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Paint by numbers is a beginner-friendly art activity where a picture is divided into numbered sections. Each number matches a specific paint colour, so you can fill in the areas one by one until the full picture is finished. It’s a similar concept to diamond painting.
It’s a great way to enjoy painting without needing to actually draw the design yourself, which can be useful if you aren’t the world’s most talented drawer! Paint by numbers kits are often used for landscapes, animals, flowers, portraits, famous artworks and decorative wall art.
What Does Paint by Numbers Mean?
Paint by numbers means painting a pre-marked design by following a numbered guide. The canvas, board, or paper has small sections printed on it, and each section has been assigned a number. The paint pots are also numbered so that you know which colour to use in each area.
For instance, every section marked “1” might be painted blue, while each section marked “2” might need to be painted green.
Instead of starting off with a blank canvas, you work from a prepared outline. This makes paint by numbers less intimidating for beginners than trying to draw and then paint your own, original design.
How Does Paint by Numbers Work?
Paint by numbers works by breaking a picture into smaller shapes. Each shape is assigned a colour. As you paint each section, the image gradually comes to life.
Most kits include a printed canvas or board, small pots of paint, paintbrushes and a reference picture. You start by choosing one colour, finding the matching numbered areas, and carefully painting inside the lines.
Some people paint one number at a time, while others work section by section. There is no single correct way to do it, as long as you ensure the paint is dry and you try to keep the colours neat.
What Do You Get in a Paint by Numbers Kit?
A typical paint by numbers kit includes most of what you need to start. It may include thing such as:
- A printed canvas, board or paper
- Numbered paint pots
- One or more paintbrushes
- A reference image
- A printed guide sheet
- Hanging hooks or a small frame, depending on the kit
Some kits come with acrylic paint, while others may use watercolour or oil paint. Acrylic paint is probably the most common for beginner kits because it dries fairly quickly and is easy to use.
Is Paint by Numbers Good for Beginners?
Paint by numbers is a very good hobby for beginners because it removes the hardest part of starting a painting: deciding what to draw.
You don’t need to understand artistic concepts such as perspective, sketching, composition or colour mixing to get started, as the design and colour plan are already prepared for you.
That makes it a good first painting activity for people who want to practise brush control, patience and colour placement without the pressure or complexity of trying to create a picture from scratch.
Is Paint by Numbers ‘Real Art’?
Paint by numbers is a form of guided painting. It may not involve designing the image yourself, but it still uses real painting skills such as brush control, neat edges, layering and patience.
It can also help beginners feel more confident with using paint. Once you understand how the brush and paint behave, it may feel easier to try your own paintings later.
Paint by numbers is not about proving you’re a highly talented artist. It is more to allow you to enjoy the process of painting and creating something decorative.
What Paint Is Used for Paint by Numbers?
Most modern paint by numbers kits use acrylic paint. This is popular because it is easy to clean up while wet, dries quickly and gives strong colour.
Some kits use watercolour or oil paint, but these are less common for basic beginner kits. Oil paint takes much longer to dry and can be messier, whilst watercolour behaves differently and can be harder to control in small sections.
For most beginners, an acrylic paint by numbers kit is the easiest option.
Is Paint by Numbers Relaxing?
Many people find painting by numbers relaxing because the process is structured and repetitive. You don’t have to make many creative decisions at all once you start. All that’s required of you is to follow the numbers and gradually fill in the image!
This can make it a good craft for unwinding, especially if you like activities that give you visible progress. Plus, you get the satisfaction of seeing the picture improve over time, as you complete another section.
However, some detailed kits can be quite fiddly, so it is worth choosing a beginner-friendly design for a nicer experience.
How Long Does Paint by Numbers Take?
Your completion time really depends on the size and detail of the kit. A small simple design may take a few hours, while a large detailed canvas can take many sessions. For this reason, it’s hard to pin down an exact number.
Kits with lots of tiny sections will usually take you longer and require more patience. If you are new to paint by numbers, it is better to start with a simpler image that has larger areas to paint.
Always remember that you do not need to finish it in one sitting. Many people treat paint by numbers as a slow project they return to over the course of several days or weeks.
What Are the Best Paint by Numbers Kits for Beginners?
The best beginner paint by numbers kits usually have clear outlines, larger sections and not too many similar colours. Very detailed designs can look impressive, but they may feel frustrating if the sections are tiny and you are new to the process.
For a first kit, look for:
- A simple design
- Clear printed numbers
- Larger painting areas
- Acrylic paints
- A good reference image
- Brushes in more than one size
- A subject you actually like
Flowers, animals, simple landscapes and bold decorative designs can all be good beginner choices.
Tips for Starting Paint by Numbers
Painting by numbers is simple, but a few small habits can make the process even easier:
- Work in good light so you can see the numbers clearly
- Start with either the lightest or the darkest colours
- Keep the paint pots closed when you are not using them to avoid spills
- Use a small brush for very small sections
- Let areas dry fully before to paint next to them
- Rinse the brush between switching colours
- Keep a paper towel nearby
- Don’t worry if it looks strange or incomplete half way through!
Paint by numbers often looks messy or unfinished at first. The picture usually comes together properly once more colours have been added.
Can Adults Do Paint by Numbers?
Yes, paint by numbers is popular with adults; it’s not just something for children! Adult paint by numbers kits often have more detailed designs, smaller sections and more realistic images than those aimed at kids.
Some adults use paint by numbers as a relaxing hobby, while others use it as a way to get back into art after a long break. It can also be a good option for people who want a creative activity but hate starting off with a blank page.
Final Thoughts
Paint by numbers is a guided painting activity where numbered sections are filled with matching paint colours. It is one of the easiest ways to start painting because the design, outline and colours are already planned out for you, and it doesn’t require a particular knack for art.
For beginners, paint by numbers is a good way to practise painting in a low-pressure way. It helps you build confidence with brushes, paint and colour whilst still creating an impressive, finished piece of artwork.
A simple acrylic paint by numbers kit is usually the best way to start. Choose a design you like, work slowly, and enjoy watching the image appear section by section!