What is paint by numbers? It’s a creative hobby where you paint numbered sections on a pre-printed canvas with matching colored paints. Each number corresponds to a specific color, so you just fill in the spaces and watch a complete painting appear. No artistic skills required.
Think of it like a coloring book for adults, but with actual paint. You get a canvas, brushes, and numbered paint pots. Match number 1 with paint pot 1, fill that section, repeat. By the time you’re done, you’ve created a legit piece of art.
Here’s why it’s gotten so popular: it’s relaxing, anyone can do it, and you end up with something worth hanging on your wall. Plus, it costs way less than therapy.
How Does Paint by Numbers Work?
You match numbers on a pre-printed canvas to numbered paint pots and fill in each section. The canvas shows the entire design divided into numbered shapes. Paint pot 1 fills all sections marked “1,” paint pot 2 fills all the “2s,” and so on. When you’ve painted every numbered section, the complete image appears.
What’s included in a kit:
Your canvas comes pre-printed with the design broken into numbered sections. It’s usually pre-stretched on a wooden frame, ready to paint straight away.
The acrylic paints arrive in numbered pots that correspond exactly to the numbers on your canvas. Each color is pre-mixed to professional specifications.
Brushes come in three sizes: fine-tip for tiny details, medium for most sections, and broad for large background areas.
A reference picture shows the finished painting so you can see what you’re creating.
The actual painting process:
Pick any number and find all the sections marked with that number on your canvas. Open the matching paint pot. Fill in every section with that number. Move to the next number and repeat.
Work through each numbered color until the entire canvas is covered. The image reveals itself gradually as you paint. Let sections dry before painting adjacent areas to keep edges clean and prevent colors from mixing.
Why it works so well:
Professional artists design these templates. They’ve already handled the hard parts like color selection, composition, and shading. You’re following their expert roadmap, which guarantees a beautiful result without needing any artistic training.
The History Behind This Creative Hobby
Paint by numbers started in 1950s America. An engineer named Dan Robbins worked for Palmer Paint Company and had this idea: what if regular people could paint like artists?
He created the first kits using Leonardo da Vinci’s technique of numbered patterns for apprentices. The kits exploded in popularity. By 1954, one in five American homes owned a paint by numbers set.
Critics hated it. They said it wasn’t “real art.” But millions of people didn’t care. They were painting, relaxing, and decorating their homes with stuff they made themselves.
Fast forward to today. Paint by numbers is having a massive comeback. Adults are buying kits to unwind, practice mindfulness, and create personalized wall art. Shomaz Brand offers hundreds of designs, from classic landscapes to custom kits using your own photos.
What Makes a Good Paint by Numbers Kit?
Not all kits are created equal. Here’s what separates the good from the garbage.
Canvas Quality Good kits use thick, pre-stretched canvas. Cheap ones give you flimsy fabric that wrinkles. Shomaz Brand kits come pre-mounted on wooden frames, ready to paint and hang.
Paint Coverage Quality acrylic paint covers in 1-2 coats. Watered-down, cheap paint? You’ll need 5 coats and still see canvas showing through. Total waste of time.
Number Clarity: Numbers should be visible but not so dark they show through the paint. Grey or light blue numbers are perfect. Black numbers bleeding through your finished painting? Nightmare.
Brush Set: You need at least 3 brushes: fine detail, medium, and broader strokes. Brushes that shed bristles into your wet paint will drive you nuts.
Design Complexity: Beginners should start with 20-30 colors max. Advanced painters can handle 40+ colors with tiny detail sections. Know your skill level.
Types of Paint by Numbers Kits Available
The variety now is insane. You’re not stuck with just boring landscapes anymore.
Classic Designs
- Landscapes and nature scenes
- Famous paintings (Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Monet’s Water Lilies)
- Animals and pets
- Flowers and gardens
- Cities and landmarks
Browse classic collections to find traditional designs.
Custom Photo Kits This is where it gets personal. Upload your photo and companies convert it into a paint by numbers template. Popular choices:
- Wedding photos
- Pet portraits
- Family pictures
- Vacation snapshots
- Memorial tributes
Shomaz Brand offers custom paint by numbers that turn your memories into paintable art.
Themed Collections
- Disney characters
- Star Wars scenes
- Harry Potter imagery
- Anime and manga
- Abstract and modern art
Difficulty Levels
- Beginner: Large sections, 15-25 colors, simple designs
- Intermediate: Medium sections, 25-35 colors, moderate detail
- Advanced: Tiny sections, 35-50+ colors, complex shading
Benefits of Doing Paint by Numbers
Beyond just making pretty pictures, this hobby offers real perks.
Mental Health Boost Painting by numbers is meditative. You focus on one small section at a time. Your brain stops racing. Anxiety quiets down. It’s like meditation but you end up with artwork instead of just inner peace.
Studies show repetitive creative tasks reduce cortisol (stress hormone) and increase dopamine (happy chemical). That’s science backing up what painters already know: this stuff works.
Improves Focus You can’t scroll Instagram while painting. Well, you can, but you’ll mess up your painting. This hobby forces you to be present. Single-task. Actually focus on one thing.
In our distracted world, that’s rare and valuable.
Builds Confidence Never painted before? Doesn’t matter. You’ll finish your first kit and think, “Holy crap, I made that?” It looks good. You feel proud. That confidence spills over into other areas.
Plus, you’ve got proof you can stick with something and finish it. That matters more than people think.
Cost-Effective Hobby Compared to other hobbies:
- Gym membership: $50/month
- Streaming services: $15-30/month
- Going out: $100+ per weekend
A quality paint by numbers kit? $25-35. Gives you 10-20 hours of entertainment. Do the math. It’s cheap therapy, cheap entertainment, and cheap home decor all in one.
Home Decor Store-bought canvas art costs $50-200 easy. Your finished paint by numbers? Looks just as good hanging on your wall. Plus, you made it, so it means something.
Check out completed examples to see what finished kits look like framed.
Step-by-Step: How to Paint by Numbers for Beginners
Your first kit can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to tackle it without freaking out.
Before You Start
Set Up Your Workspace
- Good lighting (natural light is best)
- Flat surface (table or desk)
- Cup of water for rinsing brushes
- Paper towels or old cloth
- Small plate for mixing (optional)
Organize Your Supplies
- Lay out all paint pots
- Check each number against the canvas
- Make sure you have every color listed
Painting Process
Start with Large Areas Find the biggest sections first. These are easier and build your confidence. You’ll get comfortable with the paint consistency and brush control.
Work Light to Dark Paint lighter colors before darker ones. If you mess up and go outside the lines, dark paint covers mistakes better than light colors.
One Color at a Time Some people paint all the “1” sections, then all the “2” sections, etc. Keeps you from constantly switching paint pots and cleaning brushes.
Others work on one area of the painting at a time. Do whatever feels natural to you.
Two Coats Usually Does It First coat might look streaky. Don’t panic. Let it dry completely (30 minutes), then add a second coat. Most sections need just two coats for solid coverage.
Clean Brushes Between Colors Dip in water, swirl, wipe on paper towel. Repeat until water runs clear. Dirty brushes muddy your colors.
Seal Paint Pots After Use Acrylic paint dries fast. Close lids tight every time. Otherwise, you’ll open pot #17 three days later and find dried-out paint. Total buzzkill.
After You Finish
Let It Dry Completely Wait 24 hours before handling. Touch it too soon and you’ll smudge something. Always happens.
Optional: Add Varnish Clear acrylic varnish makes colors pop and protects against dust. Spray-on varnish is easiest. Brush-on works too.
Frame or Hang It Most Shomaz Brand kits come pre-stretched on frames. Just add hanging hardware on back and you’re done.
For unmounted canvases, take them to a frame shop or grab a cheap frame from Target.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from other people’s screw-ups.
Painting While Tired You’ll get sloppy. Paint outside the lines. Use the wrong color. Save painting for when you’re alert and actually enjoying it.
Not Testing Paint First Some paints are thick, some are thin. Test on a small section first to see how it behaves. Adjust technique accordingly.
Rushing Through It This isn’t a race. The whole point is to relax and enjoy the process. Rushing defeats the purpose and your painting looks worse.
Ignoring the Reference Picture Glance at it occasionally. Make sure your colors are going in the right spots. Easy to grab the wrong pot when you’re in the zone.
Using Too Much Paint You don’t need globs. Thin, even coats work better. Saves paint too.
Forgetting to Clean Brushes Let paint dry on your brush and it’s ruined. Clean them every time. Your future self will thank you.
Who Should Try Paint by Numbers?
Literally anyone. But especially these folks:
Complete Beginners Never touched a paintbrush? Perfect. That’s exactly who this is for. You’ll be shocked at what you create.
Anxious People The repetitive, focused nature calms racing thoughts. Better than scrolling social media for the tenth time today.
Recovering Patients Physical therapy sometimes recommends paint by numbers. Improves fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Plus, it’s fun, which helps motivation.
Retirees Gives you a project. Keeps your mind active. Social aspect too, if you join painting groups.
Parents Paint after kids go to bed. It’s your time. Your hobby. Your thing that isn’t about anyone else.
Gift Givers Custom kits make incredible gifts. Turn someone’s wedding photo or beloved pet into a paint by numbers kit. They’ll remember it forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any art experience?
Nope. Zero. That’s the whole point. If you can color inside lines (mostly), you can do this. Millions of people with no art background paint by numbers every day.
How long does it take to complete?
Depends on size and detail. Simple kits: 4-6 hours total. Complex ones: 15-25 hours. You don’t do it all at once. Paint for an hour here, two hours there. Most people finish within 2-4 weeks.
What if I run out of a color?
Quality brands like Shomaz provide extra paint. If you somehow run out, contact customer service. They’ll usually send replacement paints free.
Can I mix colors?
You can, but you don’t need to. The kit provides exactly what you need. Mixing is for advanced painters who want to customize.
What if I mess up?
Let it dry, paint over it. Acrylics are forgiving. Darker colors cover mistakes easily. Worst case, it adds “character.” Nobody will notice but you.
Is paint by numbers real art?
Who cares? You’re creating something. You’re relaxing. You’re proud of the result. That’s what matters. Art snobs can get over themselves.
Can kids do adult kits?
Adult kits have tiny sections and lots of colors. Too frustrating for most kids under 12. Get them kid-specific kits with bigger sections and fewer colors.
Where do I buy quality kits?
Shomaz Brand offers hundreds of designs with quality materials. Ships from the US, arrives fast. Their custom kits turn your photos into paintings.
Also check Shomaz’s Etsy shop for unique designs and seasonal sales.
Final Thoughts on Paint by Numbers
What is paint by numbers? It’s a way to create art without needing talent. A method to relax without needing a prescription. A hobby that costs less than dinner out but provides hours of satisfaction.
You get a canvas, some paint, and instructions so simple a kid could follow them. But the experience? That’s something else. It’s meditative. Rewarding. Surprisingly addictive.
Your first kit might feel weird. You’re not used to focusing on one thing for that long. You’ll probably critique your technique. By kit number three, you’ll be hooked. You’ll have a wishlist of designs you want to paint.
The beauty is in the process as much as the result. Yeah, you end up with gorgeous art for your wall. But those hours spent painting? Those quiet moments where your brain finally shuts up? That’s the real gift.
Grab a beginner-friendly kit from Shomaz Brand and see what happens. Worst case, you spend $25 and realize it’s not for you. Best case? You’ve found your new favorite way to unwind.
Either way, you’ll have tried something new. And that’s always worth it.
