Everything You Need to Know About Painting by Numbers

Paint by numbers is one of the most accessible creative hobbies in the world. Whether you have never held a paintbrush or you are a seasoned artist looking for a mindful, structured activity, paint by numbers meets you exactly where you are. This guide covers everything — from what it is and how it works, to the science behind its benefits and practical advice for getting the best results from your first or fiftieth kit.

By the end of this article, you will understand why paint by numbers has grown from a 1950s novelty into a globally popular art form embraced by millions of people of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds.

What is Paint by Numbers?

Paint by numbers is a structured painting method in which a pre-printed canvas is divided into numbered sections. Each number corresponds to a specific paint color. By following the numbered guide and applying the matching paint to each section, anyone can create a beautiful, complete painting — no artistic training or prior experience required.

The canvas acts as a detailed blueprint. The numbered sections remove the guesswork from composition, color mixing, and proportion, allowing the painter to focus entirely on the act of painting itself. The result is a finished piece of artwork that looks polished, professional, and deeply personal.

Paint by numbers is often described as the perfect intersection of structure and creativity. It provides the scaffolding — and you provide the attention, patience, and personal touch.

The History of Paint by Numbers

Paint by numbers was developed in the United States in the 1950s. The concept was pioneered by commercial artist Dan Robbins, who was working for the Palmer Paint Company in Detroit. Robbins was inspired by Leonardo da Vinci's reported practice of numbering sections of his canvases for his apprentices to fill in.

The kits were mass-produced and marketed to everyday consumers under the Craft Master brand. By the mid-1950s, paint by numbers had become a cultural phenomenon, with millions of kits sold annually. At its peak, more paint by numbers sets were being sold in the United States than the total number of oil paintings on display in American museums.

Over the decades, the format evolved from simple landscapes and florals into an expansive range of subjects — wildlife, architecture, abstract art, pop culture, and custom photo-to-canvas conversions. Today, paint by numbers has experienced a significant revival, driven by the global rise of mindfulness culture, the maker movement, and the growing awareness of art's role in mental wellbeing.

How Does Paint by Numbers Work?

The paint by numbers process is straightforward by design. The canvas arrives pre-printed with thin outlines and numbers inside each section. A matching set of numbered paint pots is included, along with one or more brushes. Your job is to match each number on the canvas to its corresponding paint color and fill in the sections.

There is no freehand drawing involved. The design is already there — printed directly on the canvas. This means your focus can remain entirely on the meditative, satisfying act of applying color.

What is Included in a Paint by Numbers Kit?

A complete, all-inclusive paint by numbers kit typically contains everything you need to get started immediately:

• A pre-printed numbered canvas (available in multiple sizes, commonly 8" x 10", 12" x 16", and 16" x 20", depending on complexity)
• A full set of numbered acrylic paint pots, pre-mixed and pre-labeled to match the canvas sections
• One or more paint brushes of different sizes (thin brushes for detail, wider brushes for larger areas)
• An instruction guide with tips for beginners
• A reference image showing the completed painting

One of the most valued aspects of a quality paint by numbers kit is that no special skills, no additional supplies, and no previous painting experience are required. You do not need to source materials, mix colors, or prepare a canvas. Everything arrives ready to use.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Complete a Paint by Numbers

Follow these steps for the best possible painting experience:

1. Set up your workspace. Choose a flat, stable surface with good natural or artificial lighting. Place a paper towel or cloth nearby to wipe brushes between colors. Prop the canvas against something stable if you prefer to paint at an angle.
2. Prepare your paints. Open each paint pot carefully. If any paint has thickened slightly, add one or two drops of water and stir gently. Keep lids closed when not in use to prevent drying.
3. Start with the largest sections first. Beginning with the biggest areas of color helps you establish the overall composition and prevents you from accidentally smudging smaller detail work. Work from the top of the canvas downward where possible to avoid resting your hand on wet paint.
4. Use the right brush size. Use wider brushes for large sections and thinner brushes for narrow or intricate sections. The kit typically includes both — match the brush size to the area you are painting.
5. Apply paint with steady, even strokes. You do not need to rush. Each section may require two thin coats for full, even coverage, particularly with lighter colors over a dark canvas. Let the first coat dry before applying the second.
6. Keep boundaries clean. Follow the printed lines carefully. Short, controlled brushstrokes near borders give cleaner results than broad sweeping strokes. Take your time around the edges of each section.
7. Add final touches. Once the canvas is fully covered and dry, you can review for any thin spots or missed sections and touch them up. Some painters enjoy adding subtle shading or blending at borders to create a more dimensional finished look.

💡 Pro Tip: Working on one color at a time across the entire canvas (rather than completing one section before moving to the next) can help you develop a feel for the color and create a more cohesive result overall.

Common Materials Used in Paint by Numbers

Understanding your materials helps you get better results and make informed decisions when choosing a kit.

• Canvas: Most kits use a linen or cotton canvas, either mounted on a wooden frame (stretched canvas) or rolled/flat (unstretched). Stretched canvases are ready to hang immediately. Unstretched canvases require framing after completion but are lighter and easier to ship.
• Acrylic Paint: The vast majority of modern paint by numbers kits use water-based acrylic paint. Acrylics dry quickly, are non-toxic, and clean up with water. The paints in quality kits are pre-mixed to match the specific numbered sections on your canvas, meaning no color mixing is required.
• Brushes: Kits typically include multiple brush sizes. Round brushes are best for detail work and curved sections. Flat brushes work well for large, open areas. Taking care of brushes — rinsing them between colors and storing them flat — extends their life throughout the project.
• Varnish (optional): Once your painting is complete and fully dry, applying a clear acrylic varnish protects the surface from dust, UV damage, and moisture. It also unifies the finish across areas where paint thickness may vary.

Who is Paint by Numbers Suitable For?

Paint by numbers is genuinely suitable for all ages and all skill levels. This is not marketing language — it reflects the design philosophy behind the activity itself.

• Children (ages 6 and up): Simpler designs with fewer sections and bolder outlines develop fine motor skills, concentration, and a sense of accomplishment. Completing a painting builds real confidence in young people.
• Teenagers and Young Adults: More complex designs with gradient shading and intricate subjects offer a satisfying creative challenge and a productive screen-free alternative.
• Adults: Paint by numbers serves as a mindful hobby, a creative outlet, and a productive way to decompress after demanding work or family commitments. The structured format makes it easy to pick up and put down without losing progress.
• Seniors: Fine motor engagement, mental stimulation, and the social possibilities of painting with family or in community groups make paint by numbers particularly valuable for older adults. The numbered system removes the intimidation often associated with art.

Because kits come in a wide range of complexity levels, from beginner-friendly designs to highly detailed canvases with hundreds of sections, it is always possible to find a kit that is appropriately challenging for where you are right now.

The Benefits of Paint by Numbers

The appeal of paint by numbers extends well beyond the finished painting. The process itself delivers a wide range of mental, emotional, cognitive, and social benefits that have made it one of the most recommended creative hobbies by therapists, wellness practitioners, and educators alike.

1. Stress Relief and Relaxation

The focused, repetitive nature of painting by numbers is inherently calming. When you concentrate on matching numbers to colors and carefully filling each section, your mind moves away from the stressors and anxieties of daily life. This is the same mechanism that makes activities like knitting, colouring, or puzzle-solving so effective for stress management.

Neuroscience research supports this: creative activities lower cortisol levels (the body's primary stress hormone) and activate the parasympathetic nervous system — the state your body enters during rest and recovery. Paint by numbers is, in effect, a meditative practice disguised as a hobby.

2. Improved Focus and Concentration

Each painting session requires sustained attention — selecting the correct paint, matching it to the correct section, and applying it carefully within the lines. This focused engagement trains and strengthens your concentration over time, a skill that transfers into daily tasks, work, and learning.

3. Boosted Memory and Cognitive Function

Painting by numbers engages both hemispheres of the brain simultaneously — the analytical left hemisphere processes the numbered system and logical sequencing, while the creative right hemisphere engages with color, composition, and aesthetic appreciation. This bilateral engagement stimulates neural activity, supports memory retention, and contributes to overall cognitive health.

For older adults particularly, engaging in regular creative activity is associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline.

4. Enhanced Problem-Solving and Motor Skills

Navigating the painting process — deciding on the order in which to paint sections, managing brush pressure, working around still-wet areas, and correcting small mistakes — develops real problem-solving skills. The physical act of controlled brushwork also strengthens fine motor coordination, hand-eye coordination, and dexterity.

5. Creativity and Self-Expression

While the numbered canvas provides structure, there is significant room for personal expression within that structure. Choices about brush technique, paint thickness, blending at borders, the pace of work, and even the selection of the subject all reflect the individual painter. Paint by numbers gives people who believe they have no artistic ability a pathway to genuine creative expression — and often surprises them with the result.

6. A Sense of Accomplishment and Boosted Self-Esteem

Completing a paint by numbers kit produces a tangible, visually impressive result. There is real satisfaction in stepping back from a finished canvas and recognizing that you made that. This sense of accomplishment reinforces positive self-perception, builds creative confidence, and motivates continued engagement with art and other challenging activities.

7. Cultivates an Optimistic Outlook

The process of creating something beautiful — starting from a blank, numbered canvas and building toward a completed work of art — reinforces a growth mindset. It is a reminder that patient effort, attention, and consistency produce meaningful results. Many painters report feeling more optimistic and emotionally positive after regular sessions.

8. Teaches Real Painting Skills

Paint by numbers is not just an imitation of art — it actively teaches foundational painting skills. Working through a detailed canvas exposes painters to color theory (understanding how colors interact and relate to each other), shading and tone (how to create depth and dimension), and brushwork technique (controlling stroke direction, pressure, and coverage). These are genuine skills that develop over multiple paintings and can translate into freehand painting for those who wish to pursue it further.

9. A Versatile, Low-Cost Hobby

Compared to most creative hobbies, paint by numbers is exceptionally accessible from a cost perspective. A complete kit includes everything you need, with no hidden material costs. There is no need to invest in separate paints, canvases, brushes, or primers. This makes it one of the most cost-effective ways to engage in regular creative activity.

Kits are also portable. Unlike many hobbies that require dedicated equipment or space, a paint by numbers kit can be taken on trips, used during travel, or enjoyed in any room of the home.

10. A Unique and Meaningful Gift

Paint by numbers kits — particularly custom kits created from a personal photograph — make deeply thoughtful, personal gifts. The recipient receives not just an object, but an experience: the process of creating a meaningful piece of art, and the finished painting as a keepsake. This makes custom paint by numbers one of the most popular gift choices for birthdays, anniversaries, housewarmings, and special occasions.

11. Creates Beautiful Home Decor

A completed paint by numbers canvas is a genuine piece of artwork. Many painters frame and display their finished works, creating home decor that is both beautiful and personally meaningful. Unlike mass-produced prints, a hand-painted canvas carries the texture, personality, and effort of its creator — making it a unique addition to any home.

12. A Natural Screen-Free Activity

In an era of constant digital stimulation, paint by numbers provides a compelling reason to step away from screens. It engages the hands and mind in a physical, tactile activity that produces something real. Many painters report significantly improved sleep quality when they incorporate a regular painting session into their evening routine in place of screen time.

Tips for Beginners: Getting the Best Results

If you are starting your first paint by numbers kit, these practical tips will help you get the most from the experience:

• Start with a beginner-friendly kit. Choose a design with fewer numbered sections and bolder outlines while you develop your technique. Build toward more complex kits as your confidence grows.
• Use natural light where possible. Good lighting makes it significantly easier to distinguish between similar colors and see fine details on the canvas. If natural light is not available, a daylight-spectrum lamp is a worthwhile investment.
• Keep your brushes clean. Rinse brushes thoroughly between each color change. Even small amounts of residual paint can muddy colors and affect the accuracy of your work.
•  Paint thin layers. Thin, even coats of paint produce better results than thick, heavy applications. If coverage is uneven after the first coat, let it dry completely and apply a second thin coat.
• Do not skip the small sections. Tiny numbered sections may seem like an afterthought, but they often contain important detail — an eye, a highlight, a border line — that significantly impacts the finished appearance of the painting.
• Embrace imperfection. Paint by numbers is a process, not a competition. Small variations in line coverage, minor color bleeds, and imperfect brushstrokes are entirely normal and do not detract from the finished work. Focus on the process and enjoy it.
•  Take breaks. Working on a painting in multiple sessions — rather than attempting to complete it in one sitting — gives each layer time to dry properly and keeps the experience enjoyable rather than pressured.
•  Reference the completed image. The kit's reference image is your guide. Check it regularly to understand how individual sections relate to the overall composition and to catch any missed areas early.

Custom Paint by Numbers Kits

Beyond the extensive range of pre-designed canvases, custom paint by numbers kits allow you to transform any personal photograph into a numbered canvas. This is one of the most popular and meaningful options available.

Common choices for custom kits include portraits of family members, beloved pets, memorable travel photographs, wedding photos, and cherished landscapes. The result is a deeply personal piece of artwork — both the process and the finished painting carry genuine emotional weight.

Custom kits from Crafty By Numbers are produced to the same quality standards as the standard range, with professionally converted canvases, pre-mixed paint sets, and full brushwork kits included.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paint by Numbers

Is paint by numbers only for beginners?

No. While paint by numbers is perfectly accessible for complete beginners, experienced painters also use it as a mindful, structured creative practice. Many professional artists enjoy paint by numbers as a form of active relaxation distinct from their freehand work.

How long does it take to complete a paint by numbers kit?

Completion time depends on the size and complexity of the canvas and the amount of time you spend painting in each session. A small, beginner kit might take 3 to 5 hours across a weekend. A large, complex canvas can take 20 or more hours spread across several weeks. There is no deadline — the experience is yours to pace as you like.

Do I need to seal or varnish the finished painting?

It is not strictly required, but applying a clear acrylic varnish once the painting is fully dry is recommended. Varnishing protects the surface from dust, sunlight, and moisture, and gives the finished canvas a unified, professional appearance.

Can children do paint by numbers?

Yes. Paint by numbers kits designed for children use simpler compositions, bolder outlines, and non-toxic acrylic paints. They are an excellent way to introduce children to the basics of painting, color recognition, concentration, and creative pride.

What if I run out of a paint color?

Quality kit providers include sufficient paint for full canvas coverage, often with a small margin. If you do find yourself running low on a specific color, it is usually possible to contact the kit provider for a replacement pot, or to match the color closely with a standard acrylic paint from an art supply store.

Is paint by numbers considered real art?

This question comes up often. The answer is yes — with an important nuance. Paint by numbers involves real skill, real technique, real patience, and real creative engagement. The numbered system is a structural tool, not a substitute for the effort and attention the painter brings to the canvas. The finished work is produced by human hands, guided by human choices, and reflects the care and investment of the individual painter.

Conclusion

Paint by numbers is far more than a hobby kit. It is a proven, accessible, and deeply rewarding way to engage with creativity — regardless of your age, artistic background, or available time. It teaches real skills, delivers genuine mental health benefits, produces beautiful finished artwork, and provides a meaningful break from the demands of modern life.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing personal pursuit, a thoughtful gift, a productive family activity, or a way to decorate your home with something genuinely meaningful, paint by numbers is a compelling choice.

Crafty By Numbers offers a curated range of paint by numbers kits across all skill levels and subject types, including custom kits created from your own photographs. Explore the full collection and find the kit that speaks to you.

→ Shop Paint by Numbers Kits at Crafty By Numbers