Tricks to Select Your Ideal Paint by Numbers Kits



Selecting a good Paint by Numbers kit can either lead to a frustrating crafting experience or provide a relaxing and enjoyable art experience. With all of the designs, models, and customisation options available nowadays, especially online, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Whether you are a beginner who wants to try it out or an advanced painter looking for your next painting, with a little help, the perfect kit can be found. 

In this blog, we will provide expert tips for finding the perfect Paint by Numbers kit based on personal taste, skill level and goals. Let's get started and discover how to pick the best one for your next painting adventure!

1. Know Your Purpose

Begin by asking yourself why you want to buy pieces of a Paint by Numbers kit, will it be to unwind from a long day? To spend time with your kids/ loved ones? To improve your painting skills? Or is it just simply to have fun? 

If you understand your purpose, then you will know what type of kit you should select.  If your overall purpose is relaxation and mindfulness, a simpler picture and a larger number for each colour would likely serve you best.  Otherwise, you can opt for something more artistically challenging and detailed. If you have an emotional connection to a painting or want to create something that emotionally resonates with you, a Personalised Paint by Numbers kit could be a fun method of creating a piece of art from your photo. 

2. Consider the Complexity Level

Not every Paint by Numbers kit is equal. Kits have different levels of complexity: 

  • Beginner Kits-- These kits cover larger sections with fewer colours, have a simple design. Best for children or first-time artists. 

  • Intermediate Kits-- Have more detailed compositions, such as floral designs, abstract designs or scenery. 

  • Advanced Kits-- Have very detailed images, such as portraits of wild animals, famous paintings, or buildings with lots of detail, or require a lot of time and patience. 

Before you decide, think of how much time and patience you are able to spend painting. If you are not sure, I would recommend starting with an intermediate kit and progressing to a more advanced kit.

3. Choose the Right Size

Size affects the difficulty and overall impact of your artwork. Small canvases are usually much quicker; therefore, they are ideal for practice. Bigger canvases allow more detail and have a more dramatic effect on the wall, but require more time and effort. 

A rough guide is as follows: 

  • 20 x 20 cm (8 x 8 in): Good for a quick gift or a first-time painter (colleagues, etc.)

  • 30 x 40 cm (12 x 16 in): A standard, versatile size for most beginners and intermediates. 

  • 40 x 50 cm (16 x 20 in) & up: More suitable for experienced painters or for working from detailed images or bespoke designs.

4. Select a Theme That Resonates

When you paint something you love, you keep that desire alive and are connected to the entire process. The best Paint by Numbers kits are the ones that speak to you in terms of hobbies, personality, or sentimental memories.

Some common categories people love are:

  • Nature and Landscapes: Soothing and scenic; great for aesthetics and comforts

  • Animals and Pets: Ideal for animal lovers, especially in Personalised Paint by Numbers pet portrait form

  • Portraits: Family or individual portraits take focus, but are very sentimental

  • Fantasy: A great way to incorporate vibrant colours and fantastical scenes

  • Famous Paintings: For art history lovers who want to experience creating famous works of art. For example, Van Gogh’s Starry Night

Scroll through the kits and find the one that makes you feel something. The emotional response is what turns a paint-by-numbers kit into a keepsake.

5. Look at Paint Quality and Colour Accuracy

A good kit will include quality acrylic paints that are bright, opaque, and permanent. The most common type of paint used is water-based acrylics because they dry fast and provide for easier clean up; however, not every kit provides the same quality paint. 

Make sure you check:

  • If the paints are pre-mixed or need to be mixed (pre-mixed is easier for beginners) 

  • How many paint pots are provided (more colours = more detail and realism) 

  • If the reviews mention dryness or poor paint coverage

No one wants to run out of paint halfway through, so many kits will provide extras or options to request replacements, and trustworthy brands should ensure that you have what you need.


6. Canvas Quality Matters

 The canvas is part of the quality of the painting process and affects how the final piece will look. A good Paint by Numbers canvas will be:

  • Thick enough that the paint does not bleed through

  • Clear printing with crisp numbers and visible lines

  • Pre-stretched on a wooden frame or a folded canv,as you frame later

Some canvases may arrive packaged as rolled and need to be flattened or stretched before painting. If you are looking to hang your finished painting immediately after completion, consider buying a kit that has a wooden frame or stretcher bars included. 

7. Check What’s Included in the Kit

A full Paint by Numbers kit will have: 

  • Pre-printed canvas 

  • Paint set (normally numbered acrylic paints) 

  • Brushes (fine, medium and broad tip)

  • Reference image sheet or guide 

  • Hanging items (in some kits) 

Some kits will also have a small easel or frame. Make sure you check out what you receive so you aren't surprised and don't end up with any extra purchases.

8. Think About Time Commitment

If you're buying a kit for relaxation, it would be useful to evaluate whether it would fit into your lifestyle. While the highly detailed, larger canvas may look beautiful, it may take weeks to complete. So if you're somewhat limited for both time and patience, it may be best to choose something less complex (fewer colours, larger painting surface area).

On the other hand, if you're interested in an immersive long-term project, the extra detail and time of a more advanced kit may be more rewarding.

9. Read Reviews and Ratings

Customer reviews are very helpful. If you are considering ordering something from a new store or retailer, take a few minutes to read the product reviews. Look at the following considerations:

  • Paint quality

  • Canvas durability

  • How accurate are the printed numbers?

  • Delivery time and customer service


A kit with great ratings and consistent comments is likely a better option than a kit with few or mixed reviews.

10. Consider Going Custom

After experimenting with a couple of traditional Paint by Numbers kits, you might consider taking this experience to a new level with a Personalised Paint by Numbers kit. We are seeing a trend to Personalised kits in Canada and obviously in other creative areas where people are seeking personal expression.

Simply upload a personal photo that has meaning to you (wedding day, family vacation, beloved pet), and that means you will receive a custom-made canvas made solely from your image. Personalised kits provide play with memory by turning memories into paintings, and they are perfect for gifting, anniversaries, or hanging on the wall with meaning.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the best Paint by Numbers kits can take your experience from average to awesome. By knowing your skill level, design complexity, the quality of the paints and canvas, and your emotional connection to what you are painting, you will be able to choose a kit that provides an enjoyable experience and a beautiful final painting.

Regardless of whether you choose a lovely scenic landscape or colourful abstract, or a personalised paint-by-numbers portrait, the right kit is out there, waiting for your creativity to breathe life into it. Take your time, explore the options, and most importantly, enjoy each brush stroke in the process.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Do’s & Don’ts For An Effortless Painting by Numbers Experience

Image
Painting by Numbers is a therapeutic, relaxing, and creative pastime that gives anyone, regardless of whether they are a novice or professional, an opportunity to create a beautiful piece of artwork without needing any formal training! It's a simple concept, but some vital tips and tricks can help make your painting experience go from a frustrated struggle to a stress-free and joyful experience. Even if you're just starting out or just trying to work on your painting style, knowing what to do—and more importantly, what not to do—can make all the difference.  Here you will find an extensive list of Do’s and Don'ts to guide you on your artistic journey that will ultimately unlock the potential of your painting kit! ✅ Do’s for Effortless Painting 1. Prepare Your Work Surface Your table or painting surface needs to be clean, flat, and well-lit. Having a clean and clear surface allows for maximum focus and reduces the chance of bumping the table and spilling paint! 2. Organising...
Read more

Why Are Paint by Numbers Kits Useful in Getting De-Stressed?

Image
In a world that is always on the go, stress, deadlines, and always being connected, it’s no wonder more and more people are turning to art for stress relief and healing. With the wide variety of creative endeavours to be explored, Paint by Numbers kits may be an unexpectedly formidable avenue for stress relief and enhancing mental well-being. What may seem like an innocent pastime or hobby has incredible depth in terms of psychology, mindfulness, and personal expression. This article will explore the causes behind the therapeutic power of Paint by Numbers and how they allow us to destress, disconnect, and find inner calm. 1. Structure That Calms the Mind Stress can thrive in an environment of chaos and uncertainty. When your mind is occupied with clutter and your plate is too full, creating greater structure can provide great relief. Paint by Numbers does exactly that. Each color is coded, and each section is clearly labeled, leaving no decisions to be made nor worries about where to...
Read more

Why Paint by Numbers Kits are Popular Among Art Students?

Image
  Acclaimed as bold experimenters, art students are often presented as creating an endless number of canvases with the crazy application of paint. While that idea is true in many ways, the story for many students learning the art of creating is much broader. In structure, creating art is more than just having talent; it's also governed by technique, patience, and process. Enter the new tool for aspiring artists: Paint by Numbers Kits, which found a place in the toolkit of many young artists who had no established process or routine for creating art. Paint by Numbers has transitioned from a children's or beginner's craft into a legitimate resource that various art students will now use at all levels. These kits have been utilised by high school art students and in university studio spaces, not as a source of relaxation or entertainment, but to develop skills and find inspiration. But what will make Paint by Numbers Kits so attractive to young artists in formal education situ...
Read more