use
• Roll unfinished canvases carefully (printed side out) if unstretched
• Keep away from heat sources and direct sunlight

Ready to Start Your Creative Journey?

Idocraft – Mass Creativity Made Possible

At Idocraft, we understand that quality supplies make all the difference in your painting experience. As a professional painting stationery brand under Jiangsu Soho Runlong Innovation Co., Ltd (part of Soho Group - Top 200 Chinese Enterprise), we've been providing premium, cost-efficient paint by numbers kits since 2005.

Our comprehensive product range includes Artist Canvas, DIY Painting Kits, Paint by Numbers, Diamond Painting, Easels, and more—all designed with beginners and professionals in mind. Every kit features:

• High-resolution pre-printed canvases with clear numbering
• Premium acrylic paints in airtight containers
• Professional-grade brushes for smooth application
• Detailed instructions and reference sheets

Trusted by international retailers including Action, Aldi, Anko, and Soriana, Idocraft combines Soho Group's mature supply chain with strict quality control to deliver reliable, innovative, and affordable painting products worldwide.

Whether you're sourcing kits for retail or starting your personal collection, we're here to help.

📍 Company: Jiangsu Soho Runlong Innovation Co., Ltd.
🏢 Location: Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
📞 Phone: +86 25 5287 5910
✉ Email: wh@sumex.com.cn

Contact us today to explore our full catalog and discover how we can support your creative needs.