In this article, we reveal our secret paint by numbers tips on how to easily make your finished artwork look better.
Paint by numbers for adults is a pastime that’s enjoyed a huge resurgence in popularity over the past few years, and it’s easy to see why. Popularized during the 1950s, but traceable back to Michelangelo himself in the 1600s, painting by numbers is a truly satisfying hobby that’s stood the test of time for good reason.
Engaging with a first paint by numbers kit can be a transformative experience, providing essential tips to help novices successfully navigate the process and enjoy the art of painting. It’s easy to see why creating a beautiful painting, regardless of technical skills, is an alluring pastime for aspiring artists, craft enthusiasts, and total beginners alike. But the benefits of the painting by numbers go way beyond the joyous satisfaction of creating a piece of beauty. Once painters get a taste of the many well-being benefits this hobby provides, including increased relaxation, reduced stress, and lowered anxiety, to name a few, they’re hooked. As Pablo Picasso himself put it - “art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life”.
Become a better artist painting by numbers
And it’s so much more than a relaxing pastime that’s good for the soul, paint by numbers kits are also a training aid for any budding artist. Learning how to use different brushes, controlling the paints, skilfully combining colors, and understanding the relationships between shapes are just a few artistic techniques you get to practice as you create your very own masterpiece. Just as valuably, you also gain a big confidence boost at every step as your painting takes shape.
As you complete your first few easy paint by numbers projects, it won’t be long before you start asking how you can make your paint by numbers look better. For those interested in beginner paint, practical tips such as starting from the top of the canvas to avoid smudging, maintaining a clean workspace, and managing colors effectively can significantly enhance your painting experience. We’ve heard you and we’re ready to share our experiences and insights. You’ve got the basic skills down and now you’re ready to take your work to the next level. The great news is that you only need to take a few simple steps to raise your work above the masses.
5 Easy ways to make your paint by numbers better
Here are our five nuggets of wisdom, simple things you can do to elevate your next paint by numbers project from a garage to a gallery-worthy piece.
Tip 1 - Choose the right paint quality for your numbers kit
It may seem too obvious to be of note but, to make your paint by numbers better, you’re going to need to start with the best paint by numbers kit. Selecting the right number kit is crucial as it provides everything needed to fill your canvas with color. A high-quality kit is the single most influential thing you can do to produce a superior painting. Above all else, a high-quality kit means you’re working with high-quality materials. Just like the chef preparing a culinary masterpiece, you need the best ingredients to work with. After all, you don’t want to be working with a flimsy canvas, tacky paints, or bristle brushes.
Here at the online Painting By Numbers Shop, we pride ourselves on offering only the highest quality all-inclusive paint by numbers kits. As you’ll see throughout our store, the best paint by numbers kits will include all the premium equipment you will need to produce a great painting, including:
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Prenumbered printed linen or cotton canvas
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A few different high-quality brushes
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A full set of high-quality acrylic paints
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Full set of paints so you don’t have to mix colors (extra paint set is available as an option)
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A good quality frame (could make or break your masterpiece).
Visit our painting by numbers store to see what a high-quality DIY canvas painting kit includes.
Tip 2 - Choose the right image to paint
Choosing the right image to paint is just as important as the quality of your materials when you're looking to create a painting that's a cut above. Particularly if you're still at apprentice level in terms of experience, it's really important to choose an image you're sure you successfully finish. Even though a good paint by numbers kit is foolproof, don't forget that we're on a mission to achieve a superior finish (not just to merely finish).
Paint by numbers kits with mini canvases are great for beginners, providing a smaller, more manageable space to work on. These kits help new artists gain confidence while mastering techniques on a mini paint by numbers canvas.
For experienced painters, we offer a collection of challenging designs in our category for advanced painters, giving seasoned artists a chance to create more intricate work. When choosing an image, remember it’s essential to pick something you feel comfortable completing, whether you’re starting with a mini or exploring our advanced kits.
Tip 3 - Give it an extra coat
The key to achieving a polished result, that really ‘pops’ off the canvas, is to give each section (at least) a couple of layers of paint. Additional layers of paint give a painting real depth, richness of color, and a professional finish.
Think of your initial layer’s purpose as being about blocking-in areas and putting down a base layer. A second layer will fill out the colors, smooth out any streaky patches, and ensure each section is flat. Adding extra paint can address areas that appear pale or streaky, ensuring a bolder and more polished final result. The additional layer also ensures all the numbers are fully covered over.
Although a couple of layers will suffice in many instances, you can always continue to embellish the painting with further layers until you get a quality finish that brings a real smile to your face.
Tip 4 - Learn how to blend the edges with acrylic paint
Learning how to skillfully blend acrylic paint will take you a long way to becoming a competent artist, and not just when painting by numbers. Blending edges is simply a fancy term for creating smoother transitions between different colors. Blending needs to be done when the paints are still wet enough to intermingle together. With wetness in mind, keep a handy water spray bottle close to adding a little water when your paints begin to dry out.
Once you’ve mastered this technique, you’re well on the way to becoming a skilled artist. Beautiful blends provide a seamless, smooth finish, with beautiful soft lines and edges.
To bring the image to life, many paint by numbers projects use a multitude of small areas of color. Many small areas of color can produce a piece with real abstract beauty. However, sometimes a painting with many colors needs soft edges to give it a sense of refinement and quality. If you want beautifully soft edges, this blending edges technique is the order of the day.
How to achieve beautifully blended edges with acrylic paint
To blend edges beautifully with acrylic paint, work on two bordering areas at the same time. Where usually you would put down one color at a time, swipe your brush backward and forwards over an edge where two bordering areas meet to blend and soften two colors together whilst the paints are still wet. A gentle brush stroke is a key to achieving a finish with finesse.
Master the basics before you begin blending edges
Blending edges is more of an advanced level skill that is best practiced once you’ve already mastered the basics. By starting with two small areas, that can easily be overpainted, you minimize the risk of messing things up too much when you’re just starting with this skillful painting technique.
Blend sparingly
Blending edges is not a technique that is appropriate for every area in your painting. It’s best to be selective about where you apply your blending. For example, features that require color gradients are great candidates for using this technique, such as when you’re painting skies or water.
Tip 4 - Learn how to blend the edges with acrylic paint
Learning how to skillfully blend acrylic paint will take you a long way to becoming a competent artist, and not just when painting by numbers. Blending edges is simply a fancy term for creating smoother transitions between different colors. Blending needs to be done when the paints are still wet enough to intermingle together. Be mindful of wet paint to avoid smudging and ensure smooth transitions. With wetness in mind, keep a handy water spray bottle close to adding a little water when your paints begin to dry out.
Once you’ve mastered this technique, you’re well on the way to becoming a skilled artist. Beautiful blends provide a seamless, smooth finish, with beautiful soft lines and edges.
To bring the image to life, many paint by numbers projects use a multitude of small areas of color. Many small areas of color can produce a piece with real abstract beauty. However, sometimes a painting with many colors needs soft edges to give it a sense of refinement and quality. If you want beautifully soft edges, this blending edges technique is the order of the day.
How to achieve beautifully blended edges with acrylic paint
To blend edges beautifully with acrylic paint, work on two bordering areas at the same time. Where usually you would put down one color at a time, clean your brush and then apply the second paint in a separate area for blending. Swipe your brush backward and forwards over an edge where two bordering areas meet to blend and soften two colors together whilst the paints are still wet. A gentle brush stroke is a key to achieving a finish with finesse.
Master the basics before you begin blending edges
Blending edges is more of an advanced level skill that is best practiced once you've already mastered the basics. By starting with two small areas, that can easily be overpainted, you minimize the risk of messing things up too much when you're just starting with this skillful painting technique.
Blend sparingly
Blending edges is not a technique that is appropriate for every area in your painting. It's best to be selective about where you apply your blending. For example, features that require color gradients are great candidates for using this technique, such as when you're painting skies or water.
Tip 5 - Seal the deal
The final step to create a superior paint by numbers masterpiece is to apply a sealant over the finished painting. A good sealant is the “secret sauce” to achieve a luxurious and professional finish that even the masters would be proud to sign. The paint quality plays a crucial role in this, as high-quality paint ensures consistency and opacity, enhancing the overall experience and final look. In addition to giving your work real luster, a sealant will also protect the painting from damage. You can then admire your work in pristine condition, for many years to come.
You have the option to use a sealant that will provide either a matte, glossy, or satin finish. You try using our Acrylic Gloss Medium with proven results. It has an easy application with a paint brush over a finished and fully-dried canvas.
For easy use and an even application, spray sealants are a great option. Simply search Google for ‘painting spray sealants’ to research the many sealant products available to buy online.
Simply spray (or paint) several coats of your sealant onto the entire finished painting, your handiwork really will look like it was painted by a professional artist.
Prepare Your Workspace
Organize Your Tools and Materials
Before diving into your paint by numbers project, it’s essential to have everything in order. A well-organized workspace can make a world of difference in your painting experience. Start by laying out all the materials from your numbers kit, including the canvas, paint pots, brushes, and instructions. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the color codes and numbering system.
Next, prepare your workspace by covering it with old newspapers or a plastic tablecloth to catch any stray drops of paint. If you’re using a foam board, secure your canvas to it with tape or pins to keep it stable. Arrange your paint pots and brushes in a logical order, placing the most frequently used items within easy reach. This setup will help you stay focused and avoid unnecessary interruptions.
Create a Comfortable and Well-Lit Environment
A comfortable and well-lit environment is crucial for a successful paint by numbers project. Choose a workspace with plenty of natural light, or invest in a high-quality desk lamp to ensure your canvas is well-illuminated. The right lighting can make a significant difference in how you perceive colors and details.
Make sure your workspace is at a comfortable temperature. If needed, use a fan or heater to maintain a consistent climate. Invest in a comfortable chair and an ergonomic desk or table to prevent back and neck strain during long painting sessions. Consider using a lap tray or a portable desk if you prefer a more flexible setup. To enhance your painting experience, play some soothing music or nature sounds to create a relaxing atmosphere that helps you focus and enjoy the process.
Create better paint by numbers with our DIY canvas kits
We hope that you’ve enjoyed reading about our 5 secret tips to create a better paint by number project with DIY canvas kits. As we said at the beginning of the article, choosing a high-quality paint by numbers kit is a keystone to producing a great painting. Handily for you, now that you’re here on our site, our large collection of paint by numbers kits is just a click or two away.
Before you leave our site, be sure to browse through our rich catalog of paint by numbers kits in a variety of beautiful themes, from animal paint by numbers, cities, famous paintings, and flowers, to food paint by numbers, landscapes, love, mandala paint by numbers and more.