How to Choose a Paint by Numbers Kit
This guide covers what to weigh up when choosing a paint by numbers kit: size, difficulty and colours, framing, what's in the box and how long it takes. Each kit's own details are listed under About This Painting on its product page.
Size
The size shown is the size of the finished picture in centimetres, so you can compare it directly with the wall you have in mind.
Size also decides how much detail the picture can hold and how long it takes. A larger canvas has room for more detail and more shades, so the most colourful designs are usually made in larger sizes. A small kit takes a few evenings and is an easy way to try the hobby.
Difficulty and number of colours
The difficulty level reflects how many areas there are to paint, on five levels: Very easy, Easy, Intermediate, Challenging and Master. On a canvas of the same size, more areas mean smaller ones, so the work takes more precision and more time.
The colour count is the number of different shades in the kit. More colours mean finer shading and more numbers to follow. The paints come ready-mixed, so you never have to mix a shade yourself.
For a relaxed start, have a look at our easy paint by numbers kits.
Framed or unframed
In a framed kit the canvas comes stretched on a wooden frame. You can start painting straight away, and the finished piece is ready to hang as it is. A picture hook is included if you want to use it.
In an unframed kit the canvas comes rolled. The Framing option on the product page shows what is available for that kit: the canvas on its own, a wooden frame you assemble yourself, or the canvas pre-stretched on a wooden frame by us. The self-assembly frame and the framing service come with a picture hook. The wooden frame is an inner stretcher frame, not a decorative outer frame.
If you stretch the canvas yourself, do it before painting, as finished paint can crack when the canvas is pulled taut. See how to frame a paint by numbers painting.
What's in the box
An unframed kit contains:
- a numbered canvas
- numbered, ready-mixed acrylic paints
- four brushes
- a colour chart and a quick guide
A framed kit has the same contents, with the canvas already stretched on a wooden frame, plus a picture hook.
Apart from that, all you need is a glass of water for rinsing brushes, some paper towel and good light.
How long does it take?
Every product page shows an estimated time, calculated from the canvas size, the colour count and the number of areas. The lower figure reflects an experienced painter's pace, the higher one a beginner's. Typical estimates:
| Size | Typical estimate |
|---|---|
| 20 × 20 cm | 5–10 hours |
| 40 × 50 cm | 25–45 hours |
| 50 × 70 cm | 45–90 hours |
| 60 × 80 cm | 50–100 hours |
Two kits of the same size can differ a lot, because the number of areas has the biggest effect on time.
Paint by numbers from your own photo
You can also order a kit made from your own photo: choose the size and upload the photo with your order. We check every photo before production and get in touch if something won't work. The result is a painterly interpretation of the photo, not an exact copy. The more small details the photo has, such as several faces, the larger the size you should choose.
Order custom paint by numbers from your photo · How to choose a photo
FAQ
Do I need any painting experience?
No. Every area on the canvas has a number, and the paint with the same number goes there. You don't need to mix any shades yourself.
Will light paint cover the numbers?
Light shades are more translucent than dark ones, so they often need a second thin coat. That is normal. Read more in why light paint doesn't cover the number.
What if a paint runs out or dries up?
You can reorder the paints for that design from the Replacement service section on the product page. If something is missing from your kit, please contact customer service.
Will the finished painting look like the product image?
The product image is a digital preview of the finished result. Shades can vary slightly between your screen and the actual paints.
