Painting by Numbers Photo Art Giraffes 3-Panel

High-quality paint-by-numbers kits can be identified by their good canvas quality, odorless and eco-friendly paints, and vibrant, consistent pigmentation.
Make sure the kit includes all the essential components:
- well-made brushes
- a sufficient number of clearly labeled paint pots
- a high-quality printed canvas with clearly visible numbered sections

Just as important is the design itself:
A great kit not only uses good materials but also offers creative, tasteful, and visually appealing motifs – not generic or overly commercial images.

With so many kits on the market, how do you choose one that suits you and provides a worry-free creative experience? We’ve put together two expert guides to help you make the best choice:

1. How to judge the quality of a paint-by-numbers kit (expert guide)
 https://mypaintlab.eu/collections/how-to-judge-the-quality-of-paint-by-numbers-kits

2. How to choose a paint-by-numbers kit: What selection criteria matter?
https://mypaintlab.eu/collections/how-to-choose-paint-by-numbers-kits

The time required can vary greatly. A simple paint-by-numbers picture with only a few areas – such as a children’s motif – may take about an hour to complete. More complex designs with many small sections, especially standard-sized adult kits, typically take 24 to 48 hours. We recommend painting at your own pace for the most enjoyable experience. That’s exactly what makes it so appealing for many people: Focusing on the motif is incredibly relaxing, helps to push daily stress into the background, and has been shown to reduce anxiety. That’s why rehab centers, adult daycare facilities, and self-help groups are increasingly turning to paint-by-numbers for adults – as a creative tool suitable for many different settings.

Paint-by-numbers isn’t something you do in just a few minutes. It’s about giving yourself mindful creative downtime – to relax, focus, and find peace.

Not at all! With our paint-by-numbers kits, getting started is easy. You don’t need artistic talent or prior experience. Just open the box and start filling in the numbered sections with the matching colors – that’s it! Our kits are suitable for all skill levels and come with easy-to-follow instructions.

They allow beginners to create beautiful artwork and offer satisfying results for experienced hobby painters too.

1.) Start with lighter colors – they’re easier to correct later on.

2.) Work in small sections so the paint spreads evenly. Don’t worry if you make a mistake: once the paint is dry, you can simply paint over it – for added texture and better results.

3.) Clean your brushes regularly to keep the lines sharp. Always close your paint pots carefully after use – this prevents them from drying out.

For more techniques and tips, check out our detailed guides:

myPaintLab Paint by Numbers Guide:
https://mypaintlab.eu/collections/the-ultimate-paint-by-numbers-guide 

myPaintLab Paint by Numbers Tips and Tricks:
https://mypaintlab.eu/collections/tips-and-tricks-for-paint-by-numbers 

1.) For DIY enthusiasts: Learn step by step how to professionally stretch and mount your canvas on a wooden frame.
Visit our guide and video here:
https://mypaintlab.eu/collections/how-to-stretch-frames 

2.) For small to medium standard sizes, stretching the canvas yourself is very doable – with a little patience and care.

3.) Important: For large-format canvases or multi-part designs (e.g. 2- to 7-panel sets), we recommend leaving the stretching to a professional.
You can also use our affordable professional stretching service – made in Germany, reliable, and ready to hang.

Do I need to mix the paints myself?

No. All the paints in our paint-by-numbers kits are pre-mixed and matched exactly to the selected motif. Just open the pot and start painting – no mixing required.

How do I keep the paints from drying out?

To keep your paints fresh, always close the lids tightly after each use. This prevents the paints from drying and ensures they are ready for your next painting session.

Why do some paints cover better than others?

Coverage depends on the opacity of the pigment. Every paint-by-numbers kit contains both opaque and semi-transparent colors. Colors like white and black are naturally more opaque, while yellow or orange may require multiple coats due to their transparency. This is completely normal – simply apply another layer if needed.

What if I make a mistake while painting?

No worries! Let the area dry completely and then paint over it with the correct color. If the new color doesn't fully cover the old one, apply a layer of white paint first, let it dry, and then paint over it again.

What should I do if the paint dries out?

If the paint becomes too thick or starts to dry, first ensure the lid is tightly closed. Our paints are water-based, so a small drop of water can help thin them. Use water sparingly to avoid reducing color intensity or coverage.
If the paint is already too dry, water may not be enough. In that case, you can try using an acrylic medium (like Floetrol) – or simply contact us to request a replacement color.

Note on Color Discrepancy

Some customers are curious about color discrepancies – we recommend our expert article [“Color Discrepancy”] for more insights.

https://mypaintlab.eu/collections/about-color-discrepancy