Paint by numbers is not only a hobby but a gateway to creativity, relaxation, and confidence. With bold colors, simple-to-follow patterns, and museum-worthy outcomes, it's no surprise that interest in this mindful hobby is booming.
The craft kits & projects market (which includes painting kits) was estimated at $3.8 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach up to $7.2 billion by 2033. People aren't just buying these kits— they are building their lifestyle around them.
Grab a brush, and instantly your dining table transforms into a studio. You don't have to have an art degree or a steady hand — just a desire to unwind and let color do the talking.
Around 56% of adults in the U.S. report that they regularly engage in creative activities as a way to manage stress. Paint by numbers, with its combination of structure and freedom, fits perfectly into that picture.
Newbies rejoice in the simplicity. Long-time DIYers rediscover what they love about art, without the pressure of a blank canvas. With each finished piece, your confidence grows. And here's the best part: once you paint a few canvases, you will be more than eager to up your game.
That's where these expert-backed tips and tricks come in. Let's turn your relaxing hobby into something even more rewarding—one brushstroke at a time.
Top 10 Paint by Numbers Tips and Tricks
So, you've unboxed your kit, admired the colors, and maybe even finished a few sections. But now you are ready to do more than just "color inside the lines."
Whether you're a novice or want to brush up on your skills, learning how to paint by numbers the right way will pay off.
These top 10 tips will help you transform your canvas into a masterpiece — without any added stress, smudges, or second-guesses.
1. Use a Framed or Pre-Stretched Canvas
Let's be real—nothing is worse than unrolling your new paint by numbers canvas to find it's covered in wrinkles. It's fairly typical because many kits are compactly packed for shipping.
While that helps with shipping, it doesn't do us any favors when we're trying to paint smooth, clean lines. That's why we always recommend a framed or pre-stretched canvas whenever you can.
Currently, stretched canvases account for about 60% of the global artist canvas market because of how convenient and ready-to-paint they are.
And if you're dealing with a rolled canvas, flip it over, place it number-side down, and give it a light press with a dry iron on low heat. And, of course, we made it even easier—our paint-by-number kits arrive pre-rolled for a sleek, professional look. No creases, no fuss. Just unbox and get started.
2. Apply a Thin Coat of Gesso
If you're prepared to take your paint-by-numbers canvas to the next level, gesso is your secret weapon. A quick trip to your local craft store is all it takes.
Here's why it matters:
- Richer Color Payoff: Gesso gives a little bit of texture — what artists call "tooth" — enabling your acrylic paint to hold on to the canvas better, resulting in sharper, more saturated hues.
- Cleaner lines, Everywhere: No more bleeding or feathered edges between numbered sections! The gesso is what will help you keep your lines sharp and your shading crisp.
3. Set Up a Bright, Comfortable Workspace
Before we even dip the brush, let's talk space. A beautifully lit, airy, and nature-inspired corner can completely transform your painting experience.
Natural light doesn't just help you see the numbers and colors more clearly — it will also improve your mood and increase accuracy. Research finds that working in environments inspired by nature boosts creativity by up to 15%.
But let's face it — painting can be a mess. Acrylics like to be on the move — to your tabletop, your hands, your floor. That's why we suggest establishing a designated "art zone."
4. Start Top to Bottom (and Left to Right)
Imagine that you are just starting on your paint-by-numbers masterpiece. You want every stroke to land exactly where you intend. That's why we always begin at the top and work our way down.
This is the simplest trick that allows your hand to glide freely, and the odds of accidentally swiping wet paint with your palm are reduced.
5. Start with Darker Colors First
One of the simplest tricks to elevate your paint-by-numbers journey is to begin with the darker shades. These bold colors are often used for backgrounds or shadows — and painting them first does more than set the scene.
Starting dark gives you an early feel for color relationships, helps your eyes adapt to contrast, and creates a base that guides the rest of your painting. Once the shadows are in place, the midtones and highlights seem to fall naturally into place.
6. Double-Check the Color and Number
Imagine you're in the zone, your favorite playlist is humming in the background, and next thing you know, bam! You've simply paired the wrong color with the wrong number.
The good news?
It's fixable. Just let the paint dry and apply the right color over it, and — depending on how dark the original color was — you may need to use a couple of extra coats. But if you'd rather avoid that jam entirely, here's our go-to approach: paint one color at a time across the entire canvas.
A few seconds can save you a lot of cover-up later.
7. Use Flow Improver or Paint Thinner (Sparingly)
Acrylic paints are pretty dependable — but if you forget to close the lid just once, your favorite shade will dry out into a chunky blob, rendering it unusable.
Well, the good news is that acrylics are water-soluble, and you can bring them back to life with a strategic few drop. If your paint is just a tad thick, add a little clear water — but only a few drops at a time, and stir gently.
You can also go a step further with a flow improver or acrylic medium, not only to assist in consistency but also improve color vibrancy and flow. For paint that is completely dry or very stiff, try a little bit of paint thinner or an acrylic retarder.
Just make sure to be careful — too much and your paint can lose its grip on the canvas.
8. Hide the Numbers Like a Pro
Ever step back and admire your nearly complete masterpiece, only to see those bothersome numbers ghosting through those light colors!
Happens to most of us. Well, darker shades and additional layers will usually keep those digits hidden, but lighter colors frequently have a tough time concealing those printed numbers, no matter how careful you are.
Here's a pro tip we swear by: outline the printed number in white gel pen or fine-tip paint marker before using lighter colors. Then, layer on two or more thin coats of paint, with ample drying time between each.
This layering not only improves coverage but keeps your painting looking clean and polished.
9. Master the Art of Blending
The abstract paint-by-numbers kit is known for its bold grace, with each color filling its own space, creating a tapestry of vibrant color. But at times, when you want that smooth, gallery-ready finish, a little blending goes a long way.
Here's how we do it: tackle two adjacent color zones at once. While both are still wet, gently work your brush where the two meet, moving back and forth in light strokes. This feathering technique helps blur the harsh line and creates a beautifully blended transition.
10. Keep Brushes Clean
If you want your artwork to look good, your brushes have to feel good. Acrylics may be beginner-friendly, but they dry fast, which means if you leave paint caked on your bristles for too long, they'll dry stiff, fray, and become unusable.
We always keep three essentials at our painting station:
- A bowl of water to rinse after every color,
- A cup of thinner for the stubborn bits,
- And a towel to blot and reshape the bristles before moving on.
Your Masterpiece Starts with These Simple Moves
We always recommend starting slow—there's no rush when creativity is involved. Begin with one of our easy paint-by-number kits to build confidence and get a feel for the process.
Painting by numbers for adults is one of the most rewarding ways to dip your brush into the world of art. It offers all the joys of freehand painting—relaxation, focus, and self-expression—with the bonus of guaranteed results you'll be proud to hang on your wall.
With these paint-by-numbers tips and tricks, you're well on your way to creating something truly spectacular. So take your time, trust the process, and most importantly—enjoy every brushstroke.
FAQs
1. What is paint by numbers?
Paint by numbers is a guided art project that uses a pre-printed canvas with numbered sections. Each number corresponds to a paint color. Just match and fill in—no drawing skills required.
2. Is paint by numbers suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. It's designed to be beginner-friendly. The kits come with everything you need: canvas, paints, brushes, and instructions. It's a significant first step into the world of painting.
3. Do I need to stretch or frame the canvas myself?
Not necessarily—you've got options! You usually have four choices of canvas when you buy our paint by numbers kit: No Frame (rolled canvas), DIY Frame (for stretching at home), Pre-Stretched on Frame (ready to hang and paint) and Canvas Board (sturdy and flat, no need to stretch). Select it according to your level of comfort and the way you prefer to display it.
4. How long does a typical paint-by-numbers project take?
It varies by complexity. A simple project may take 6-8 hours, while a more complex one can require 20 hours or more. Many people work on their homework a little each evening.
5. Can I hang my finished painting on the wall?
Yes! After you've finished your painting, you can frame it or hang it using a hanging kit. Some even apply a light varnish to protect it and give it a polished look.
