Paint by Numbers Starting Guide

Your Canvas by Numbers kit includes everything you need to complete a stunning masterpiece:

✅ Pre-printed numbered 100% finely woven cotton blend canvas—great pigment absorption and easy to color.
✅ Numbered acrylic-based paint set. No mix is required. Non-toxic and environmentally responsible. Safe for kids and pregnancy.
✅ Set of 3x standard paint brushes (1x small, 1x medium, 1x large).
✅ Hanging kit, including 2x screws and 2x non-track hooks.
✅ Reference print with the color key and black and white print of the canvas lines and numbers. 
✅ Directions sheet.

Q: What is gesso? Should I use it with my Canvas by Numbers canvas?

You may have heard of gesso. Gesso is a primer material that facilitates paint application and achieves greater contrast by applying one or more layers to the canvas before painting. However, gesso is not strictly necessary for acrylic paints, being more common when painting with oils. Some prefer to paint on gesso while others find that the unprep canvas is completely fine! If you decide to use gesso, use a neutral color to avoid making it difficult to see the numbers and lines of the painting later.

Q: I bought a frame to mount. Should I stretch the canvas before or after painting?

We always recommend mounting the canvas before painting, although it will depend on whether you have an easel. A stretched canvas is not ideal for painting on a table or desk since it can lose tension if you lean on it. This will not happen when painting with an easel. On the other hand, if you do not have an easel, it is better to paint your canvas first, as described in section 5, and then mount the frame once it is finished and completely dry, which we will explain later.

The DIY frame is an inexpensive way to frame your painting with excellent results. Remember that the most important thing is to align the paintable area with the edges of the stretcher bars.

✅ If you bought your kit without a frame, you could use masking tape to fix it to the surface (table) or a piece of cardboard (cut-out box), providing a more solid base. If you bought your painting already pre-stretched, it is best to use an easel to paint it.

✅ We recommend painting one number at a time, so the rest of the pots remain sealed. Acrylic paints dry quickly. Close the lids whenever you are not painting to prevent them from drying out!

✅ Clean your brushes between colors. Dip the brush into your water, stir and wipe it against the paper towel. Repeat until there is hardly any color left in the brush (the paper towel will barely have any color trace).

✅ Make the most precise strokes, conserve paint, and prevent your brushes from getting dried up and hard by using the tip of your brush!

✅ If you are right-handed, go from left to right. For left-handed individuals, go from right to left. This way, you won’t smudge painted areas that may not be dry yet!

✅ Made a mistake? If you use the wrong color, let it dry completely. You can then paint over the area with the right color of paint.

✅ Save any extra paint you have after your kit for future touch-ups or even a masterpiece of your own!

✅ If you find that a paint pod has dried up or is a little too thick, add a drop or two of warm water to bring it back to life!

The adventure with Paint by Numbers doesn't stop once your masterpiece is complete - there's a plethora of new techniques and secrets ready to be explored! Youtube is resource packed with instructional content that delves into advanced practices, helping you make the most of your Paint by Numbers kit. It offers an abundance of videos that are invaluable for anyone keen to enhance their painting skills.