Painting by numbers is a classic hobby, enjoyed by people around the world. But if you’ve never painted by numbers before, it can seem overwhelming. The page covered with paint colors, the blank canvas and all those tiny spaces to fill in can intimidate even the most seasoned painter.
It is a popular way to create a beautiful painting. For beginners, it is an easy, fun and practical way to paint.
Painting by Numbers is also called coloring by numbers, or color by numbers painting.
How Does It Work?
Paint by Number Kit usually consists of a linen canvas painted with corresponding numbered areas, non-toxic acrylic paints, and paint brushes. The process of painting by numbers is simple: you match the numbers on the canvas with the numbers on the tube of paint and fill in the appropriate areas to complete your masterpiece.
- Step 1: Find a suitable painting for your level.
- Step 2: Find a suitable frame for your painting.
- Step 3: Prepare all tools, including canvas, acrylic paints, brushes and other necessary tools.
- Step 4: Find out the corresponding paint number in each part of the painting according to the number marked on the canvas;
- Step 5: Paint each numbered section with corresponding color.
Paint every part carefully until you complete it in a listed below manner:
The first thing to do in this project is to lay out the canvas, paints, and brushes so that they are ready to use.
Next, you will need to choose paint by numbers kit. The most common kits are the ones that contain oil-based paints and brushes. These products are widely available online and at most art stores.
The next step is to paint the canvas with the same colors that are used in the kit. You can either use acrylics or watercolors for this task. Some artists prefer using watercolors because they can be easily blended into the paint by numbers project. However, acrylics can also be used for this purpose if you want your painting to look more realistic.
Painting By Numbers Kits Types
If you are new to painting, then it is important to choose a beginner’s kit that contains simple designs that can be easily completed by a person who does not have much experience in painting. These types of kits may include:
A basic starter kit with a few easy designs for beginners;
An intermediate kit with more complex designs for those who have some experience; and
An advanced kit with even more complex designs for those who already have experience in painting.
You should also consider other painting tools when purchasing paint by numbers kit.
Paint by Number Tips and Tricks
Paint by number tips and tricks can be very useful especially if you enjoy this hobby or plan on diving into it in the near future.
- Pick the Right Size of Painting
Usually, it is recommended to get a painting that is one-third of your wall size. However, you can always choose a bigger or smaller size depending on your preferences.
- Place the Painting on a Wall with Good Lighting
For this reason, you should consider placing the piece in an area with good lighting. If you have a window in your room, the light coming through it will do just fine.
- Paint one Number at a Time
If you have several colors in one number, start by painting the largest space first and then fill in the smaller areas as you go along. Do not use more than one color on a brush when painting!
- Dipping Your Brush in Water Often
There are two techniques for applying water to your brush: wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry. There is no right or wrong way to apply water to your brush; what matters most is that the consistency of paint stays the same throughout your painting process. The thicker your paint, the easier it will be to paint with but also keep in mind that if it gets too thick, it may not be possible to spread it evenly across your canvas.
Common Painting Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Painting a canvas can be incredibly satisfying, but it’s one of those tasks that are easy to mess up.
But the good news is you can do it if you follow a few simple rules. Below are some common pitfalls that painters face when painting by numbers kits for the first time and how to fix them.
- Not using primer. Primer is like glue for your paint, so it helps the paint stick better. It also blocks stains and discoloration from the wall, especially if you’re trying to paint over an existing color.
- Applying too much paint at once. Too much paint in one spot can cause drips and drops. Start by cutting in around the edges with a three-inch brush, and then fill in large areas with a roller. Use more than one coat of paint as necessary, applying each layer thinly to prevent drips and drops.
- Using the wrong type of paint for the job. Gloss paints are shiny and show imperfections easily, so they should be reserved for accent walls or trim work. For everything else, matte or eggshell finishes are best because they hide minor imperfections well and provide good coverage.
- Using a cheap brush. A quality brush will help you get a smooth finish without having to do multiple coats of paint, which saves time and money in the long run. For best results, look for synthetic brushes with angled bristles rather than natural bristles.
- Not reading the instructions. No matter how experienced you are with paint by numbers, you will most likely get stuck at one point or another. When this happens, it is time to read the instructions! The instructions in a kit should have everything that you need to know about completing your project. They will be able to help you with techniques and give you tips on what colors to use where.
Summary
Whether you are interested in painting an intricate masterpiece or a quick-fix, Paint by Numbers is an activity for all ages and skill levels. If this method of painting is appealing to you, be sure to look for art sets that offer clear paint instructions. Make sure your set has a good range of colors; some sets provide more color options than others. And remember, no artistic talent required! What are you waiting for? Go paint!
Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at BlueFashion. She has been steering the website’s content and editorial direction since 2013. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra’s expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.
