Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Introduction
- What Is Paint by Numbers
- What's In Paint by Numbers Kits?
- Top Paint by Number Kits
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- Paint by Number kits are a staple in any Paint by Numbers activity
- Kit selection varies by skill level and project type
- Premier Paint by Number kits must include a canvas, acrylic paints, and differently sized brushes
Paint by Numbers is an exciting pastime for art enthusiasts who are seeking a creative outlet. While the artform became a hit on social media in 2025, it has been around for at least five decades.
To master Paint by Numbers, proper kits are necessary. The good news is that you can find most of these supplies in an art store near you.
To accelerate your search, we've prepared a rundown of the top Paint by Number kits in 2026. The list includes recommendations for various skill levels and project types.
What Is Paint by Numbers?
Paint by Numbers is a structured painting game in which you paint sections on a canvas, which comes pre-printed with unique numbers. Each area corresponds with specific paint colors. The goal is to match the colors with the printed sections, ultimately creating a complete detailed picture.
Despite its recent popularity spike, Paint by Numbers has been around from at least the 1950s. The game emerged as a distinct artform before transforming into a therapeutic hobby.
Paint by Numbers is super easy to master. By simply painting the color-coded sections, you can create a visual masterpiece without prior artistic knowledge. All it takes is to select the best Paint by Numbers kits. And, while options abound, experts recommend choosing supplies that align with your experience level and the project at hand.
Here's a brief procedure of how Paint by Numbers work:
- Order kits from a reputable art store.
- Unpack the package and confirm that all essential supplies are included.
- Lay out your substrate on a flat workstation.
- Paint the printed sections with corresponding colors, working with one color at a time.
- Add necessary touch-ups, such as glazing and blending.
What's In Paint by Numbers Kits?
Canvas
Canvas is a critical Paint by Numbers supply, serving as the primary substrate. You can choose from diverse sizes, depending on the project you're working on.
Smaller canvases highlight intricate details better. They're also beginner-friendly, often requiring no stretching.
Meanwhile, larger canvasses work best for elaborate prints. They're perfect for creating massive paints intended for public displays.
Paints
Paint by Numbers typically utilize acrylic paints, which are famous for their fast-drying properties.
Most acrylics dry within 20 minutes to 1 hour. As such, you can quickly assess your project for flaws and fine-tune it as required.
Since acrylics dry out so fast, a good practice is to work with one paint at a time.
Note that the best Paint by Numbers kits for adults may have up to 48 different colors. Select one color and paint it in all appropriate selections, before switching to a different paint.
Paintbrush
Most Paint by Numbers kits include three differently sized paintbrushes.
You'll use the medium brush for much of the paint work. The larger paintbrush is great for painting bigger sections like backgrounds and shadows, while the smallest one is ideal for intricate details.
Remember - you'll often have to utilize all three brushes despite the project you're working on. Therefore, insist on fast-shipping Paint by Numbers kits supplied with different brush sizes.
Bucket of Water
Your Paint by Numbers brushes will go through multiple rinses before completing a project. So, always have a bucket of water handy. Ideally, you'll require two water pails.
One container holds the rinsing water, while the other contains clean water.
Paper Towel
A paper towel helps dry your paintbrushes after each rinse. It serves two purposes, namely;
- Preventing paint from crusting on and potentially damaging the bristles
- Minimizing paint contamination
Instead of a paper towel, you could also use a soft cloth.
Other Paint by Numbers supplies include;
- Reference sheet for identifying painted sections
- Reference postcard
- Desk easel
- Hanging equipment
- Plastic palette to keep the paints organized
- Magnifying glass for zooming in on minute details
Top Paint by Number Kits
Custom Paint by Numbers Kit for Personalized Artwork
Immortalize your precious memories with this Custom Paint by Numbers Kit, a kit designed for beginners and seasoned painters alike.
The kit is super easy to use. You can create exciting family moments, picturesque landscapes, or bustling city streets without needing prior art training.
The package includes the following;
- Finely woven linen canvas
- Pre-mixed acrylic paints
- 3 differently-sized paintbrushes
- Canvas reference sheet
- A handy tutorial
Besides getting a canvas of unmatched quality, you can also choose how you'd like the substrate packaged. Options include;
- Rolled - Canvas comes rolled into a robust PVC tube for hassle-free use, transportation, and storage.
- Pre-Stretched - Canvas arrives pre-mounted on a sturdy wooden stretcher frame, reducing preliminary set-ups.
- DIY Frame - Includes a rolled canvas and 4 wooden stretcher bars, letting you assemble the frame to achieve a snug fit.
- Canvas Board - Canvas comes mounted on a 0.2-inch thick, warping-resistant wooden panel.
The Book Nook
Enjoy the whisper silence of a library ambiance with The Book Nook, a Paint by Numbers kit designed for avid readers. The kit features an intricate library interior with a tabby cat napping blissfully against a clear window, blending a charming indoor atmosphere with a rather quiet afternoon vibe.
The Book Nook utilizes warm colors to brighten up your space. Fall-themed flowers add extra magic, making it one of the most relaxing Paint by Numbers kits.
The Kit includes finely woven canvas, pre-mixed acrylics, and 3 paintbrushes. A canvas reference sheet and user guide help kick-start your journey, transforming a blank sheet into a colorful masterpiece.
Pick from different canvas formats, depending on your desired convenience. Options include;
- Rolled Canvas
- Canvas Board
- Pre-stretched on Frame
- DIY Frame
Moreover, you get to pick from different sizes. Start with the regular option (16"x20"/40x50cm) if you're a beginner, and then gradually scale to Large and X-Large sizes.
Rowboat by the Shore
The sea has undeniable therapeutic properties. Indeed, multiple studies have shown that swimming may provide restorative benefits for mental health patients.
Good news is - you don't have to plan a physical trip to the coast. With the Rowboat by the Shore kit, you can enjoy that experience from the comfort of your home or office.
Rowboat by the Shore depicts a brilliant yellow boat docking by a pebbled beach overlooking pristine waters. White-walled houses dot the foreground with their windows overlooking the sea, providing residents with unhindered views of the coastline.
An island protrudes on the horizon, creating a magical contrast with the seascapes.
Despite its many details, Rowboat by the Shore is one of the top Paint by Numbers kits for beginners due to its ease of painting. The kit comes in premium-quality canvas to withstand repeated strokes.
There are three paintbrushes, each designed for specific purposes. Use the larger brush for open backgrounds, the smaller for minute details, and the medium one for regular sections.
The Sea at Les Saintes - Vincent Van Gogh
Embark on a nautical voyage by painting The Sea at Les Saintes, one of the most stunning masterpieces by Vincent Van Gogh. Take a trip down the memory lane and uncover what inspired Van Gogh to immortalize the Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer village in Southern France.
The Sea at Les Saintes is one of the most relaxing Paint by Numbers kits. A complete project will reveal the true splendor of the Mediterranean Sea in its perfect rhythm.
Blue waters dominate much of the seascape, with green and yellow colors depicting mounting waves. Three sail boats row away, with the farthest nearly disappearing into the horizon.
This kit comes in three different canvas sizes. Whether you want a discreet paint for your office table or a massive wall-to-wall art, you only need to pick the right size.
Like other kits on this list, The Sea at Les Saintes features;
- Finely woven canvas
- Pre-mixed paints
- 3 paintbrushes
- Canvas reference sheet
- Quick guide
Paint Your Pet Portraits
Wow your pet-loving friends with paw-fect depictions of our four-legged roommates.
Paint Your Pet Portraits are highly customizable, making them ideal for different pet fanciers. Whether you're seeking to capture your canine friend in his usual antics or your feline companion cuddling in your arms, there's something for you.
Paint Your Pet Portray ranks among the premium Paint by Numbers kits, thanks to the use of artist-grade canvas. The kit also includes staples like paintbrushes and pre-mixed acrylic paints.
You get to pick from eight different canvas sizes, from 12"x16" (30x40cm) to 24"x32" (60x80cm).
Paint Your Pet Portrait also comes in different canvas formats and detail options. Choose from 24 to 48 colors, depending on how detailed you desire the output to be.
Ace Your Next Paint by Numbers Game With Professionally Curated Kits
Paint by Numbers is undoubtedly one of the most thrilling painting games. Whether you're an aspiring artist or are seeking an exciting hobby to unlock your creative juices, there's much to benefit from playing this classic painting game.
Besides, there are multiple Paint by Numbers kits at your disposal. The trick is to pick supplies professionally curated for your skill level.
Size equally impacts the choice of Paint by Numbers kits. While a smaller canvas would suit small-scale projects, choose a large Paint by Numbers kits for massive displays. Better yet, you can accelerate your search by selecting from the above collection.
Remember to also follow expert guidelines while doing Paint by Numbers.
Always start from the top and work your way down, painting in the direction of your dominant hand. Besides, fill out the smaller numbers first to minimize errors caused by reduced concentration and hand fatigue.
