Your First Paint by Numbers: Everything You're Wondering (but didn’t know who to ask)

So, you've decided to dip your brush into the wonderful world of paint by numbers. Brilliant choice! Whether you're looking for a relaxing hobby, a creative outlet or just something to do that doesn't involve scrolling through your phone or binge watching Netflix … then you’ve found the right website .

But we know you've got questions. Loads of them. Don't worry, we've heard them all before and we're here to help. Let's tackle the most common first-timer questions with a bit of humour and a lot of honesty.

"Do I need to be artistic to do this?"

Absolutely not! That's the beauty of paint by numbers. If you can match a number on a pot to a number on a canvas, you're good to go. No art degree required. No natural talent necessary. Just you, some paint and a willingness to give it a go.

Think of it as colouring in for grown-ups but with a bit more sophistication and a lot more satisfaction when you're done.

"Will it actually look good when I'm finished?"

Yes! You literally cannot mess it up. That's the magic of paint by numbers. Just match the paint pot numbers with the numbers on the canvas. Even if you've never held a paintbrush in your life, you'll end up with something beautiful. 

"How long does it take?"

That depends entirely on you (and the design). Some people enjoy a weekend marathon session. Others prefer to take their time, painting a little bit each evening to unwind from the day. There's no right or wrong way, it's your time, your painting, your pace.

A 40x50cm canvas typically takes anywhere from 8 to 20 hours, depending on the complexity of the design and how often you stop for a coffee or maybe a gin 😁, either way, take your time and enjoy.

"What if I mess up?"

First of all, breathe. It's acrylic paint, which means it's forgiving. If you paint the wrong section, just let it dry and paint over it with the correct colour - easy peasy, just keep your reference sheet safe, they are gold in cases like this  

And here's a little secret: those tiny "mistakes" you're worried about? No one else will ever notice them. You'll see them because you know they're there, but everyone else will just see a gorgeous piece of art.

"Do I need any extra supplies?"

Nope! Our kits come with everything you need: pre-printed canvas, all the paints, brushes, and (for our 40x50cm kits) even a stretch frame. Just add water for rinsing your brushes, a cloth for wiping them, and maybe a cup of tea or glass of wine 😁.

Pro tip: Keep a jar of water nearby and rinse your brush between colours. Your future self will thank you.

"Which size should I start with?"

Our 40x50cm kits are perfect for beginners. They're large enough to be impressive but not so massive that they're intimidating. Plus, they come with a stretch frame, so you can pop your finished masterpiece straight onto the wall.

If you're feeling a bit more ambitious, our 60x75cm kits offer more detail and a bigger canvas to work with—but they do require a bit more time.

"Is it actually relaxing, or is that just marketing fluff?"

No marketing fluff, I promise you, paint by numbers genuinely are relaxing. There's something almost meditative about focusing on one tiny section at a time, watching the image slowly come to life. It's the perfect antidote to a busy, chaotic day.

Many of our customers say it's their favourite way to switch off, unwind and give their brains some quiet time from endless mental to-do lists. Think of it as mindfulness, but with prettier results.

"What do I do with it when I'm finished?"

Frame it! Hang it! Gift it! Show it off! You've put hours of work into creating something beautiful so don't hide it away in a cupboard.

Our 40x50cm kits come ready to hang, and our 60x75cm canvases include a DIY wooden frame which is super easy to assemble. Either way, you'll have a unique piece of art that you made with your own two hands. How cool is that?

"Can I really do this?"

Yes. Absolutely, 100%, without a doubt!

Paint by numbers isn't about being perfect. It's about enjoying the process, giving yourself permission to create and ending up with something you're proud of. So grab a kit, put on your favourite playlist and just start.

You've got this 🤗

Ready to get started? Browse our collection of paint by numbers kits and find the perfect design for your first masterpiece. Trust me, you're going to love it.