General Product

• Are your products kept in stock?

  Our in-house kits are produced in the UK on a just-in-time basis, meaning they are made to order rather than kept in stock. If a product shows a quantity remaining, this refers to a limited number of pre-prepared paint sets. Once an order is placed, the kit is made within 1–3 days before being sh...

• Can I use gesso on my canvas?

  Our canvases are already primed and ready-to-paint, so using gesso is not recommended as it may cover or erase the printed lines and numbers. However, we do recommend applying a final lacquer/varnish once your painting is complete to seal, protect, and enhance the finished result. This is availa...

• Do I need painting experience to use your kits?

  No painting experience is needed at all. Our paint by numbers kits are designed to make art accessible to everyone, regardless of age or skill level. Each design is divided into small, numbered areas that match the corresponding paint colours, guiding you step by step through the painting process...

• Having trouble seeing the numbers on your canvas?

  Having trouble seeing the numbers on your canvas? You're not alone - some of the numbers can be tiny! That’s why we provide a digital reference guide with every Painting by Numbers kit. Our high-resolution digital guides let you zoom- in on your design from any device, making it much easier to s...

• How are your designs chosen?

  Our designs are carefully selected by our team and are exclusive to Painting By Numbers, with a strong focus on visual appeal, detail, and paintability. We regularly release new designs throughout the year and occasionally retire others based on customer feedback and popularity. We’re always ope...

• How do I mount and stretch my canvas onto a frame?

  The DIY stretcher bars simply interlock together. You may need a hammer or mallet to ensure they fit tightly and sit flush. Once assembled, carefully align your canvas and secure it to the frame using staples or pins. For step-by-step guidance, you can follow our video tutorial: How to Mount You...

• How long does it take to complete a painting?

  There’s no single answer, as completion time depends on several factors, including your painting style, level of experience, how detailed the design is, and the size of the canvas. Some people paint more meticulously, while others work more quickly - both approaches are equally valid. Our diffic...

• What if I make a mistake while painting?

  Mistakes are completely normal and easy to fix. If you paint the wrong section or go over the lines, simply allow the paint to dry and paint over it with the correct colour. Acrylic paint is forgiving, and small adjustments won’t affect the final result.

• What is a DIY frame?

  The wooden frame consists of four stretcher bars that hold tension and keep the canvas perfectly stretched. It sits underneath the canvas, leaving the back hollow, and is not visible once the artwork is hung or leaned against a wall. Please note, this is not a picture frame.

• What is the shelf life of a paint by numbers kit?

  Due to the perishable nature of acrylic paint, we recommend starting your paint by numbers kit within six months of receiving it to ensure the paint remains fresh and easy to use. Once your painting is fully completed, it can last a lifetime when properly cared for. We recommend applying a Final...

• What should I do once my painting is finished?

  Once your painting is fully dry, we recommend applying a final lacquer (varnish) to seal, protect, and enhance the colours. This helps guard against dust and light marks and gives your artwork a professional finished look. You can then choose how to enjoy your painting - display it in your home...

• What’s included in a paint by numbers kit?

  Each of our in-house kits contains: 1 x pre-printed numbered cotton canvas 1 x complete set of assorted acrylic paint pots, matched to the design Optional extras (available at an additional cost): Framing options, including a DIY frame to assemble at home or a pre-mounted canvas Brush sets, ava...

• Where is my reference sheet?

  We use digital reference guides instead of printed ones - they’re easier to read (especially the small numbers), better for the environment, and always accessible. Each kit includes access to a high-resolution digital reference sheet that matches your canvas template. You can zoom-in for extra c...

• Which order should I paint in?

  There’s no single correct order - you can paint in whatever way feels most comfortable. However, many people find one of the following approaches helpful: Lightest to darkest colours: A good option for beginners, as lighter colours are easier to correct if you make a mistake. Darker colours are ...

• Will my finished painting look the same as the images on your website?

  For our in-house designs, the images shown on our website are of the finished product, so your completed artwork should look almost identical to what you see online when the instructions are followed. Small variations may occur depending on individual painting technique. Personalised kits work a...