Learn paint by numbers tips for beginners to create stunning artwork. Simple techniques, color mixing tricks, and finishing methods from Shomaz Brand’s expert guides.
Starting your first paint by numbers project can feel a bit nerve-wracking, but it’s honestly one of the most relaxing hobbies you’ll try. Paint by numbers tips for beginners focus on mastering the basics – proper brush handling, color application, and finishing techniques that make your artwork look professional. Shomaz Brand creates beginner-friendly paint by numbers kits with pre-printed canvases, numbered paints, and quality brushes that simplify the whole process. You don’t need art school experience – just patience and these practical tips. Whether you’re working on landscapes, animals, or custom portraits, these techniques work across all paint by numbers designs.
Essential Supplies You’ll Need
Before you start painting, gather everything in one spot. Shomaz Brand’s paint by numbers kits include the canvas, paints, and brushes, but a few extras make the experience smoother.
Keep these items nearby:
- Two water cups – one for rinsing, one for clean water
- Paper towels – you’ll use these constantly
- Toothpick – perfect for stirring paints
- Good lighting – natural light works best
- Flat surface – a desk or table you can dedicate to your project
Some folks tape their canvas edges to a board. This keeps it flat and prevents curling while you work. You can also grab an easel if you prefer painting upright, though it’s not required for beginners.
Start with Light Colors First
Here’s a trick that saves you tons of frustration – start with the lightest colors on your canvas. Whites, yellows, and pastels should be your first priority. Why? If you accidentally paint outside the lines, it’s way easier to cover light paint with darker shades later.
Work your way from light to dark across the entire painting. This method also helps you see your progress faster since light areas tend to cover more space. Dark colors like blacks, browns, and deep blues should be your final layers.
Shomaz Brand’s beginner paint by numbers kits organize colors logically, making it simple to identify which shades to tackle first.
Paint One Color at a Time
Don’t jump around between colors randomly. Pick one number, find all those spots on your canvas, and complete them before moving to the next shade. This approach keeps you organized and prevents constant brush washing.
You’ll also notice patterns forming as you work. Maybe all the “7s” create tree branches, or the “12s” form a mountain range. Watching these elements come together is super satisfying and keeps you motivated.
If a color has dozens of tiny spots, you might want to do them in batches. Paint ten spots, let them dry, then come back for another ten. This prevents smudging wet paint with your hand.
Master the Brush Technique
Hold your brush like a pencil, about an inch from the bristles. This gives you control without gripping too tight. Proper brush handling makes a huge difference in how your painting turns out.
For larger areas, use the flat side of your brush with gentle strokes. Small numbered sections need the brush tip – think of it like dotting instead of painting. Don’t press too hard or you’ll damage the canvas and wear out your bristles.
Keep your brush clean between colors. Rinse thoroughly in water, wipe on a paper towel, then dip into the new shade. Dirty brushes create muddy colors that don’t match the reference image.
Work from Top to Bottom
If you’re right-handed, start from the top left corner and work your way down and right. Lefties should start top right and move down and left. This simple trick prevents your hand from dragging through wet paint and smudging your work.
Some painters cover completed sections with a clean sheet of paper. This protects finished areas while you’re working on other parts. It’s especially helpful for detailed paint by numbers designs with lots of small sections.
Don’t worry if you can’t finish in one sitting. Paint by numbers projects are meant to be done at your own pace – some people take weeks to complete one canvas.
Fix Mistakes Without Stress
Messed up? Don’t panic. Paint by numbers mistakes are totally fixable. If you painted the wrong number, just wait for it to dry completely (usually 20-30 minutes), then paint over it with the correct color.
Numbers still showing through your paint? That’s normal. Apply a second coat once the first layer dries. Shomaz Brand paints have good coverage, but lighter colors might need two or three thin coats instead of one thick layer.
Got paint on the wrong section? Grab a damp cotton swab and gently wipe it away before it dries. Once it’s dry, you’ll need to paint over it.
Keep Your Paints Fresh
Those little paint pots dry out fast if you’re not careful. Always close the lids tightly after each use. If a color starts getting thick, add one tiny drop of water and stir with a toothpick.
Never dip your brush directly from the paint pot into water – you’ll contaminate the whole container. Pour a small amount onto a palette (or paper plate) if you need to thin it out.
Store your paint by numbers kit in a cool, dry place. Heat makes paints dry faster and can cause lids to stick.
Blend Colors for Realistic Effects
Want your painting to look more professional? Try blending where two colors meet. While both paints are still wet, gently brush where they touch to create a smooth transition.
This works great for skies, water, and skin tones. You’re not trying to mix new colors – just softening the harsh lines between sections. Use very light strokes and a clean, slightly damp brush.
Shomaz Brand’s custom paint by numbers kits sometimes include blending suggestions in their instructions. Check if yours has specific areas marked for this technique.
Frame Your Finished Artwork
Once you’ve painted every numbered section, let your canvas dry for 24 hours. Then you’ve got options for finishing.
Some folks seal their painting with a clear acrylic varnish. This protects the paint and adds a slight shine. You can find spray or brush-on versions at craft stores – both work fine for paint by numbers artwork.
Framing makes your piece look gallery-ready. Measure your canvas and grab a frame that fits. You can mount it on foam board first if you want extra stability. Shomaz Brand offers framed and unframed options, so if you bought unframed, now’s the time to finish it properly.
Don’t hide your work in a drawer. Hang it up! You spent hours creating it, and it deserves to be displayed.
Choose the Right Difficulty Level
Beginner paint by numbers tips always include this – pick a design that matches your skill level. If you’ve never done this before, avoid kits with 40+ colors or super tiny sections.
Shomaz Brand’s beginner-friendly designs typically have larger numbered areas and 20-30 colors. Animals, simple landscapes, and florals work great for first-timers. Save the intricate cityscapes and detailed portraits for when you’ve got a few projects under your belt.
You can browse Shomaz’s paint by numbers collection to find designs sorted by difficulty. Starting too hard just leads to frustration and unfinished canvases.
Set Up a Comfortable Workspace
Paint by numbers projects take several hours, so your workspace matters. Pick a spot with good lighting – you need to clearly see those tiny numbers. A desk lamp works if natural light isn’t available.
Sit in a comfortable chair that supports your back. You’ll be leaning forward, so posture counts. Some people like painting at a slight angle using an easel or propped-up board.
Keep snacks and water nearby. It’s easy to get absorbed and forget to take breaks. Set a timer for every 30-40 minutes to rest your eyes and stretch.
Join the Paint by Numbers Community
Painting alone is fine, but sharing your progress makes it more fun. Shomaz Brand’s customers often post their finished works on social media. You’ll get ideas, see different techniques, and maybe make some friends who share your hobby.
Check out Facebook groups or Instagram hashtags for paint by numbers enthusiasts. People share tips, show off completed projects, and offer encouragement when you’re stuck.
If you’re working on a custom paint by numbers kit from a family photo, sharing the before-and-after transformation is really cool. Just remember to respect privacy if other people are in the image.
Key Takeaways
Paint by numbers tips for beginners boil down to patience and practice. Start with light colors, work one shade at a time, and don’t rush the process. Shomaz Brand provides quality beginner paint by numbers kits with everything you need to create beautiful artwork, even if you’ve never painted before.
The hobby’s meant to relax you, not stress you out. Mistakes happen, and they’re fixable. Your first painting might not be perfect, and that’s completely okay. Each project teaches you something new about brush control, color application, and finishing techniques.
For your next painting adventure, explore Shomaz’s custom paint by numbers to turn your favorite photos into paintable art. The skills you learn on beginner kits transfer perfectly to more complex designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to finish a paint by numbers project?
Most beginners spend 8-15 hours on their first paint by numbers canvas, depending on size and complexity. You don’t have to finish in one sitting – spread it out over days or weeks. Smaller designs (8×10 inches) take less time than larger ones (16×20 inches). Shomaz Brand kits include estimated completion times in their product descriptions to help you plan.
Can I mix paint by numbers colors to create new shades?
You can, but it’s not recommended for beginners. The pre-mixed colors match the reference image perfectly. If you start mixing, you might run out of certain shades or create colors that don’t match the design. Stick with the provided paints until you’re more experienced. Check out Shomaz’s beginner tips guide for more color management advice.
What should I do if I run out of a specific color?
Contact Shomaz Brand’s customer service – they often send replacement paints for free or a small fee. In the meantime, you can work on other sections. Don’t try to mix a replacement color unless you’re confident in color theory. Most quality paint by numbers kits include slightly more paint than needed, so running out is rare if you’re not overly generous with application.
Do I need painting experience to start paint by numbers?
Nope, zero experience required. That’s the whole point of paint by numbers for beginners – the design, colors, and placement are done for you. You just fill in the numbered sections. If you can color inside the lines (mostly), you can do this. Shomaz Brand’s starter kits are specifically designed for people who’ve never picked up a paintbrush.
How do I prevent the canvas from curling while I paint?
Tape the edges to a flat board or foam core before you start. Some people stretch their canvas on a wooden frame. Make sure your workspace is flat and stable. If your canvas came rolled, let it sit flat under some books for a day before painting. Shomaz paint by numbers canvases are pre-stretched on some kits, which eliminates this problem.
Should I seal my finished painting with varnish?
It’s optional but recommended. A clear acrylic sealer protects your paint by numbers artwork from dust and fading. Spray versions are easier for beginners than brush-on types. Wait 24 hours after finishing before applying any sealer. You can find sealers at craft stores or order them with your Shomaz Brand kit for convenience.
