5 Essential Tips for Your First Paint by Numbers Masterpiece
So, your package has arrived! You have opened your first Paint by Numbers kit, and you are staring at a canvas filled with hundreds of tiny shapes and numbers. It looks exciting, but maybe a little overwhelming, right?
Don't worry—that feeling is completely normal. While Paint by Numbers is designed to be easy and relaxing, a few "pro tips" can make the difference between a frustrating experience and a masterpiece you’ll want to frame.
Here are the 5 most important things every beginner should know before they make that first stroke.
1. Banishing the Wrinkles (Do This First!)
Most canvases are shipped rolled or folded, which can leave small creases or wrinkles. Trying to paint over a bump is difficult and ruins the smooth look of the art.
The Fix: Before you start painting, flip your canvas over so it is face down. Use an iron on a low heat setting (no steam!) and gently iron the back of the canvas. This flattens it out perfectly. Pro Tip: If you are worried about the heat, place a thin towel or cloth between the iron and the back of the canvas.
2. The "Top-to-Bottom" Rule
The number one mistake beginners make is starting in the wrong spot and accidentally dragging their hand through wet paint.
The Fix:
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If you are right-handed: Start from the Top-Left corner and work your way down to the Bottom-Right.
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If you are left-handed: Start from the Top-Right and work to the Bottom-Left.
By working from the top down, your hand always rests on the unpainted part of the canvas, keeping your artwork smudge-free.
3. Close Those Lids!
Acrylic paint is fantastic because it creates bright, vibrant colors—but it dries very quickly. If you leave a paint pot open for too long, it can turn into a rubbery clump.
The Fix: Only open one paint pot at a time. Paint all the sections for that specific number (e.g., all the #7s), and then close the lid tightly before moving on to the next color. If the paint feels a little thick, you can add one tiny drop of water to make it flow better.
4. Master Your Brush Care
Your brushes are your most important tools. If acrylic paint dries on the bristles, it creates a hard plastic coating that ruins the brush permanently.
The Fix:
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Always keep a cup of water nearby.
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Rinse your brush immediately when switching colors.
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Never leave your brush sitting bristles-down in the water cup! This bends the bristles and makes it impossible to paint fine lines. Lay them flat to dry.
5. Hiding the Numbers (The "Second Coat" Secret)
Sometimes, especially with light colors like yellow, cream, or white, the printed number on the canvas might still show through after one coat of paint.
The Fix: Be patient. Don't try to glob on a huge amount of thick paint to cover it. Instead, let the first layer dry completely, and then apply a second thin layer. This gives you a smooth, professional finish that completely hides the guide numbers.
Ready to Start?
Now that you know the secrets, you are ready to create something beautiful. Clear your table, put on your favorite playlist, and let the creativity flow!