Have you ever looked at a blank canvas and been inspired to make art, but unsure where to start? The answer lies with paint by numbers for beginners. This is a pleasing and easy method of feeding your creativity that requires no artistic training.
At Malenify, our easy paint by numbers for adults kits will take you from your first brushstroke to a beautiful work of art. In this complete guide to paint by numbers for beginners, we will go through everything you need to know, like what paint by numbers is all about, why you will love it as a novice, how to choose the right kit, and what to do to succeed.
Whether you’re Googling what paint by numbers is or are ready to dive into a kit, such as Malenify’s Simple Woman Power DIY Metal Poster, this guide is your roadmap to creative confidence. Let’s get painting!
So, check out what we are covering in this ultimate guide to color by numbers.
Table of Contents
What Is Paint by Numbers?
Paint by numbers is a creative system in which a pre-printed canvas is segmented with numbers corresponding to a particular acrylic paint color. Match the numbers to the corresponding paint pots and fill in the sections, revealing a stunning image. It is like using paints instead of crayons in a coloring book!
Originally dreamed up in the 1950s by Max Klein, who created a popular line of paint-by-number paint kits, and Dan Robbins, the inventor of the paint-by-number canvas, this craft style rocketed in popularity due to its simplicity and accessibility.
Now, it’s a worldwide sensation. Malenify offers more than 1,200 designs, everything from paint-by-numbers for adults with tranquil landscapes to lighthearted pet portraits, such as the dog paint-by-numbers.
What is its special appeal to novices?
“The structured approach of canvas by numbers takes away the guesswork so that you can enjoy making art instead of thinking about how to create a composition.” It’s like following a recipe to make a delicious meal, where we don’t need a chef’s degree.
On top of ease, it’s super soothing. That’s what I am looking for to unwind stress and pressure at the end of the day. Want to dig into its origins? You can read about the history and evolution of Paint by Numbers and explore how this hobby influenced contemporary DIY art.
Benefits for Beginners
Getting started with paint by numbers for beginners is not only about making an artwork, but it’s about exploring what you can do. Here are the top perks that make it a must-try –
Builds Creative Confidence:
When you complete your first canvas, such as Malenify’s Simple Floral Paint by Numbers Kit, you will feel confident that you can make something unique and made by you only. You can share that on Facebook and other social media, and you can feel like crossing a finish line. You’ll think, “I can make art!”
Stress Relief:
The repetitive process of painting those numbered sections on canvas is soothing and relaxing; it will melt away daily work and office stress. Are you curious to know about this? In our article (#), we shared mental health benefits to learn more about these calming effects.
Skill Development:
You’ll unconsciously develop patience, hand-eye coordination, and color recognition with color by numbers. These skills are helpful and valuable in other hobbies and even daily life.
Customized embellishment for your painting may be a unique wall decoration, adding a bit of attraction to your dwelling. You can get framing tips for displaying your Paint by Numbers Art (#), and that will add an extra beauty to your masterpiece.
No Pressure:
If you have ever tried painting freehand without any segmented approach, you can feel the tension and stress that a beginner will go through. Unlike freehand painting, there is no worry about “messing up”. The numbers lead you every step of the way.
Malenify’s catalog is full of designs that make the most of these benefits, with easy patterns and intense colors, so your first time is a success.
Choosing Your First Kit
If you are a beginner, choosing the right paint by numbers kit for adults sets the tone for things you will do. We have more than 1200 designs to select from, with so many choices, here’s how to narrow it down:
Skill Level:
Choose kits labeled “easy” or “beginner.” Malenify’s beginner-friendly kits, which have fewer colors (about 15) and larger areas, are most suitable for beginners. You can check more paintings like those in our collection.
Spiritual:
I highly recommend that you opt for a design that inspires you. If you love animals? Check out our Wolf Paint by Numbers. Drawn to nature? The Easy Sunset Landscape Kit is soothing.
Canvas Size:
If you are a beginner, we recommend you select a canvas size of less than 16×20 inches. Smaller canvases (16×20 inches) are less intimidating and easier to finish.
Larger ones (20×24 inches) are for those who want a bigger project. More sizing tips are in How to Pick the Right Paint by Numbers Kit (#).
Quality Matters:
Beginners might struggle with a smudgy canvas or runny paints. Malenify kits come with clean, pre-printed canvases, professional-grade acrylics, and high quality brushes, You can also check our our detailed post about What Makes a High-Quality Paint by Numbers Kit? (#).
Budget:
No need to splurge, but steer clear of low-budget kits that cut corners on materials and quality. At Malenify, you can find a value balance DIY art kit for around $19.99.
Still unsure? Our detailed article about How to Choose the Best Beginner Paint by Numbers Kit (#) guides you in making your decision with customized suggestions.
Step-by-Step Painting Process
Are you ready for a painting journey? Here’s a guide on how to get started with your Malenify kit that is as simple as it is entertaining.
Take it Easy with the Box:
The kit includes a flexible canvas rolled up or a flat canvas with frame ( if you selected a pre-framed option), numbered paint pots, a small to medium brush, a large brush, and a reference sheet. The Paint by Numbers Kit comes with all the required tools and accessories.
Prepare Your Workspace:
I recommend you select a flat, well-lit surface. If possible, try to work in natural light because natural daylight is ideal for making sense of numbers. Lay down a newspaper, have a cup of water to rinse brushes, and keep paper towels nearby.
I always start with the larger areas with the biggest brush in the kit. Larger areas are generally the background and skies, and something like that. Because when you paint a larger section, it will feel like you are on the right track and will feel accomplished.
Match the number on the canvas (e.g., “3”) to the paint pot labeled “3.” Now paint the number “3” in the color on the section where “3” is written on the canvas. Start with lighter colors to avoid smudging.
Once number “3” is completed, move to the following number and complete that as well. Repeat the same process again and again until your masterpiece comes to life.
Tackle the Details:
Don’t use the large brush for all the areas of the painting; you should use small or medium brushes for more details, like petals or facial features. I recommend you not hurry and work slowly on the canvas for clean edges.
Take Breaks:
Genrally 30–60-minute painting sessions allow you to stay fresh. Don’t rush and enjoy the process. For more details about these, you can check our detailed post about What to Expect from Your First Paint by Numbers Experience (#), in which we discussed the pacing of painting.
Seal and Protect:
Once you paint the first portion of the canvas, you should leave it in the sunlight so it will dry. Once your painting is completed and dried properly, you can seal it with a clear varnish to preserve your artwork. If you want to learn more about how to care for Your Finished Paint by Numbers Canvas #, check this post.
Admire Your Creation:
Take a look back at your masterpiece! Ready to show it off? You will be proud of your artwork. You can also buy our DIY framing kit if you purchased the kit without a frame.
Check out the Step-By-Step Guide to Painting Your First Paint by Numbers Canvas (#).
Common Beginner Mistakes
No one gets it right on the first try, but avoiding these common mistakes will take your beginner’s experience from painting by numbers to the next level. Check out some common mistakes that beginners make in brief:
Overpainting:
If you paint too much in one section, it might obscure the numbers you need to see later. So always apply thin and even layers of paint.
Brush Too Big:
Beginners make this mistake more often. They use a large brush in smaller areas that creates messy edges. Every kit at Malenify comes with three-sized brushes for larger, medium, and smaller areas. So you should only use the larger brush for the bigger areas, not the smaller ones.
Rushing Through:
I can feel your emotions that you want to complete your painting faster, but going too fast causes shoddy work. You should take care of yourself as you paint and take breaks as necessary.
Poor Lighting:
When you work in low lighting conditions, the numbered section will not be correctly visible to you, leading to errors in your painting. I always recommend that you paint by a window or use a bright desk lamp so that the numbered sections on the canvas are visible properly.
Forgetting to Clean Up:
I recommend washing your brushes properly once you complete one specific color on the painting. Because if you don’t rinse your brushes between swatches, you’ll mix paints and muddy your canvas. So you should keep water nearby.
Malenify’s kits include detailed instructions and high-quality materials to reduce these problems so you can concentrate on creating them. Our article about Beginner Mistakes to Avoid in Paint by Numbers (#) goes into more depth if you want to learn more about it.
Tools You’ll Need
Your Malenify paint by numbers kit for adults has just what you need. We send you all the tools and accessories required to complete your painting without any stress. You will get canvas, paints, brushes, and a guide with the kit, but a few handy add-ons can be a game-changer:
Brushes:
Kits include small, medium, and large nylon brushes for most jobs. But if you are an advanced and professional user, I highly recommend getting our professional brush sets, which include 10 brushes of different sizes. These brush sets are free with our bigger canvas kits.
Easel:
If you want to take your canvas by numbers journey to the next level, you should have an easel stand. A tabletop easel can hold your canvas steady and lessen neck strain. You can check our cardboard stand if you want a cheaper option.
Magnifying Glass:
If you are working on a detailed canvas with 48 colors, you should use a magnifying glass. It is helpful for smaller portions, particularly for seniors or individuals with eyesight difficulty. If you want to read more, see Paint by Numbers for Seniors.
Mixing Palette:
If you want to experiment with your artwork, then a small plate can be used to dot paints or mix colors (for advanced users).
Frame:
We offer three types of painting: without frame, DIY frame, and pre-framed. More than 60% of our customers purchase a pre-framed painting so they don’t need to spend extra money on framing.
You must frame your artwork to decorate your home if you purchased a kit without a frame. You can buy the DIY frame separately with our Paint by Numbers Framing Kit (#).
Malenify’s Beginner kits are designed with the essentials in mind so you can get to painting right out of the box.
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Common Questions About Paint by Numbers for Beginners
To complete your knowledge about the basics, here are answers to common questions from beginners:
How long does it take to do a kit?
Painting time depends on the complexity of the design and your pace.
Most beginner kits at the 16×20-inch size will take 10–20 hours, depending on how much you dawdle. We paint in short sessions simply for fun, never fatigued.
Can I fix mistakes?
Yes! You can fix mistakes easily in the painting process. Once you make a mistake, cover it with the proper color paint.
Do I need art experience?
Not at all! Paint by numbers is made for zero-skill beginners. So if you never touched a paintbrush, you can still paint with painting by numbers.
What if my paints dry out?
At Malenify, we use high-quality paints, and our acrylic paint is durable, though if it thickens, you can add a drop of water and mix it well before starting to paint on canvas.
Can kids also do paint-by-numbers?
We have a lot of kid-friendly kits in our collection. Kids can paint with supervision. You can check out our Paint by Numbers for Kids for kid-friendly kits.
The answers address the most common searches for top paint by numbers tips to help you feel prepared.
Why Malenify Stands Out
Why Malenify? There are so many brands that sell paint-by-numbers for adults. Our kits are designed with beginners in mind:
- Clear Canvases: Accurate numbers eliminate confusion.
- Vibrant Paints: Acrylic paints that are rich and blend for a polished look.
- Wide Variety: Whether you like flowers or your favourite animals, more than 1,200 designs are available in the gallery for you.
- Customer Support: Stuck? We provide one of the best customer support services among paint-by-numbers websites.
Conclusion
Paint by numbers for beginners is a craft and a journey to creativity, relaxation, and pride. You’ll love Malenify’s easy paint by numbers for adults, like the Simple Floral Paint by Numbers Kit .
With everything from choosing a kit to avoiding pitfalls, this guide has covered the essentials so you can get started confidently. Are you ready to paint your first masterpiece? Explore our DIY painting range and choose a design you want to paint today.
