Paint by numbers: Tips and tricks on how to do it right

For all art lovers who feel insecure in the face of a blank canvas, there is a wonderful opportunity to be creative and create your own masterpiece at the same time: painting by numbers .

This popular creative technique offers you the opportunity to reproduce famous paintings by simply following the given color and placement instructions on a pre-drawn template. This allows you to easily immerse yourself in the world of painting and learn how to create impressive works of art through precise composition and color selection.

This is not only a relaxing leisure activity , but also a step closer to understanding and appreciating art itself. Use this method to broaden your creative horizons and bring a touch of artistic flair into your home.

There are various kits on the market with different levels of difficulty and themes to suit every taste. Once you have a few paint-by-number ideas, you might want to learn some tips to further improve your artistic skills.

Important tips before buying

01 Buy the right paint-by-numbers set

Paint-by-number kits for adults are the perfect starting point for any artist. They help you learn how to use different brushes and how to control the paint. They also boost your confidence in painting with every step. You simply need to follow the paint-by-number .

02 How do you find a good supplier of paint-by-number sets? 

Before we really begin, it's crucial that you choose a high-quality paint-by-numbers supplier. Many reputable suppliers, such as Schipper, often offer only a limited selection of templates despite their high quality, are frequently expensive, and are based on cardboard.

First, search the internet for your desired design. Then you can decide which template you actually like and which also fits your budget.

Pay attention to the following features:

1. Short delivery times
2. Transparency regarding manufacturer and country of origin
3. Large selection of designs
4. Clear return policy
5. Positive reviews (e.g. on Google, Trusted Shops, etc.)
6. Presence and many followers on social networks
7. Shipment tracking available

Use these criteria to identify the best providers in Germany for your needs.

Just because a provider is considered trustworthy doesn't automatically mean they deliver high quality. You'll find all the important information about this in the next section.

03 How can you tell if the products are of high quality?

To create truly special and impressive paintings, the quality of the paint-by-number sets is crucial. These sets are not simply craft supplies; they offer the opportunity to discover creative forms of expression while simultaneously spending relaxing hours.

Fortunately, there are some essential features that distinguish high-quality paint-by-number sets in the digital world.

1. First, it's important to look at the supplier's presentation . High-quality suppliers often use professional photos that not only show the finished product but also clearly depict the contents of the packages. Make sure the photos are detailed and appealing.
2. Another indicator of excellent quality is the use of original designs and content . Providers who create their own designs invest time and creativity in their products. These unique designs often differ from the standards found in mass-produced items, thus offering you a more personal touch when painting.
3. high-resolution images of the canvas are another quality factor. These images not only convey a good sense of the final product, but also provide insights into the level of detail in the designs and colors.
4. Furthermore, positive online reviews and feedback from other customers an indispensable tool for assessing a provider's quality. Read through customer reviews and testimonials to get an authentic impression of other buyers' satisfaction.
5. Last but not least, you should pay attention to how clearly the numbered sections are printed on the canvas . Excellent print quality is essential for the entire painting process; easily legible numbers make filling in the spaces with color much easier and ensure a harmonious and appealing result. It's frustrating when numbers are blurry or difficult to read – so it's worth paying particular attention to this when making your selection.

The right preparation

04 Paint in a well-lit work area

Make sure you enter the world of art in a well-lit and ventilated area with nature in front of you so that you remain inspired, motivated, and emotionally stirred.

Another trick: Paints can be quite messy, and spills are inevitable, so it's best to have a designated area. Cover this area with plastic or newspaper so you can paint in peace.

05-A Ensure a stable painting surface

Painting by numbers requires a stable surface to minimize the risk of paint smudging and allow you to concentrate on the details. We recommend purchasing a frame or polystyrene board along with your canvas kit to ensure optimal canvas tension before you begin your creative process.

By placing your canvas directly in front of you, you encourage a more immersive painting experience. A polystyrene board also offers the flexibility to paint anywhere you like. Whether you want to enjoy a relaxing picnic outdoors or get creative in the cozy atmosphere of your room with loud music playing, such a board gives you the freedom to design your canvas exactly as you envision it and paint wherever you please.

05-B Stretch canvas on wooden frame (if included in the set)

Prepare the canvas on the wooden frame before you finish painting. If you also ordered a self-assembled wooden frame for your paint-by-numbers kit, we recommend stretching the canvas on it before you begin the final painting process.

The reason for this is that you might damage the already dried paint when stretching it.

06 Iron out creases and wrinkles

To achieve optimal results when working with your canvas, it is highly recommended to take the time beforehand to iron it carefully. Creases and wrinkles can not only detract from the appearance of your work but also disrupt your creative flow when you want to concentrate on the design.

A single ironing of the canvas removes unsightly creases and ensures that they are no longer visible after ironing. 

The best tips for an untroubled painting experience

07 Start with a downward movement

Now let's look at some technical tips and tricks for paint-by-numbers to give your work a professional touch. The first professional tip is that you should always start paint-by-numbers in reverse order – just like with diamond painting .

If you are right-handed, start with the top part of the design. If you are left-handed, you should start in the upper right corner. This will prevent you from smudging and blurring the colors on the canvas.

08 Optimal use of the brush tip

Before embarking on the creative adventure of paint-by-numbers, it is crucial to understand the correct way to handle your brush. The technique we recommend is to use only the tip of the brush.

This method allows you to not only significantly reduce paint consumption, but also to work more precisely and safely.

By focusing on the fine tip, you can precisely capture delicate details and nuances. This makes it easier to accurately fill in small numbered fields without painting outside the lines. It's a simple yet effective technique that will help you achieve a pleasing final result.

9. Document progress with photos

The ability to document your progress through photos not only gives you the chance to showcase your work but also to share the exciting project you're currently working on with others. What could be more fulfilling than capturing each step of your creative process in pictures?

Of course, what ultimately matters is the entire artwork you have created; however, it is valuable to document even the small milestones along the way. This allows you not only to recognize your continuous development but also to creatively add further color and nuance to your overall work. 

10. The darkest colors first

This paint-by-numbers tip will help you improve your painting skills, and it's relatively simple. Start with the darker shades in the paint boxes. This will help you understand color compatibility and the composition of your artwork, and create a smooth color transition.

Finally, the darker colors are usually the background, and once you're done with them, you'll get a pretty good idea of ​​where the picture is going.

11  Color all areas of a number at once

When coloring, you should always paint all segments of a number in a single pass before moving on to the next color. This way, you'll need to clean your brushes less often and can concentrate better on a single color.

12. Start with the large areas

Especially at the beginning of your paint-by-numbers experience, it is very important not to lose patience. Therefore, it is recommended to paint the larger areas first, so that you can see your progress after a short time and thus remain motivated.

13 First the edges of a field

This will do you a significant favor – not only in terms of saving time, but also because you can avoid many mistakes: First, draw along the edges of a number field with the brush – after you have completed this, you can easily color in the middle of the field.

This way you save time and work more precisely.

14. Thicken or thin the acrylic paint as needed

If you don't like the consistency of the acrylic paint for your paint-by-numbers kit, you can thin it with water or thicken it with flour – experiment carefully until the paints reach the desired texture. Keep in mind, however, that the opacity often decreases when you thin the paint, as this also reduces the concentration of the color pigments.

15. Make sure you use the correct color

This might sound like an obvious tip, but believe us. The biggest problems have arisen from this carelessness, and if you heed it, you will be able to drastically improve your painting skills. Make sure you use the right paints .

Perhaps you've encountered this situation while painting: You've found a quiet moment and are quite pleased with your work… Oops! You realize you haven't followed the first rule, namely matching the numbers to the colors. Well, if that happens, don't get upset.

Simply wait until it's dry, and then apply the correct color. You may need to apply a few extra coats to completely correct the mistake. If you want to avoid this mistake altogether, paint all areas with a single color in one go.

16. Cover the numbers with paint

The darker shades and additional layers almost completely obscure the printed numbers on the canvas, but the essence of the numbers still shines through the lighter tones. A pro tip for paint-by-numbers is to trace over the number with a white pen or marker, but not so heavily that it dents the canvas—just enough to make the dreaded numbers disappear.

If the number is visibly undercut, touch up the rest with a few coats of paint to make it look perfect. Make sure to allow enough drying time between coats. White paint is also useful if you make another mistake. Simply correct the flawed area with white and start again.

17. Use your paints sparingly

Traditionally, suppliers use paint containers with a volume of 3-5 ml for their paint-by-number paints, which necessitates economical use of the paints.

18 Flow improvers are important

Acrylic paints tend to thicken or dry out over time, especially if the user has neglected to close the lids. Since acrylic paints are water-soluble, a few drops can save the day.

Another tip for paint-by-number kits: If the situation worsens and the paint becomes completely seized, a few drops of paint thinner can make it look like new again. Some painters prefer a thinner consistency; it depends on your personal preference.

When learning how to improve your painting skills, keep in mind that adding water is fine, but it can reduce the intensity of the color. Adding a flow improver has a similar effect. It can restore vibrancy, but it also makes the paint thinner and easier to apply and work with.

19 Mix perfectly

Abstract paint-by-numbers painting uses small blocks of color to make the image vivid, vibrant, and bold. It looks stunning, but sometimes an overlapping and seamless image looks more professional.

To use this tip for paint-by-numbers, target two colored areas at once and, where the two colors meet, move your brushstrokes back and forth to create a seamless transition. Only apply this method to the areas where it makes the most sense.

20 Keep your brushes clean

Maintaining the health of your brushes is key to good artwork. Acrylic paints dry very quickly, and if you leave the paint on your brushes for too long, it can ruin the bristles.

Another way to improve your painting skills is to wipe the paint off your brush after each stroke. Keep a bowl of water, a cup of thinner, and a towel near your workspace to ensure you always have clean brushes