How to Paint by Numbers: A Beginner's Guide to Your First Kit

Paint by numbers gives you a guided way to create artwork without having to draw the scene first. Every area of the canvas has a number that corresponds to a paint colour. The aim is simple: work through the sections at your own pace until the entire design comes together.

If this is your first kit, the following tips will help you prepare, avoid common mistakes and enjoy the experience.

1. Choose a design you actually love

Pick a subject you would enjoy seeing on your wall: an autumn forest, an animal, a favourite coastline or a colourful abstract design. For your first project, large blocks of colour are often easier than tiny, intricate details. Consider the time and space you have available before choosing a very complex image.

Explore landscape painting kits or animal paint by numbers designs to compare different subjects.

2. Set up your painting space

Find a stable, well-lit surface where you can sit comfortably. Prepare a water cup, a cloth or paper towel, your brushes and all numbered paint pots. Check that the numbers are easy to read. If your canvas arrives folded or rolled, carefully flatten it as appropriate before painting.

Keep paint lids closed when you are not using them. This helps limit drying, particularly if your painting will take multiple sessions.

3. Learn to match the numbers

Choose an area on the canvas and find the paint pot with the same number. Fill the area carefully, using smaller brushes near edges and finer details. Avoid loading the brush with too much paint; a smooth, controlled layer is easier to keep inside the lines.

If a colour does not cover the printed number completely, wait for that layer to dry before deciding whether a second thin coat is needed.

4. Decide which painting order works for you

Some people complete one colour at a time. Others begin at the top of the image and work downward to avoid touching wet areas. Both approaches are valid. For your first session, start with a larger shape so you can get used to the paint and brush.

Rotate your canvas or work from the side that keeps your hand away from wet sections. Taking short breaks can make detailed work more comfortable.

5. What if you make a mistake?

Applying the wrong colour to a section is usually not the end of your painting. Let it dry, then carefully cover it with the intended colour if the paint is opaque enough. You can refine a boundary with a small brush. When the whole artwork is complete, minor irregularities often blend naturally into the design.

6. Take care of brushes and paint

Rinse brushes as recommended for the supplied paint, gently reshape their tips and avoid letting paint dry hard in the bristles. Keep the canvas clear of cups and food, and protect your table with an easy-to-clean covering.

7. Display the result

After the painting has dried fully, decide how to display it. Some kits are offered with a separate DIY frame option. Check the selected variant and included contents rather than assuming every kit arrives ready to hang.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need prior painting experience?

No. The numbered design guides each area, making paint by numbers accessible to someone trying art for the first time.

How long does a painting take?

It depends on the image's size, detail and your pace. Enjoying a few sessions is perfectly normal.

What should I paint first?

Choose a larger, less detailed section. It gives you room to practise brush control before tackling smaller areas.

Ready to begin? Browse Paint by Numbers Canada's kits and choose a subject that inspires you.