Paint by Numbers for Beginners: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Never painted before? No problem! Paint by numbers for beginners is the easiest way to create beautiful art without any experience. This guide covers everything you need to know to get started and achieve professional-looking results.

What is Paint by Numbers?

Paint by numbers is a system where a picture is divided into shapes, each marked with a number that corresponds to a specific paint color. You simply match the numbers to the colors and fill in each section. The result? A stunning painting that looks like it was done by a professional artist.

Getting Started: What You Need

Every quality paint by numbers kit includes everything you need:

• Pre-printed canvas with numbered sections
• Acrylic paint pots numbered to match the canvas
• Paint brushes (typically 3 sizes: fine, medium, broad)
• Reference image showing the finished painting

You’ll also want: a cup of water for rinsing brushes, paper towels, and good lighting.

Step-by-Step Painting Process

Step 1: Set Up Your Workspace

Find a flat, well-lit surface. Natural daylight is best, but a daylight lamp works too. Lay out your canvas flat or use an easel. Organize your paint pots in numerical order.

Step 2: Start With One Color at a Time

The most efficient approach is to paint all areas of one color before moving to the next. Start with the color that has the most sections — this gives you confidence early on.

Step 3: Work Top to Bottom

If you’re right-handed, work from top-left to bottom-right (reverse if left-handed). This prevents your hand from smudging wet paint.

Step 4: Use the Right Brush Size

• Large brush — Big open areas (skies, backgrounds)
• Medium brush — Most sections
• Fine brush — Small details, edges, and outlines

Step 5: Apply Two Thin Coats

Don’t glob on thick paint. Two thin, even coats provide better coverage and hide the printed numbers underneath. Let the first coat dry (10-15 minutes) before applying the second.

Step 6: Clean Up Edges

After all sections are painted, go back and clean up any messy edges with the fine brush. This step makes a huge difference in the final result.

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

1. Opening all paints at once — Acrylic paint dries quickly. Only open what you’re using.
2. Using too much water — A slightly damp brush is fine, but watery paint won’t cover numbers.
3. Rushing — A 16×20 kit takes 10-20 hours. Enjoy the process!
4. Skipping the second coat — Numbers showing through ruin the effect.
5. Not cleaning brushes — Rinse thoroughly between colors to keep them pure.

Best Kits for Absolute Beginners

Start with designs that have:

• Fewer colors (15-24 is ideal)
• Larger sections (less fiddly detail work)
• Forgiving subjects (landscapes, sunsets, abstract art)

Our landscape collection and flower designs are perfect starting points.

Health Benefits of Paint by Numbers

Beyond creating art, paint by numbers offers real wellness benefits:

• Stress relief — The repetitive, focused activity triggers a meditative state
• Improved focus — Great for building concentration and patience
• Fine motor skills — Keeps hands nimble, especially for older adults
• Screen-free relaxation — A healthy alternative to scrolling
• Sense of accomplishment — Finishing a painting boosts confidence

Ready to start your painting journey? Browse our beginner-friendly collection and use code WELCOME15 for 15% off your first kit!