Are you unsatisfied with how your paint by numbers painting turned out? Are you wondering how you can get to the next level?
In this post, we’re presenting tips and tricks on how you can produce paintings that you can be proud of.
We can promise that no matter what your skill level is, you’ll be able to come up with wonderful paintings that you can display in your home.
You can get better at paint by numbers if you continue practicing. However, you should know the basics at the very least. And that’s what we’re here to talk about.
So without further delay, let’s look at some of the things you can do to improve your paint by number projects and take it to the next level.
Here we go.
Purchase a Kit With a Frame
If the seller offers a frame to go with your paint by numbers kit, then you should go ahead and add the frame to your cart.
Working with a frame is easier since it allows the canvas to be stretched while you’re working on it. It stops crease from forming and lets to fill in each space with ease.

Frames can also be placed on an easel for better control over the canvas.
If the canvas moves around too much, you may accidentally apply paint to areas where they don’t below. A nice frame will prevent that from happening.
Note: Before buying a kit, you should read our post, Before Buying Paint by Numbers Kits, Read This.
Keep a Tidy Workplace
People can’t work properly if their surrounding is a mess. That should be true for you as well.
That’s why you should take extra measures to ensure that the room you’re working in is a clean as it can be.

A brush holder keeps brushes organized
Proper organization is key. Keep all relevant tools in one central location that’s within reach. You don’t want to be looking for a brush or paint when you’re all set to start. It adds so much hassle and could discourage you from painting altogether.
Remove any dirt from your table to prevent your canvas from getting dirty.
Start From the Largest Area to the Smallest Area
One technique for completing a painting is to start from the largest section and working your way down to the smaller sections of the artwork.
This applies to both paint by numbers for adults and kids.
The idea behind the technique is that it will allow you to work on a painting faster. It also helps prevent accidental smudging.
Fro kids, this will let them feel accomplished faster because they’re seeing their work come to life much quicker.
Note: Do you need more tips on how paint by numbers can help your kids? 

Do Dark Colors First
Another technique you could implement is filling in areas with darker colors first before moving on to lighter colors.
The reason for it being it allows you to grasp the composition right away.
Start with areas that require black paint then move gradually to lighter shades of color. You’ll be able to see how colors affect one another. It gives you an understanding of what you’re building up to.
This is especially helpful for kids who are trying paint by numbers for the first time. It helps them get more excited and focused.
Always Clean Your Brushes
A dirty brush is a bad brush.
You need to clean your brush every time you switch to another color. Have a clean glass or jar of water by you as you work on your painting.

A brush cleaning case also works
Most paint-by-number kits use acrylic paint. These are easily washed off. However, paint dries quickly. So if you leave your brush unattended for too long, it will get ruined.
A wet towel can also do the trick. Wipe off the paint when you’re ready to move onto another color.
Be sure to clean your brush afterward. You don’t want to store your brush while soaked in paint.
Take Good Care of Your Paint
There’s a good chance that you won’t use up all the paint that comes with the kit. So you have to take good care of the excess paint once the project is complete. Or if you’re not completing the painting in one sitting, you’d want the paint to last longer.
How do you do that?
You prevent air from getting in so it won’t dry out. Make sure you close the lid tightly.
But what do you do should the paint dry out?
Try mixing in a bit of water. This will help bring the paint back to life.
If you’re working on one color, do not open the rest of the paint containers. Only open them when you’re ready to use them.
Take a Step Back
When you feel like you’re getting nowhere or when you’re feeling a bit tired, it’s important to take a step back. Take a break.
How long will depend on you. A couple of minutes could be enough. But some people take hours or days depending on their mood.
This is important because it gives your eyes and your mind some time to process what you’re doing.
You don’t want to force yourself to keep on working even when you don’t really feel like it.
Spend some time with your family or hang out with friends. When you feel refreshed, that’s when you should jump right back in.
Remember that paint by numbers is supposed to be a fun activity. No need to stress yourself into completing a project. It’s all about taking your time and feeling every moment.
Familiarize Yourself With the Brushes
A kit will come with different brushes. You need to be familiar with what each brush is designed to do.
You should start with the tip of the brushes. You’ll notice that some tips are more pointed than others. These tips are meant for more precise work. If you have sections that are too small,
you’d want to use a fine brush. This will help you not go over the lines.
Broader tips are meant for larger areas. Using broad brushes will help you cover more area in less time.
When working with new brushes, you could try breaking them in by using a spare canvas. When you think you’re comfortable using them, that’s when you start using them on the actual artwork they’re meant for.
Most kits come with three brushes. However, there are sellers that offer more than that. Check out our free 10-piece brush set (just pay for shipping) if you’re looking to add more to your collection.

Apply the Correct Amount of Paint
It’s so easy to go overboard with the paint. And that’s because you want to cover the numbers completely.
However, it’s best to apply a small amount and build up from there. You can’t take back paint that’s already been applied. You need to exercise patience.
Just apply enough paint to cover the area. If you feel that it isn’t enough, that’s when you go for another coat. Keep applying coats until you’re satisfied.
If you overdo the paint, you risk smudging. Also, you may end up using all your paint before the project is finished. And that would be terrible.

Get Custom Paint by Number Designs

If the traditional designs are starting to bore you, then you should try painting your own designs.
Do you have a picture that you really like? A picture of your pet perhaps? Or maybe one of your kids? A family portrait that you’d like to hang in the house?
You can paint that.
For instance, we have an option where you can upload your own photo and we’ll print it on a canvas for you.

This could be the motivation that keeps you going. Explore all your options so you can come up with creative designs that are unique to you.
They also make great gifts to family and friends.
Have Fun!
Paint by numbers was designed for people who like having fun. So you should take as much time as you need to keep you from getting unsatisfied with your work.
It’s meant to reduce stress, not add to it.
Remember to work on your piece in a relaxing manner. Maybe grab a glass of wine as you fill in each section of your canvas.
Do this activity with your kids. It makes for a great family activity. And it will help you bond with them. You need to have the right mindset before you begin to get the kind of results you’re looking for.
If you’d like more tips on paint by numbers for adults, go to our article, Paint by Numbers for Adults.
So what are you waiting for? Go out and grab your next paint by numbers kit. With the help of these tips, you should be on your way to creating one-of-a-kind artworks that will last a very long time.