Do’s & Don’ts While Buying Paint by Numbers

Paint by Numbers has taken the world of creativity by storm. What started as a childhood activity has grown into a rewarding, therapeutic hobby for individuals of all ages. Whether you are new to Paint by Numbers or already halfway through a collection of canvases, getting the right kit can greatly influence your experience painting by numbers. There are a plethora of options available online and in stores, and knowing the dos and don'ts before purchasing your next Paint by Numbers kit is essential. 

Consider design choice, canvas quality, and type of paint used to ensure your painting experience is enjoyable and successful. There are even more consideration factors when thinking about custom paint by numbers before clicking that personalised order button. This is a full guide to help you buy smarter, paint better, and enjoy the process.

DO: Choose the Right Complexity Level

The first factor to think about when purchasing your Paint by Numbers kit is its complexity. There are kits with different levels of difficulty, ranging from beginner kits that have large surfaces and minimal colours or changes, to advanced kits that have detailed and intricate masterpieces which can be divided into tiny pieces to work on. 

Beginner kits are a great place to start if you're new to the hobby or looking for a relaxing pastime with little stress, as they tend to have fewer colour changes and a larger segment/surface to paint.

The intermediate and Advanced kits will have more detailed images and will be more difficult, however, some people thrive on the detailed work, which could make the time spent on such master piercing virtually fulfilling.

DON’T: Set reasonable expectations for yourself and don't overestimate your patience or skill level. Attempting to start off with too detailed a design can lead to potential frustration and, therefore, abandonment of the painting. Start doable and level up as your skills progress!

DO: Read Product Reviews and Descriptions Carefully

With countless kits available online, customer reviews are your friends! Check out the comments surrounding: 

• Paint quality 

• Canvas clarity

• Numbers Visibility

• Brushes 

• Delivery 

Descriptions will also indicate if the kit contains pre-mixed paint, if the canvas is pre-stretched or rolled, and what came in the box (frames, sealers, etc) 

DON’T: rely on images only. Just because they look good doesn't guarantee the quality of the kit. It's best to rely on reviews from verified buyers and to use unfiltered photos to give you a sense of what to expect. 

DO: Check for Complete Kit Contents

A good, quality Paint by Numbers kit will have everything you need to finish your painting. The standard contents of a paint by numbers kit typically include: 

- A pre-printed numbered canvas

- Numbered pots of acrylic paint

- 2-3 brushes of different sizes

- A reference sheet of your finished painting  

Some advanced kits or vendors may include things like hanging hooks, frames, or even a protective sealer.

DON'T: Assume that all kits are similar. Some budget kits may cut out on the amount of paint included or use cheap brushes, making your experience more difficult than it should be. Always check what is included in your kit before you purchase it.

DO: Select a Design You’ll Enjoy Painting

This might be a no-brainer, but selecting a design that you truly like makes all the difference. You are going to spend a long time with this image, whether it is of a landscape, animal, flower, or abstract. Choose something that makes you think, Wow, this is great! 

For a more personalised experience, you can look into a custom paint by number kit. You can take a photo, like a family photo, your pet, or a trip photo, upload it to a site, and get a custom paint by number canvas to paint. This has the added benefit of making the project more personalised, and the finished painting will become a memorable keepsake. 

DON'T: Buy a kit just because you saw it on sale or trending. If you don't have a connection to the image, you probably will not finish the painting. The emotional connection to the art you make can be a huge driver.

DO: Choose the Right Canvas Size

When painting, size does matter! A larger canvas offers a wider journey with more detail and ultimately, a more beautiful final product. However, it also requires a greater time commitment and patience.

A smaller canvas is usually quicker to paint and is ideal for new or more casual painters.

DON'T: Grab the giant canvas without considering your available time and painting endurance! If this is your first kit or you are looking for a limited-term project, you will want to stick with a smaller size to help ensure you are motivated and can reach the end of the journey quicker.

DO: Inspect Paint Quality

Acrylic paint is the paint of choice for Paint by Numbers kits, and for good reason, it is water-based, dries fast and offers vivid colour. A good acrylic Paint by Numbers kit will use high-quality, opaque paints that cover very well in just a few layers.

Make sure you read reviews and make sure that the paint doesn't come too runny, or dry out when it arrives. 

Some Paint by Numbers kits also have the option to buy separate pots of paint if you need one or more.

DON'T: dismiss warnings from others about inferior paint quality or dried paint. Poor paint quality can ruin your painting experience, and you may have to purchase items separately.

DO: Explore Customisation for Gifts and Home Decor

With Paint by Numbers becoming more popular, more people are using it to create unique gifts or personalised home décor. With custom paint by numbers, you can paint a moment that means something to you– your wedding day, a baby's first smile, your pet's goofy face. 

Customised paint by numbers make creative gifts and allow you to put a personal spin that is difficult to replicate with store-bought art.

DON’T: Don't order too quickly without confirming the quality and clarity of the image. Check the quality of the photo is high quality and bright. Blurry or vague images on canvas can lead to blurry or vague images for your final painting.

DO: Plan for Framing

If you plan to show off your painting later, decide if your kit will be framed or unframed. Some kits include pre-stretched canvases on wooden frames, while other kits contain canvases intended to be rolled (and require stretching or framing later). 

DON'T: Mistake that all kits will be ready to hang. If it is essential for you to have your canvas framed, include the extra cost or time to properly mount your finished canvas.

DO: Understand Shipping and Return Policies

In order to avoid future hassles, take note of the shipping times and returns from the international seller. Some overseas kits can take 4 or more weeks to reach your door, and you may have a more limited or nonexistent return policy. 

DON’T: Don't wait until the last minute to order a kit if it is for a gift or a timed project. Be proactive, especially about custom kits, as those kits usually require more time from production to delivery.

Final Thoughts

Paint by Numbers is more than just a pastime; it’s a place to escape creatively, practice meditation and personal expression in a fulfilling way. Whether it’s a beautiful landscape, a bowl of flowers, or the picture that you treasure, the right kit can help make the entire creative process magical.

By following these tips and pointers, you will be better equipped to buy a kit that reflects your interest and preferences and is appropriate for your skill level and the purpose for which you will be painting. From checking what comes in the kit to verify the size of the canvas, from thinking about what it will mean to personalize your paint by numbers experience, whether it be to create art, a gift or something else to show off, all of this will affect how much fun you will have with your painting experience.

The next time you’re searching for a new painting kit (for an upcoming project) on paint by numbers kits, be it a standard or someone's hand-painted, remember this to paint smarter, better and more creatively, one number at a time.