Painting is one of the most recommended hobbies to relax your body and mind. It will give you a creative outlet and a break from a busy lifestyle. However, if you’re a beginner and do not have much practice or knowledge in painting, you should give paint by numbers kits a try.
Paint by numbers kits are a great introduction to painting. This technique familiarizes you with basic painting skills as well as the materials and tools that it requires. It has a patterned canvas and ready-to-use paint for easy coloring. In this article, we prepared a guide on how to choose a paint by numbers kit and our top 10 recommendations that you can purchase online.
Paint by numbers kits come in many patterns and styles. Selecting the design that you want to try is actually the first part of the fun. Aside from picking a picture that you are most drawn to, let us guide you on what else to consider before buying a paint by numbers kit.
Simple designs are best for beginners while more experienced hobbyists enjoy more complex drawings. If it is your first time to try painting by numbers, select a design with a less-detailed pattern – the bigger the shapes, the better. You’d want to avoid feeling overwhelmed or disheartened. Finishing a simple yet beautiful artwork will encourage you to do more.
Flowers, fruits, and plants are some of the easier patterns that you can start with as these will help you practice the right brush grip and application of pigments. Meanwhile, portraits and landscapes such as gardens, cottages and farm houses have more details and color variation and painting patterns like these will help improve your concentration, patience, and eye for detail.
Animal drawings are best for kids because these have bigger shapes that they can fill-in easily. Choose a design with bright colors as well so they can also familiarize themselves with different pigments and shades.
A complete paint by numbers kit should include a high-quality linen canvas. This must have a clear pre-printed pattern and readable numbers so painting will be done smoothly. You must also receive easy-to-read instructions with the list of colors and their corresponding numbers.
It is a big advantage if the kit will include a photocopy of the numbered pattern, just in case you accidentally covered the numbers on your canvas as well as a colored photo or image of the final artwork so that you can use it as a guide.
The kit must also have a complete set of non-toxic acrylic paint. These are ready-to-use and no longer require color mixing or blending. The small tubs of paint by must be labeled according to its corresponding number. To avoid shortage of paint, take note that these paints have enough pigment to cover the numbers and lines with just one coat of paint.
Also, check if the kit comes with 3 brushes in different sizes and widths. You can use the biggest brush for the wider shapes. Meanwhile, the fine tip brushes will help you maneuver the pigment in smaller and narrower areas.
Paint by number kits are available in 3 kinds of packages – one without a frame, which means that you will be painting with just a rolled out linen canvas. This will require you to place a paperweight at each corner so your canvas will stay flat on the table. While this position gives you a wide space to work with, it can be straining especially in your neck.
Another kind is one with a ready and assembled frame, which allows you to paint with a steady base and a better posture. You won’t be worrying about “stretching” your finished creation because the canvas is already installed in the frame before painting on it. Also, your artwork will be ready-to-hang on the wall once finished.
You may also opt for a do-it-yourself frame. This means that you will receive four wooden stretcher bars to assemble the frame, and thumbtacks to fix the canvas onto the back of the frame. With this, you may choose to frame your canvas either before or after painting on it.
However, remember that DIY framing of the canvas requires stretching and ironing of the fabric to remove wrinkles and to secure a tight fit.
Check the reviews and ratings of the paint by numbers kit that you are eyeing. There you’ll get an idea whether previous buyers are satisfied with the kit or not. Know if the linen canvas is good, if the acrylic paint is enough or if the brush holds up or breaks too soon. Some customers would also attach a photo of the kit and the materials that they've received.
Others would post their finished artwork too. This will help you visualize the degree of difficulty. However, take note that the final look of the artwork may vary and will depend on the skills of the painter. Remember to manage your expectations as well.
In general, the ratings, user photos and reviews will help you make a more informed decision about your soon-to-be purchase.
From charming seascapes, plants, famous tourist spots to adorable animal drawings – paint by numbers kits will let you create a home décor with so much sentimental value. It is also a great gift idea whether as a kit for a hobbyist or as a finished artwork. To give you an idea of the variety in designs, here are 10 lovely paint by numbers kits that are available online.
₱364
Kit inclusions | Linen canvas, 1 set of acrylic paint, 3 brushes, 2 hooks |
---|---|
With Frame | No |
Size | 40 x 50 cm |
Level of Difficulty | Easy |
₱333
Kit inclusions | Linen canvas, 1 set of acrylic paint, 3 brushes, 2 hooks |
---|---|
With Frame | No |
Size | 40 x 50 cm |
Level of Difficulty | Medium |
₱544
Kit inclusions | Cotton canvas, 1 set of acrylic paint, 3 brushes, photo reference, 2 hooks, 2 metal pins |
---|---|
With Frame | No |
Size | 50 x 40 cm |
Level of Difficulty | Medium |
₱727
Kit inclusions | Canvas, 1 set of acrylic paint, 3 brushes |
---|---|
With Frame | Optional |
Size | 40 x 50 cm |
Level of Difficulty | Medium |
₱289
Kit inclusions | Linen drawing cloth, 1 set of propylene paint, 3 brushes, photo reference |
---|---|
With Frame | No |
Size | 40 x 50 cm |
Level of Difficulty | Medium |
₱399
Kit inclusions | Canvas, 1 set of acrylic paint, 3 brushes, colored photo reference, hooks |
---|---|
With Frame | No |
Size | 40 x 50 cm |
Level of Difficulty | Hard |
₱289
Kit inclusions | Cotton canvas, 1 set of acrylic paint, 3 brushes |
---|---|
With Frame | No |
Size | 40 x 50 cm |
Level of Difficulty | Hard |
₱284
Kit inclusions | Textured canvas, 1 set of acrylic paint, 3 brushes, 2 hooks |
---|---|
With Frame | No |
Size | 40 x 50 cm |
Level of Difficulty | Easy |
₱399
Kit inclusions | Canvas, 1 set of acrylic paint, 3 brushes, colored photo reference, hooks |
---|---|
With Frame | No |
Size | 40 x 50 cm |
Level of Difficulty | Hard |
₱359
Kit inclusions | Canvas, 1 set of oil paint, 3 brushes, 2 non-trace hooks, and 2 screws |
---|---|
With Frame | No |
Size | 40 x 50 cm |
Level of Difficulty | Hard |
Image | 1 ![]() | 2 ![]() | 3 | 4 ![]() | 5 ![]() beautyblooming.ph | 6 ![]() Vinci | 7 | 8 | 9 ![]() Vinci | 10 ![]() Hypo Household |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Indoor Plant Leaves | Sunny Beach Chairs | Giraffe and Elephant | Christmas Cookies | Small Daisies | Perfect Moment | Starry Night | Smiling Dog | Lakeside Boat | Eiffel Tower |
Features | Minimalist and Best for Beginners | Bring the Beach Scene Inside Your Home | Cute Animal Artwork for Your Baby’s Nursery | A Personalized Christmas Gift | A Garden of Daisies All Year Long | Do-It-Yourself Wedding or Anniversary Gift | Your Version of the Starry Night | A Portrait of Your Furry Buddy | A Charming Lakeside View for Your Home | Your Personal Eiffel Tower |
Price | ₱364 | ₱333 | ₱544 | ₱727 | ₱289 | ₱399 | ₱289 | ₱284 | ₱399 | ₱359 |
Kit inclusions | Linen canvas, 1 set of acrylic paint, 3 brushes, 2 hooks | Linen canvas, 1 set of acrylic paint, 3 brushes, 2 hooks | Cotton canvas, 1 set of acrylic paint, 3 brushes, photo reference, 2 hooks, 2 metal pins | Canvas, 1 set of acrylic paint, 3 brushes | Linen drawing cloth, 1 set of propylene paint, 3 brushes, photo reference | Canvas, 1 set of acrylic paint, 3 brushes, colored photo reference, hooks | Cotton canvas, 1 set of acrylic paint, 3 brushes | Textured canvas, 1 set of acrylic paint, 3 brushes, 2 hooks | Canvas, 1 set of acrylic paint, 3 brushes, colored photo reference, hooks | Canvas, 1 set of oil paint, 3 brushes, 2 non-trace hooks, and 2 screws |
With Frame | No | No | No | Optional | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Size | 40 x 50 cm | 40 x 50 cm | 50 x 40 cm | 40 x 50 cm | 40 x 50 cm | 40 x 50 cm | 40 x 50 cm | 40 x 50 cm | 40 x 50 cm | 40 x 50 cm |
Level of Difficulty | Easy | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | Hard | Hard | Easy | Hard | Hard |
Link |
In the YouTube video above by Tina Yong, she shares her experience and some tips in trying painting by numbers for the first time.
Tips:
Paint by numbers kits are a great way of introducing yourself to more creative hobbies. While it practices your motor skills, you can try other drawing tools to help you exercise your imagination and creativity. Click the article links below to see our recommended products for drawing and other arts and crafts activities.
Paint by numbers kits offer an exciting and easy introduction to painting. You can practice your brush grip and application of pigments while also improving your concentration, patience, and attention to detail. At the end of it, you’ll have a very special artwork that you can display at home or pass on as a gift.
These kits come in a wide variety of designs and patterns. From painting seascapes, your favorite plant or flower to animals and popular destinations – painting provides a relaxing break from your daily routines. It is a great stress reliever and a sure way to soothe your body and mind.
Author: Ayeza E. Mangulabnan
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