12 Paint By Number Tips & Tricks

12 Paint By Number Tips and Tricks!

Paint by number kits are a great way to relax and create something beautiful. Whether you plan to display your finished work or you’re just looking for a satisfying activity, it’s important to enjoy the process!

Below, we’ve gathered some tips and tricks to help you make the most of your paint by number experience.

1. Gather Your Supplies

Before you start each painting session, make sure you have all your supplies on hand. Preparing beforehand will make the whole process smoother! Lay out your brushes, paints, and canvas in a comfortable, well-lit location. It’s also helpful to have a few paper towels and a cup of water to clean your brushes.

2. Paint with Light Colors First

If you’re having trouble deciding how to start painting your paint by number, one option is to start with the lightest colors and then work your way to the darker ones. Our Gold Collection paint pots are numbered from 1-24, with #1 being the lightest colorand #24 being the darkest. You can paint in numerical order or feel free to paint in whichever order you like!

3. Paint Spaces from Largest to Smallest

Another option for painting order is to start with the largest spaces and work your way to the smallest. The biggest spaces are often in the background, which means you’ll get the hang of painting before you move on to the details.

4. Be Sparing with Paint

Overloading your brush with paint can create a mess on the canvas, especially when you’re working with small spaces. Dip the tip of the brush in the paint — you’d be surprised how much a small amount can cover. Using less will also make your paint last longer!

5. Double-Check Numbers Before Painting

A very common mistake is accidentally using the wrong paint in a section. Accidents happen, and you can usually paint over any mistakes, but be sure to double-check that the numbers match!

6. Avoid Smearing

Be careful not to smear or smudge any wet paint while you’re working on other spaces. To avoid this, work downwards and away from your dominant hand. For example, if you’re right-handed, start in the top left corner and move down and to the right. If you’re left-handed, start in the top right corner and work your way down and to the left.

7. Make Sure Numbers are Covered

If you’ve painted a section and you can still see the number through the paint, don’t worry! This is common with lighter colors. Just wait until the first coat dries and apply another even coat of paint. Covering the numbers will create a more authentic and professional final look.

8. Add Water to Thick Paint

Sometimes paint thickens in the pot and gets hard to use. Luckily, most paint by numbers use water-soluble paint! Just add a few drops of warm water to the pot at a time and stir until you reach the consistency you want

9. Take Care of Your Supplies

The better you care for your supplies, the longer you’ll be able to use them! Always close your paint pots when you aren’t using them to prevent them from drying out. If you won’t be using them for a while, try storing them in a resealable plastic bag. Gently rinse your brushes before using another paint color. Avoid smashing or crushing the bristles and keep paint away from the ferrule.

10. Get Creative!

Once you get the hang of painting by number, feel free to add your own personal touches. For example, try mixing colors, experimenting with textures, and testing different brushes. You’ll be amazed at what you can create!

11. Try Blending

One way to add a creative touch to your painting is by blending the edges. This can make the finished piece look softer and more natural. Our premium Paint by Number Kits include a water brush, which makes blending colors easy! When the paint is still wet, gently squeeze the filled water brush and use small strokes to blend the edges of two colors together. This technique works well with distant features and backgrounds!

12. Finish Up

When you’ve finally completed your piece, it’s ready to display! Our paint by number canvases come pre-framed and come with hanging hardware, making them easy to hang or prop up. Choose a place to proudly show off your work and admire your creation!

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