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How to Paint by Numbers:

A Step-by-Step Tutorial

By Sophia_shawPublished about 18 hours ago 3 min read

Alright, now that you’ve got your kit and your workspace set up, let’s dive in! Don’t worry if you’re new to this—it’s easier than it looks, and we’re here to walk you through every step of the way. Picture this: you’re about to create something beautiful with your own hands. Just take it slow, enjoy the journey, and before you know it, you’ll be hanging your first masterpiece on the wall.

Step 1 – Choose Your Favourite Kit & Prepare Your Workspace

Pick the design that makes you go “wow!” Maybe it’s a serene landscape, an adorable animal, or even a custom photo of your pet, choose something that speaks to you. But as a newbie, we recommend you pick something with larger, simpler patterns—it’ll save you a ton of stress and make the process smoother.

Creating your creative space: Find a comfy spot that makes you feel relaxed—whether it’s your kitchen table, a desk, or even your favourite armchair (who says you can’t paint from the comfort of a comfy chair, right?). Gather everything you need: canvas, paints, brushes, water, tissues, and maybe a nice cup of tea if you’re in the UK (or coffee, we won’t judge).

Helpful Tip: Double-check your kit before starting! Make sure your paints are all there and sealed properly, the canvas is smooth and flat, and your brushes are in good shape. No surprises here, please.

choose your favourite paint by numbers from Houseart

Step 2 – Understand the Numbering System

This is where the fun really begins! Take a good look at your canvas and familiarize yourself with the numbering system. Each number on the canvas corresponds to a specific colour in the paint pots. It’s like a guide to your own little masterpiece.

Helpful Tip: If the numbers are tiny or hard to read (it happens!), don’t panic—just grab your phone! Take a clear photo of the canvas, zoom in, and voilà, your phone becomes the perfect painting assistant. Forget about fiddling with tiny magnifiers—this is the 21st century, after all!

Step 3 – Start Painting (Light to Dark Colours)

Now comes the fun part—painting! Start with lighter colours because, trust us, it’s much easier to fix mistakes that way. You’ll also want to work in small sections to stay organised, and don’t forget to work from top to bottom. That way, you won’t risk smudging your hard work.

Helpful Tip: Stick with one colour at a time. Don’t jump ahead to the next colour until you’ve fully painted the area. It’ll help keep your paints fresh and your mind clear—plus, you’ll feel a sense of progress with each completed section.

someone is enjoying the paint by numbers

Step 4 – Fix Mistakes & Keep Paints Fresh

We’ve all been there. That little slip of the brush, that accidental splatter. No big deal—mistakes are part of the fun!

  • For wet paint errors, gently wipe with a damp cotton swab or soft tissue.
  • For dried paint, carefully touch up with the same colour to blend seamlessly.

To keep your paints in optimal condition:

  • Always close lids tightly after use.
  • If the paint becomes thick, add a drop of water and stir gently to restore smooth consistency.
use a damp cotton swab to fix the wrong parts

Step 5 – Dry, Seal & Frame

Once your painting is looking fab, let it dry completely—no shortcuts here! Avoid using a hairdryer, though—heat can crack the paint and cause damage.

When it’s dry, you can apply a clear varnish to protect your creation and give it that beautiful glossy finish. After that, you’re ready to frame your work of art. If you want to go DIY, grab a wooden frame, or you can order a ready-made one for convenience.

Final Tip: Don’t forget to take a photo of your finished painting! Share it online, show it off to friends, or even gift it to someone as a personalized masterpiece. You did it!

Start Your Creative Journey Today

Imagine holding your very own masterpiece — a painting that started as a blank canvas and came to life under your brush. Paint by numbers isn’t just easy and relaxing; it’s a little journey of creativity and joy. Anyone can do it, and the sense of achievement is priceless.

So why wait? Grab a paint by numbers kit from Houseart’s full collection today, pick up your brush, and start turning blank spaces into your very own works of art.

Painting

About the Creator

Sophia_shaw

Lover of all things handmade. I turn simple materials into quirky creations, share tips, laughs, and the occasional “oops” moment.

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