Getting into painting by numbers is one of the most relaxing ways to unwind, but nothing kills the vibe faster than picking a kit that’s all wrong. Whether you’re a complete newbie holding a brush for the first time or a seasoned painter looking for a new challenge, getting the right design is what makes it all worth it.
Before you go and buy that next canvas, take a minute to think about these factors that make all the difference. Choosing the right paint by numbers kit can mean the difference between a good time and a frustrating one.
1. Get a Kit That’s Within Your Grasp
When choosing a paint by numbers kit its easy to be seduced by how beautiful the finished picture will look. But the level of difficulty in a kit is just as much about your patience as it is about your artistic skills.
- **For Newbies:**Go for kits with big blocks of colour and simple lines, these are perfect for getting comfortable with your brush and paint flow, without getting bogged down with all sorts of tiny details.\
- For The Pros: If you find the big blocks a bit dull, then look for the more advanced kits with intricate patterns, tiny cells and lots of subtle shading. These are ideal for someone with a steady hand who wants to create something really special.
2. Making Memories with Art
Sometimes just browsing through all those generic landscapes and flowers doesn’t spark that creative fire within you. Maybe what you really want to paint is something that really means something to you.

This is where personalisation comes in. Instead of painting some generic scene, why not turn that one special photo into a canvas? Whether its that wedding picture, that picture of your pet or a holiday snap, turning it into a paint by numbers kit for adults is a great way to keep motivated because you’ll be painting something that really matters to you.
3. Check the Quality of the Materials
Not all kits are created equal. The difference between a budget kit and a good one all comes down to the quality of the canvas and the paint.
- The Canvas: You want a canvas thats going to be durable, (usually made from stuff like cotton or a linen mix). This will stop it from getting all creased up and make it easy to paint.\
- The Paints: Acrylic paints are the standard, but make sure they are good quality ones with lots of pigment. The cheaper ones can take ages to cover the number on the canvas and get all frustrating.
4. Think About Where You Will Display The Art
Before you go and buy a kit, stop and think about where the finished picture will go. Its easy to under estimate how big a canvas is just looking at it on a screen.
Measure the space where you plan to put the picture. A big 50x60cm canvas may look cluttered in a small hallway, while a small one may get lost on a big living room wall. Also think about the colours in the painting. Will it clash with your curtains or match your sofa. Choosing a design that fits with your room is like buying a piece of furniture.
5. Lighting and Your Eyes
Finally, think about the practical side of painting. Some paintings need very dark colours or loads of different shades of the same colour (like 15 different greys). If you are painting in a dimly lit room or have trouble with your eyes, these can be a real strain.
If you want a relaxing evening, look for designs with high contrast and loads of different colours. This makes it easy to see what you are doing and keeps it enjoyable.
In Conclusion
Choosing the right kit is the first step to creating that masterpiece. By mixing up your skill level with good quality materials and picking a subject that speaks to you, you set yourself up for a great time. Happy painting!
