So you've been thinking about trying paint by numbers. Maybe you saw a finished canvas on a friend's wall, or stumbled across one online. Maybe you used to paint and want to find your way back to it.
Whatever brought you here — welcome. You're in exactly the right place.
This guide covers everything a first-time painter needs to know. No experience required, no art background needed. Just your curiosity, a cozy afternoon, and a kit.
What Is Paint by Numbers?
Paint by numbers is a system where a canvas is pre-printed with numbered sections, each corresponding to a specific paint colour. You match the number on the canvas to the matching numbered paint pot, and fill in the section. Work your way through every section and — bit by bit — a finished painting emerges.
It sounds simple, and it is. That's the beauty of it. The hard part (composition, colour mixing, knowing what goes where) is already done for you. You just paint, breathe, and watch the picture take shape.
Do I Need Any Experience?
Not a single brushstroke of it. Paint by numbers was literally designed so anyone can do it. If you can hold a brush and follow a number, you can paint.
Many of our most passionate customers picked up a brush for the first time in their 50s, 60s, or beyond. Some hadn't painted since primary school. All of them finished their first kit with something they were genuinely proud to hang on the wall.
What's Included in a Good Kit?
A quality paint by numbers kit should include everything you need from the moment you open the box. Look for:
- A printed canvas — pre-numbered and ready to go. Higher quality kits use linen-textured canvas for a more authentic painting feel.
- Pre-mixed acrylic paints — labelled by number so there's no guesswork. All colours should be included; you shouldn't need to buy extras.
- Brushes — at least two or three sizes to handle different areas. A fine tip for detail, a broader brush for larger sections.
- A reference image — what the finished painting should look like, so you can check your progress.
At The Canvas Cottage, every kit includes all of the above — nothing is sold separately. Open the box and you're ready to paint.
How Long Does It Take?
That depends on the size of the canvas and how much time you spend in each sitting. Most painters work through their kit in several sessions — an hour here, an afternoon there. A standard 40x50 cm canvas might take 8–15 hours total across multiple sessions.
That's part of what makes it so enjoyable. There's no rush. You're not racing to finish — you're spending time in a calm, focused state that's genuinely good for your mind.
Tips for Your First Painting Session
A few things that make a real difference:
- Start with the darker colours first. They dry faster and give you clear boundaries to paint against.
- Work section by section, not colour by colour. Some painters like to finish all of one colour before moving to the next. Others work area by area. Try both and see what you prefer.
- Thin brushstrokes for edges, fuller strokes for the centre. This gives you cleaner lines around the numbers.
- Let layers dry before applying a second coat. Some colours — especially yellows and lighter shades — may need two coats for full, even coverage. That's completely normal.
- Seal your finished painting. Once complete, a light coat of varnish or mod podge protects your work and gives it a polished, finished look.
What Size Should I Start With?
For a first kit, a medium canvas (30x40 cm or 40x50 cm) strikes the right balance. Big enough that details aren't frustratingly tiny, small enough to finish in a reasonable time and feel that satisfying sense of completion.
What Subjects Work Best?
Honestly, whatever you're drawn to. Some painters love sweeping landscapes. Others prefer florals, animals, or portraits. Choose a subject you genuinely love looking at, because you'll be spending a lot of time with it.
Our Floral Paint-by-Numbers range is the most popular starting point — the large blocks of colour are satisfying to fill in, and the results are consistently beautiful.
If you want to create something deeply personal, our Custom Photo Kits let you turn any photograph into a paint-by-numbers canvas. These also make extraordinary gifts.
Is Paint by Numbers Good for You?
Research consistently shows that creative activities like painting reduce stress, lower cortisol levels, and improve mood. The focused, repetitive nature of paint by numbers in particular puts many people into a flow state — that pleasant mental space where time seems to slip away and the mind goes quiet.
For older adults especially, painting has been associated with improved fine motor skills, better concentration, and a meaningful sense of accomplishment. It's a hobby that gives back in ways you might not expect.
Ready to Start?
The best way to learn is simply to begin. Choose a kit that speaks to you, clear a bit of space on the kitchen table, make a cup of tea, and paint your first section.
You'll be surprised how quickly you fall into a rhythm — and how much you look forward to the next session.