How to Paint by Numbers in 6 Easy Steps

Grab a starter paint by number kit with canvas, numbered paints, and brushes before Step 1. Painting by Numbers is an art technique where you paint a picture by following numbered dots. It is a fun way to learn how to paint, and can be done with any type of painting media. With the use of this technique, you can learn more about different ways that acrylic paints, watercolors, gouache, pastels and even dye can be applied in different quantities to create your desired artwork.

Grab your supplies and shop Painting by Numbers to follow along with this tutorial. Before you dive in, read our beginner’s overview of number painting for tips, tools, and common mistakes to avoid.

Step 1: Prepare your Painting Area

In order to paint, you need a clean space and good light. In this section, we will talk about the preparation for painting. You will need a spacious area for your canvas. You should try to choose a place that is clean and comfortable. Furthermore, you should also have good lighting so that you can see all the special details that your canvas has.

The more relaxed and spacious you select, the better, remember that we're setting up an ambience for you to have a very nice concentration, so you can relax and enjoy painting.

Don’t have a kit yet? Browse our best Paint by Numbers kits to get everything you need in one box.

Shop paint by numbers online and follow these steps as you unbox.

Don’t have one yet? Grab a starter paint by numbers kit so you have the exact brushes and pre-mixed paints this guide assumes. Not sure where to start? Try our beginner’s guide to paint with numbers for tools, setup, and quick wins.

Step 2: Unbox your Paint by Number kit

First, you will need to flatten the canvas. You can do this by unrolling it or unfolding it from the tube or package and using tape to paste each corner of the canvas. There is no need for variants with a DIY or Stretched frame.

If you’re still choosing between painting numbers kits, check our curated guide so you pick the right canvas size and difficulty before starting

Next is to match the paintings with the corresponding number from 1 to 24. You can notice that each painting pot has a four-digit number, this is not an error, using the labels match the four-digit number with the corresponding one from the Color Key included.

Need the right canvas and tools? Browse our "Paint-by-number kits" to find the perfect set for your first project.

Step 3: Glass of Water

It can be helpful to have a glass of water and some paper towels nearby—especially if your hands get dirty while painting. It's much easier to switch colors when you rinse the brushes in the water and then dry them off with paper towels, so you can continue with the next colors.

Step 4. Match the Numbers

Start by choosing a color or number of your choice and locate the area to be painted. Depending on the area, whether it is large, medium or has a lot of detail, use the brush that best suits the size and comforts you. Wet the brush with the indicated paint and start painting the area. Once you finish with that area, rinse and dry your brush in order to start with the other colors.

Before Step 1, grab a beginner-friendly number painting kit so you have the right canvas, paints, and tools ready to go.

Step 5. Repeat and Enjoy

Repeat this step with each of the paints included in the kit. We recommend that you start with light colors and then continue with darker ones. We add a Reference page in each kit in case you don't remember what color you were painting. The paint that we include is enough to paint up to 2 times the canvas, but if you need more, please contact us, and we will happily supply more.

Tip: If you’d like to turn your own photo into a painting, check out our Custom Canvas collection here.

Step 6. Hang your Painting

Once your artwork is finished, you can use the hooks and screws we provide to hang your painting. It is incredible to be able to decorate your own house and have a unique painting painted by you!

From basic to advance number painting tricks check our blogs.