10 Tips for Painting by Numbers

Want to improve your paint-by-numbers skills and technique? Great, we have some tips for you!

Whether you're a beginner or already familiar with painting by numbers, these tips and tricks may help.

1. Iron your canvas

If you ordered an unstretched canvas, iron it with an iron at a low temperature. Place a tea towel between the canvas for a better effect. You can also place the canvas under a stack of heavy books for a while.

2. Start painting at the top left

This way, you work neatly from top to bottom and you won't wipe your hand over the painted areas (if this does happen accidentally, use our included drawing glove, which will protect both your hand and the painting). This also ensures you won't miss a single area.

3. Don't be afraid to go over the lines or blend the colors

It's not a problem if some colors overlap slightly; this often creates a beautiful transition, shadow, and natural effect.

4. Always close the containers until you hear a click

This will prevent the paint from drying out. If it does become a bit dry or runny, feel free to add a drop of water. A better option would be Flow Improver (which will soon be available in our webshop). Stir it well with a thin brush or a toothpick.

5. Are you working with light colours and do the numbers shine through?

Then first paint the box very thinly with a light gray paint, let it dry well and then color it in with the appropriate color.

6. Feel free to use different thicknesses of brushes

Sometimes you're tempted to use just one brush, but some small areas are definitely worth painting with a thinner brush, and larger areas with a thicker brush so you can cover a larger area at once. Click here for the brush set we offer.

7. Store your paint trays

Do you have any leftover paint? Be sure to save it. Sometimes the leftover paint can come in handy for touching up minor imperfections or for another painting.

8. Always clean and dry your brushes thoroughly

This ensures that they last longer and that the hairs remain neat and smooth.

9. Try painting with a group

It is a lot of fun to paint together with others and you can help, encourage or give each other tips.

10. Decide what you want to do with your painting

Are you going to give your handmade artwork as a gift? Or are you going to frame or stretch it and hang it on your own wall? Perhaps you paint so much that you'll keep it in a folder with the rest of your painting collection?

Extra tip - Last but not least;

Don't forget to enjoy yourself, put on some nice music and start painting 😁