You’ve decided to try a creative hobby, so you order a paint-by-numbers kit online. But when it arrives, and you open the box, you might feel overwhelmed by all the supplies inside.
What is everything for? Where should you start?
This is a common experience for beginners. The good news is that once you understand what each item does, the process becomes much easier, more enjoyable, and far less intimidating.
This article explains the six most common materials included in adult paint-by-numbers kits and the role each one plays in helping you complete your artwork.
1. Pre-Printed Numbered Canvas
The canvas is the backbone of all things. If not, there is no painting. Paint by Numbers Adult kits are packaged with the canvas already printed with numbers on each section, lightly colored to make it easy to read.
The numbers on the canvas represent the colors of the paint. Now, rather than looking at a blank surface and wondering what to do, you are just following the instructions and populating each section with confidence.
The canvas is also pigment-absorbent and has a great look. This means that the paint is applied smoothly and evenly and does not run or smear over areas of paint.
In addition, numbers are clearly printed and will not show through the final paintwork. The accuracy is a huge advantage, particularly in fine or intricate designs.
2. Acrylic Paints
The paints come to life as your canvas. Each kit comes with a set of pre-mixed, individually numbered acrylic paint pots that correspond directly to each section of your canvas.
For these reasons, acrylic paint is the industry standard for paint-by-numbers kits. It is water-based, making it easy to clean brushes with warm water. It also dries within 15 to 30 minutes per section, which means that you can switch the section you are drying without waiting much.
Moreover, the paints are non-hazardous and eco-friendly. This makes them perfectly safe for regular application, whether used alone or with others in the family.
The quality of the pigment is extremely important. Because rich, pigmented paint covers 100% from the first coat, numbered sections drop off nicely under each coat of paint.
3. Paintbrushes
SourceThe right brush can make a world of difference in your painting experience. kits generally come with a set of three brushes, each with a specific purpose: small, medium, and large-sized brushes.
The large brush is used to cover wide open spaces of the canvas rapidly and efficiently. Medium brush control medium-sized areas with some control. But the real detail work comes with the small brush.
Precision is needed for fine detail areas (thin outlines, small numbered areas, or delicate features), and a brush to create this detail without spreading into adjacent areas. It is easily managed by a good small brush.
4. Reference Sheet
One of the most underfeatured materials in the kit—although it is a very practical material throughout your painting process—is the reference sheet.
This sheet contains some important information. First, it supplies a color key to correspond each numbered paint-pot with the relevant section on the canvas. Secondly, it contains a black and white copy of the entire canvas arrangement – all the lines and numbers are clear.
But why the concern? As sections of the canvas are covered with paint and the original numbers fade away, they become more and more obscured. The reference sheet will enable you to review at any time for accuracy, without having to guess which color goes with which page or what goes in which box.
5. Instructions And Getting Started Guide
Every kit comes with an easy-to-follow instructions sheet and a dedicated getting-started guide. This is a great resource for those who are new to painting.
The guide provides a step-by-step approach to the entire process. Includes correct workspace setup, correct opening and use of the paint pots, and correct brush choice for various sections. It also has helpful hints, such as painting one number at a time and closing lids of unused pots to prevent acrylic paint from drying out.
In addition to the basics, there are also tips for making small fixes. Acrylic paint can be layered over dried paint, and if something is wrong, it’s easy to fix – just let the paint dry and repaint with the proper color.
6. Hanging Kit And Frame Accessories
When you have completed your painting, it is a very rewarding experience! The hanging kit and frame accessories make it as easy as possible to hang your completed artwork on your wall.
A typical hanging kit will contain two screws and two non-track hooks. These can help you hang your painting directly on any wall without the use of professional tools or extra hardware.
In addition, kits offer a variety of frame options that you can choose for your preference. The DIY frame comes as a set of 4 wooden stretcher bars, which you can put together by yourself and stretch the canvas over at home. The pre-stretched frame is already installed, and you can begin painting right away; hang it straight after painting.
Final Thoughts
All of the materials in the paint-by-numbers for adults kit have a definite and meaningful role.
Each piece includes pre-printed canvas and acrylic paints, brushes, a reference sheet, instructions, and hanging accessories, providing you with a whole, stress-free creative experience.
Since you know what’s in your kit, you can open it with confidence, grab your brush, and enjoy each and every step!
