Key Takeaways
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Pick a simple canvas: Use fewer colors and larger areas to make our simple painting process easier.
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Start from the top: Work downward to avoid smudging freshly painted areas.
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Paint dark to light: Paint the dark colors first, then the light colors for more effective coverage.
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Take good care of brushes: Do not soak brushes and clean them well between colors.
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Cover numbers completely: Use two layers or thick coats to completely cover numbers and lines.
Paint by numbers has become one of the most popular relaxing hobbies for adults, offering a simple way to create real art without years of training. It's an amazing way to try your hand at painting and dip a toe into the life of an artist.
Typically, these paint by numbers kits feature a picture divided into several parts, each marked with a number. You just use the numbered paint colors from your kit to match the numbers on the canvas, and in no time a beautiful picture starts to emerge with results that will make you feel like a true artist.
Initially, our paint by numbers canvas designs may look like a jungle of shapes with barely recognizable lines and numbers. You might be intimidated at first or bored by the black and white design. But hold on — don't get overwhelmed. Just follow the instructions, and you'll reap the benefits of your patience with a stunning piece of art for your home.
If you've already ordered a kit and want to ensure the best possible outcome for your work, Canvas by Numbers has a variety of canvas painting techniques that can help. With our top paint by numbers tips, your work will be indistinguishable from the print of an actual master. So follow along for our best tips to discover your inner artist.
Table of Contents
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Important Note for Beginners
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Choose Your Paint by Numbers Canvas Carefully
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Take It From The Top
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Go From the Largest Area to the Smallest & Darkest to Lightest Colors
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Treat Your Brushes Right
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Cover the Numbers
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Using Our Top Paint by Numbers Tips
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Frequently Asked Questions
Important Note for Beginners
Even though our kits come with easy guidelines and instructions, you'll still need a bit of practice in order to master this creative exercise. Painting, even with a guide, is an ongoing learning experience that improves with more practice. You must hone your skills with these canvas painting techniques to become an overall better artist.
Painting for beginners doesn't have to be intimidating. Paint by number kits for beginners are a simple way to start practicing your painting. You'll become familiar with the world of paints and learn in a controlled way that doesn't completely demoralize you if you mess up.
Choosing an easy paint by numbers design with fewer colors and larger sections is the fastest way to learn how to paint by numbers with confidence — and it's a great starting point for paint by numbers for adults trying the hobby for the first time.
Start with simpler designs to practice, and you'll quickly pick up on the tricks that enhance your painting style. So, without further ado, let's dive into our favorite tips for painting by numbers!
1. Choose Your Paint by Numbers Canvas Carefully
We've already mentioned that it's easier to start painting when you choose a canvas with a simple design. This simplicity doesn't just refer to the design but also to the amount of colors, the variation of brushes, and the quality of the canvas.
Choose canvases with a smaller amount of colors and minimal variation in section size, so you don't have to worry about switching brushes and colors too often.
When it comes to the canvas, it's tough to apply good canvas painting techniques to a surface that's flimsy, creased, or rumpled. At Canvas by Numbers, we take great care to ship your canvas safely, pre-stretched, so it's easy to mount on an easel.
You can also order your canvas already in a frame, which saves you time and effort preparing your workspace. If you order a rolled canvas, you'll need to iron, stretch, and mount it before it's ready for paint application.
2. Take It From The Top
The most challenging thing for an amateur artist is knowing where to start painting. Your starting position can make or break your entire experience. There are many approaches to choosing your starting point, but according to our canvas painting techniques, we recommend starting from the top of the canvas and working your way down.
If you're right-handed, start at the top left corner, and if you're left-handed, start at the top right corner. This way, you avoid smearing the paint once applied. The only downside of this approach is that you might find yourself switching brushes and colors more frequently, which can be time-consuming.
3. Go From the Largest Area to the Smallest & Darkest to Lightest Colors
To cut down on color switching, work through one color at a time. Start from the top, paint the darkest color first, then return to the top with the next darkest, and so on until you reach the lightest.
This saves cleanup time and helps you track color placement, since dark colors usually form the background. This dark-to-light layering is also a core acrylic painting technique, since most paint by numbers kits use fast-drying acrylic paint that layers cleanly.
4. Treat Your Brushes Right
Many budding paint by number artists make the mistake of drowning their brushes in water to moisten them. Unfortunately, too-wet brushes will cause fresh paint to drip down your canvas, mingling with other colors and ruining your previous work.
If you need to rewet your brush, the ideal canvas painting technique is just to dip the tip of the brush in water. You'll minimize running paint and conserve your colors to ensure your supplies last.
5. Cover the Numbers
Some people who use paint by numbers canvases for the first time don't always apply their coats of paint thick enough, resulting in numbers and lines peeking through the finished work.
Our canvas painting technique to prevent this kind of bleed through is to cover up the numbers with a white pen before applying your paint. You can also apply a double coat of paint to really guarantee that the numbers won't be visible.
Using Our Top Paint by Numbers Tips
Paint by number canvas kits come with instructions, but we couldn't possibly include every canvas painting technique we know! Explore our blog for more tips for paint by numbers canvases, and take a detour to explore the artist inside you. Don't be afraid to break the rules and experiment — after all, there's always another canvas to paint.
As you take chances with your canvases, you might find that following the instructions works best for you, or you might be someone who thrives with minimal guidance. Whatever ends up being your preferred path, we're here to support your artistic journey with canvases from every category and style.
Browse canvas painting ideas from landscapes and still life to abstract designs and portraits to find the right paintings for you, or explore our custom paint by numbers options to turn a favorite photo or pet into a personalized masterpiece.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best way to start a paint by numbers canvas?
The best way to start a paint by numbers canvas is to choose a kit with a simple design and fewer colors, especially if you're new to painting for beginners. Set up good lighting, keep your paints organized by number, and take your time on the first few sections to build confidence.
2. Where should you start painting on a paint by numbers canvas?
Start at the top of the canvas and work your way down. Right-handed painters should begin in the top left corner, while left-handed painters should start top right. This prevents your hand from smearing wet paint as you move across the canvas.
3. Should you paint dark or light colors first?
Paint the darkest colors first, then work toward the lightest shades. Dark colors usually form the background, so painting them early helps you track your progress and understand how the final image will look. This order also reduces how often you need to rinse and switch brushes.
4. How do you stop the numbers from showing through the paint?
Apply a thick, even coat of paint over each section, or use two coats for full coverage. You can also trace over faint numbers with a white pen before painting. Both canvas painting techniques prevent lines and numbers from peeking through your finished artwork.
5. How should you care for paint by numbers brushes?
Avoid soaking brushes in water, since overly wet bristles cause paint to drip and mix with other colors. Instead, dip just the tip in water to rewet it. Rinse brushes promptly after each color, reshape the bristles, and let them dry flat.
6. What should you do if the paint dries out?
Add a few drops of water to the paint pot and stir until it loosens back up. For paint that's completely dried, a tiny amount of acrylic paint thinner or medium can help restore it. Always reseal pots tightly between painting sessions to prevent this from happening.
7. Is it better to paint one color at a time?
Yes, painting one color at a time is one of the most efficient paint by numbers tips. Working through all sections marked with a single number before switching colors saves time, conserves paint, and reduces brush cleaning while keeping a consistent hand across the canvas.
8. How do you flatten a wrinkled paint by numbers canvas?
Place the canvas face down on a clean towel and iron it on a low, no-steam setting, moving constantly to avoid scorching. You can also stretch the canvas over a frame and let it sit under light weight overnight. Both methods smooth out creases before you start painting.
9. How long does it take to complete a paint by numbers kit?
Most paint by numbers kits take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on canvas size and detail level. Simple, easy paint by numbers designs for beginners can be finished in a weekend, while larger or highly detailed canvases may take 20 hours or more.
10. Do you need to seal a finished paint by numbers painting?
Sealing isn't required, but it's recommended. A clear acrylic varnish protects the paint from dust, moisture, and fading, and gives your canvas a richer, gallery-like finish. Apply a thin, even coat once the paint is fully dry, then let it cure before framing or displaying your artwork.
