How to choose the right paint by number kit for you

Choosing a paint by number

 kit sounds simple until you realise how many options are available. There are landscapes, pets, flowers, portraits, famous artworks, abstract designs, beginner kits, advanced kits, framed canvases, rolled canvases, and kits with different paint types and brush quality.

The right kit can make the painting process relaxing, enjoyable, and rewarding. The wrong kit can feel frustrating, too difficult, or not as satisfying as you expected.

Whether you are buying your first paint by number kit or choosing your next project, this guide will help you understand what to look for before you buy.

Start with your experience level

The most important thing to consider is your painting experience.

Paint by number kits are designed to make painting easier, but not every kit is beginner-friendly. Some designs have large, simple sections, while others have hundreds of tiny details that require patience and a steady hand.

If you are new to paint by numbers, start with a kit that has:

• larger painting areas
• fewer tiny sections
• clear numbers
• simple colour transitions
• a medium-sized canvas
• a design that does not rely heavily on fine detail

Beginner-friendly kits often include flowers, simple landscapes, cute animals, beach scenes, and bold decorative artwork.

If you have already completed a few kits, you may enjoy something more detailed, such as a cityscape, pet portrait, complex landscape, or famous artwork reproduction.

The goal is to choose a kit that feels exciting but not overwhelming.

Think about how much detail you enjoy

Some people love detailed kits because they enjoy slow, careful painting. Others prefer a more relaxed experience with bigger sections and faster progress.

Before choosing a kit, look closely at the preview image and, if available, the numbered canvas layout.

A highly detailed kit will usually have:

• many small sections
• more colour shades
• subtle changes between similar colours
• realistic shadows and highlights
• more time required to complete

A simpler kit will usually have:

• larger spaces
• fewer colours
• stronger outlines
• less blending
• quicker progress

Neither option is better. It depends on what you want from the experience.

If you want something calming after work, a simpler kit may be better. If you want a project that keeps you engaged for weeks, a detailed kit may be more satisfying.

Choose a subject you actually love

This may sound obvious, but it matters.

Paint by number kits take time. You may spend several hours, days, or even weeks working on one piece. If you do not genuinely like the image, you may lose motivation halfway through.

Choose a subject that makes you feel something.

Popular paint by number themes include:

Landscapes

Beaches and oceans

Flowers and gardens

Pets and animals

Cities and travel scenes

People and portraits

Abstract art

Fantasy themes

Religious or spiritual designs

Famous artwork reproductions

Ask yourself where the finished artwork might go.

Would you hang it in your bedroom, living room, office, hallway, or child’s room? Would it suit your home style? Would it make a good gift?

The best kit is not just one that looks impressive online. It is one you will enjoy painting and feel proud to display.

Consider the canvas size

Canvas size affects both the painting experience and the final result.

Smaller kits are easier to store, quicker to finish, and often less intimidating. However, if the image has too much detail on a small canvas, the sections can become very tiny and difficult to paint.

Larger kits usually allow more detail and can look more impressive when finished, but they also take longer and require more patience.

Common sizes include:

• 20 x 25 cm
• 30 x 40 cm
• 40 x 50 cm
• 50 x 60 cm

For most beginners, a 30 x 40 cm or 40 x 50 cm kit is a good starting point. These sizes are large enough to show detail but not so large that the project feels endless.

If you want wall art, choose a size that suits the space where you plan to hang it. A small kit may look lovely on a desk or shelf, while a larger canvas can become a statement piece.

Check whether the canvas is framed or rolled

Paint by number kits usually come in two main formats: framed or rolled.

A framed canvas is already stretched over a wooden frame. This makes it easier to paint because the surface is firm and ready to use. It is also easier to hang once finished.

A rolled canvas comes rolled in a tube or package. It is usually more affordable and easier to ship, but you may need to flatten it before painting. You may also need to frame it later if you want to display it.

A framed kit is best if you want:

• a ready-to-paint surface
• less setup
• easier display after finishing
• a more premium feel

A rolled kit is best if you want:

• a cheaper option
• easier storage
• flexibility with framing later
• a kit that can be painted on a table or board

If you choose a rolled canvas, flatten it before you begin. You can place it under heavy books for a day or tape it gently to a flat board while painting.

Look at the colour palette

The colours in a kit can completely change the painting experience.

Some kits use bright, bold colours. Others use soft pastels, earthy tones, or many similar shades. A sunset kit may include lots of orange, pink, and purple. A forest kit may include many greens and browns. A portrait may include many skin tones and subtle shadows.

Before buying, think about whether you enjoy working with those colours.

Also consider where the finished artwork will be displayed. If your home has neutral styling, you may prefer soft landscapes, florals, or minimalist designs. If you love colour, a vibrant animal, abstract piece, or tropical scene may suit you better.

Some colours can be more challenging than others. Light colours such as white, yellow, cream, pale pink, and light blue may need two coats to cover the printed numbers. Darker colours usually cover more easily.

This does not mean you should avoid light-coloured kits, but it helps to know what to expect.

Decide how much time you want to spend

Paint by number kits vary greatly in completion time.

A simple beginner kit may take a few hours. A detailed adult kit may take 20, 30, or even 50 hours depending on the design, canvas size, and your painting speed.

Think about what kind of project you want.

• Do you want something quick and relaxing for the weekend?
• Do you want a slow hobby you can return to each evening?
• Do you want a challenging piece that feels like a major achievement?

If you have limited time, choose a simpler design with larger sections. If you enjoy long creative projects, choose something more detailed.

There is no need to rush. Paint by numbers is meant to be enjoyable. The best kit is one that fits your lifestyle.

Check what is included in the kit

Not all paint by number kits include the same items.

A standard kit usually includes:

• pre-numbered canvas
• acrylic paint pots
• paint brushes
• reference image
• hanging hardware, sometimes
• instructions, sometimes

Some higher-quality kits may also include:

• extra paint
• better brushes
• a magnifying sheet
• a paper guide
• a framed canvas
• varnish
• a colour reference chart

Before buying, check the product description carefully.

If the kit only includes basic brushes, you may want to buy a few extra detail brushes separately. A good fine-tip brush can make a big difference, especially for small numbered sections.

Pay attention to paint quality

Paint quality is one of the biggest differences between a good kit and a frustrating one.

Good paint should be:

• smooth
• creamy
• easy to spread
• not too watery
• not too dry
• able to cover the printed numbers

Poor paint may feel clumpy, dry, thin, or streaky. It may require many coats and make the final result look uneven.

Acrylic paint is the most common paint used in paint by number kits. It dries quickly, is easy to clean with water, and works well on canvas.

When choosing a kit, read reviews if available. Look for comments about paint coverage, whether the colours match the image, and whether there is enough paint included.

If the paint arrives slightly thick, you can often rescue it with a tiny amount of water or diluted flow aid. However, if the paint is completely dried out, it may be difficult to save.

Consider the brush quality

Most kits include brushes, but the quality can vary.

Basic kit brushes are usually fine for larger areas, but they may not be ideal for tiny details. If you are choosing a detailed kit, brush quality becomes more important.

Useful brushes for paint by numbers include:

• fine detail brush
• small round brush
• medium round brush
• small flat brush
• larger flat brush for backgrounds

A fine detail brush helps you stay inside small sections. A flat brush helps you cover larger areas more smoothly.

If you want a cleaner finish, it is worth having a few extra brushes on hand. You do not need expensive artist brushes, but a small set of good acrylic brushes can make painting much easier.

Choose between beginner, intermediate, and advanced kits

Many kits are labelled by difficulty level, but not all sellers use the same standards. It helps to know what difficulty really means.

A beginner kit usually has:

• larger sections
• fewer colours
• simple shapes
• less shading
• clear numbers

An intermediate kit usually has:

• more colours
• smaller sections
• more realistic detail
• some fine lines
• more time required

An advanced kit usually has:

• many tiny sections
• subtle colour differences
• realistic faces, fur, buildings, or textures
• more patience required
• a longer completion time

Portraits, pet portraits, and realistic city scenes are often more difficult because small details matter. If the eyes, face, or expression are slightly off, the result can look different from the preview.

For your first kit, avoid choosing the most complex image just because it looks beautiful. Start with something manageable, build confidence, then move to more advanced designs.

Think about who the kit is for

If you are buying for yourself, choose based on your taste and patience level.

If you are buying as a gift, think carefully about the person receiving it.

For children, choose:

• simple designs
• larger sections
• bright colours
• fun animals or cartoons
• smaller canvas sizes

For adults who are new to painting, choose:

• calming landscapes
• florals
• simple animals
• beach scenes
• designs with clear sections

For experienced crafters, choose:

• detailed artwork
• custom portraits
• complex landscapes
• famous paintings
• larger canvases

A paint by number kit can be a thoughtful gift, but only if it suits the person’s interests and skill level.

Decide whether you want a custom kit

Custom paint by number kits are made from your own photo. They are popular for pets, family portraits, wedding photos, travel memories, and memorial gifts.

A custom kit can be very meaningful, but photo choice matters.

The best photos for custom kits usually have:

• clear lighting
• strong contrast
• sharp focus
• simple backgrounds
• a subject that is easy to recognise
• not too many tiny details

Avoid photos that are:

• blurry
• too dark
• too crowded
• heavily filtered
• low resolution
• full of tiny background details

For pet portraits, choose a photo where the eyes and face are clear. For people, choose a photo with natural lighting and a simple background.

Custom kits can be more challenging than standard kits because they often include more subtle colour changes. They are best for people who are comfortable with detailed painting or are willing to take their time.

Look at the final display style

Before choosing a kit, imagine the finished painting in your home.

Will it match your decor?

Will the colours suit the room?

Is the subject something you will still like months or years later?

Some people choose paint by number kits purely for the painting experience. Others choose them because they want to display the finished artwork.

If display matters to you, think about:

• colour palette
• canvas size
• frame style
• room decor
• wall space
• whether the artwork feels personal

A kit that matches your home will feel more rewarding when finished.

Read reviews before buying

Reviews can tell you things the product images do not show.

Look for comments about:

• paint quality
• canvas quality
• number clarity
• colour accuracy
• whether there was enough paint
• whether the final result matched the preview
• difficulty level
• delivery packaging

Photos from other customers are especially helpful. They show how the artwork looks when painted by real people, not just as a digital preview.

If many reviews mention dry paint, unclear numbers, or poor colour matching, it may be better to choose another kit.

Avoid choosing only by the preview image

The preview image can be beautiful, but it does not always show how easy the kit will be to paint.

A detailed preview may translate into hundreds of tiny spaces on the canvas. A soft, realistic image may require many similar colours. A portrait may look simple online but become difficult because of skin tones and facial features.

Before buying, check:

• the canvas size
• the number of colours
• the difficulty level
• whether the numbers are clear
• whether the kit is framed or rolled
• reviews from other customers

A beautiful image is important, but the painting experience matters too.

Best paint by number kits for beginners

If you are just starting, choose a kit that feels relaxing and forgiving.

Good beginner themes include:

• simple flowers
• beach scenes
• mountain landscapes
• cute animals
• colourful abstract designs
• fruit or still life
• simple botanical art

Avoid starting with:

• detailed faces
• complex pet portraits
• crowded city streets
• highly realistic water reflections
• very small canvases with lots of detail
• images with many similar shades

A beginner kit should help you enjoy the process and build confidence.

Best paint by number kits for relaxation

If your main goal is stress relief, choose a kit that is calming rather than complicated.

Look for:

• soft colours
• peaceful scenery
• medium-sized spaces
• gentle patterns
• nature themes
• designs that do not require perfect precision

Landscapes, oceans, flowers, and cosy home scenes are great choices for relaxation.

The best relaxing kit is one that lets you switch off and paint without feeling pressured to get every tiny detail perfect.

Best paint by number kits for a challenge

If you want something more advanced, choose a kit with more detail and depth.

Good challenging themes include:

• realistic animals
• pet portraits
• cityscapes
• famous paintings
• detailed landscapes
• people and portraits
• fantasy scenes

These kits require more time, but they can be very rewarding. The final result often looks more impressive because of the layered details and shading.

For advanced kits, make sure you have good lighting, fine brushes, and patience.

Quick checklist before buying

Before you choose your kit, ask yourself:

• Do I like the image enough to spend hours painting it?
• Is the difficulty level right for me?
• Are the sections too small or manageable?
• Is the canvas size suitable?
• Do I want framed or rolled canvas?
• Are the colours suitable for my home?
• Does the kit include everything I need?
• Are the reviews positive?
• Is the paint quality reliable?
• Will I enjoy the process, not just the final result?

If the answer is mostly yes, you have probably found the right kit.

Final thoughts

The right paint by number kit should match your skill level, patience, personal taste, and the amount of time you want to spend. A beginner may enjoy a simple floral or landscape kit, while a more experienced painter may prefer a detailed portrait, custom pet painting, or complex city scene.

Do not choose the hardest kit just because it looks impressive. Choose one that you will actually enjoy painting.

When you pick a design you love, with the right level of detail and a good-quality kit, paint by numbers becomes more than just filling in spaces. It becomes a relaxing, creative experience with a finished artwork you can be proud of.