What Are the Best Paint by Number Kits for Beginners

Painting by numbers as a brilliant craft hobby can provide many benefits beyond just creating a beautiful piece of art, which you can call your own. This activity can be a great way to relieve stress, reduce anxiety, and increase focus. It can also help you develop your problem-solving skills and improve your hand-eye coordination. These are all the things you can look forward to getting when you're an aspiring artist.

When you paint by numbers, you can choose from a wide range of designs, from simple to complex ones. This means that you can start with an easy design and work your way up to more challenging ones as you gain confidence and skill.

Paint by numbers is also a great way to socialize and spend time with friends and family. You can work on a painting together, share tips and techniques, or even create a group project by combining multiple paintings.

soft pink peonies - easy paint by numbers kit

So if you're looking for a fun and rewarding way to relax and express your creativity, consider trying landscape paint by numbers. It's an activity that anyone can enjoy, regardless of age or artistic ability. And with the best paint by numbers kits for adults, you'll have everything you need to get started on your artistic journey. Just check our collection of easy paint by numbers kits, but don't forget to finish reading our article first.

The beginner guide to painting by number

If you're a beginner who's interested in trying a paint by numbers kit, there are a few things you should consider before buying your first kit. Here are the three most important things to keep in mind:

  1. Choose the right level of difficulty: When selecting a kit, it's important to choose a design that matches your skill level. If you're new to painting, start with a simple design that has fewer colors and larger sections to paint. As you gain confidence and experience, you can move on to more complex designs with smaller sections and more colors. Our recommendation is to start with one of our Mini Kits. You can't go wrong with one of those stunning, yet simple designs.

  2. Consider the materials: The quality of the materials included in your kit can greatly affect the final result of your painting. Look for kits that include high-quality paints, brushes, and canvases. This will ensure that your finished painting looks vibrant and professional.

  3. Pay attention to the size of the canvas: The size of the canvas can also affect the difficulty of the painting. Larger canvases can be more challenging to paint because they require more time and attention to detail. However, they can also be more rewarding because they offer a greater sense of accomplishment when finished. Smaller canvases, on the other hand, are easier to paint and can be completed more quickly.

neon lions head - easy animal paint by numbers kit

By considering these three factors, you can choose a kit that matches your skill level and provides the materials you need to create a beautiful painting. With a little practice and patience, you'll be able to create stunning works of art with paint by numbers for beginners. You can check some easy paint ideas to get yourself inspired.

Easy paint by numbers for elderly

Paint by numbers is a great activity for seniors who are looking for a fun and engaging way to stay active and creative. However, some seniors may face certain challenges such as vision problems or difficulty holding a brush steady. Here are a few points that you should consider when selecting an easy paint by numbers kit for a senior:

  1. Look for larger canvases: Seniors with vision problems may benefit from larger canvases that are easier to see and paint. Larger sections of the canvas can also make it easier to stay within the lines and create a more accurate finished product.

  2. Use good tools: Seniors who have difficulty holding a brush steady may benefit from using tools such as a magnifier or table magnifying glass. These tools can help seniors see the canvas more clearly and provide a stable surface to rest their hands while painting.

  3. Choose simpler designs: Seniors who are new to painting or who have limited mobility may benefit from choosing simpler designs with fewer colors and larger sections. This can make it easier to complete the painting and provide a sense of accomplishment.

By taking these factors into consideration, seniors can find an easy paint by numbers kit that is enjoyable and accessible. With the right painting tools and a little patience, seniors can create beautiful works of art that they can be proud of. For this age group is painting the best fun activity.

how to paint by numbers step-by-step

What's included in a paint by numbers kit?

Paint by numbers kits typically come with everything you need to complete a painting, including a blank canvas, paint brushes, a set of paints, and a reference image.

The blank canvas is usually pre-printed with a design and divided into numbered sections. Each section corresponds to a number on the paint set, making it easy to follow the design and create a finished product. The product comes with the canvas rolled or framed. Optionally, you can get a DIY frame. With getting the canvas rolled, you have the option to get your art project framed at your local hobby store. They can also provide you with tacks or hooks to hang on your wall. The DIY frame brings you the possibility to frame your first painting on your own.

The paint brushes included in the kit are typically made of nylon or natural hair bristles and come in different sizes to accommodate various sections of the canvas. Some kits may include a special brush for fine intricate details, such as small dots or lines.

The set of paints typically includes acrylic or oil-based paints, which are specially formulated to work with the canvas and brushes included in the kit. The paints are usually labeled with numbers that correspond to the numbered sections on the canvas, making it easy to match the right color to the right section.

Finally, the reference image is a printed picture of the finished painting, which can be used as a guide to help you stay on track as you paint. The reference image can also be used as a source of inspiration or as a way to customize the painting to your personal preferences.

By including all of these tools in the kit, paint by numbers provides a complete package that makes it easy and accessible for anyone to create a beautiful work of art.

Do you paint light or dark colors first?

When it comes to paint by numbers, beginners may wonder if they should start with lighter colors or dark colors. The answer is that it's usually best to start with lighter colors and then move on to darker colors. This is because the darker colors can easily cover the lighter ones if you accidentally paint outside the lines or make a mistake. Additionally, starting with light colors allows you to create a base layer that can add depth and dimension to the final image. Don't worry about the glossy finish on the canvas. This technique is perfect for both kids and adults, and it can help you create a stunning masterpiece.

Do you paint the background first?

It's easy enough to begin to paint with paint by numbers. From top to bottom left to right, from the initial number to darker colors then background and details, etc. The process requires playing. Whatever is comfortable for you, make a decision. The painting process is not simple. It'll just be ok to paint the right color in a number. It's forgivable. Just allow the smudged surface to dry and paint further on.

Thin Out Dry Acrylic Paint

As previously noted, acrylic paints tend to dry fairly quickly — this makes it difficult to apply an even coat. It can be avoided by adding small amounts of water to the mixture to bring the paint to its smooth consistency.

How long does paint by numbers take?

The answer to this question may vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the design, your artistic talent, your experience of blending colors, and the amount of time you have to work on the project.

If you're a beginner or have limited abilities, you may find it takes you longer to complete a paint by numbers project than someone with more experience. That's because paint by numbers requires a certain level of artistic skill and an understanding of how colors interact with one another.

Another factor that can affect the time it takes to complete a painting is the number of tiny sections in the design. If the painting has a lot of small details, it will take longer to complete than a painting with larger sections.

The type of paint kit you use can also impact the time it takes to finish a project. Some paint kits come with higher quality paint that is easier to mix and apply, while others may have lower quality paint that requires more layers to achieve the desired effect.

mini oranges - paint by numbers kit for beginners

Ultimately, the amount of time it takes to complete a paint by numbers canvas will depend on your unique circumstances. However, as a general rule, you can expect a small to medium-sized painting to take anywhere from a few hours to several days.

Tools Needed for Painting by Numbers

To start painting by numbers, there are a few essential tools that you'll need. Some of these tools may come included in the paint by numbers kit, while others you may need to purchase separately.

The first thing you'll need is acrylic paint. Acrylic paint is the most commonly used type of paint for paint by numbers projects, and it's a versatile medium that can be used to create a range of effects. It's also easy to blend and dries quickly, which makes it ideal for this type of painting.

Next, you'll need paint pots. These are small containers that are used to hold your paint while you work. Some paint by numbers kits come with pre-filled paint pots, while others may require you to fill them yourself.

You'll also need a set of paint brushes. Most paint by numbers kits come with a set of brushes, but you may want to purchase additional brushes in different sizes to make it easier to paint tiny sections.

Other tools that may come in handy include a magnifying glass or table magnifier to help you see small details, a palette for mixing colors, and a hanger or frame to display your finished painting.

Before you start painting, be sure to read the instructions carefully and familiarize yourself with the paint kit and tools. Then, you can begin to paint your first animal paint by numbers project and watch as your masterpiece comes to life.

Christmas owl paint by numbers for kids

Should you do paint by numbers in order?

While it's not strictly necessary to do paint by numbers in order, it can be helpful to start by painting the larger areas first and then moving on to smaller areas. This approach allows you to establish the right colors for the overall image and then focus on the details. For right-handed artists, it's generally best to start painting from left to right, and vice versa for left-handed artists. When working with multiple colors, it's important to be careful and stay within the lines to avoid any smudging or unwanted mixing. However, don't be afraid to switch colors as needed to achieve the desired effect. Overall, the goal is to enjoy the process and create a beautiful finished product.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.